Civil Engineer Resume Example & Writing Tips for 2021

Civil Engineers

Civil Engineers design, build, and maintain infrastructure projects. This includes building roads, buildings, airports, tunnels, dams, bridges, and systems for water supply and sewage treatment --- among other things.

Now let’s get to it!

‍How to Write a Summary for a Civil Engineer

Mention your previous experience. How many firms have you worked for? How many buildings have you helped design and create?
Describe your greatest strength. Are you an excellent negotiator? Do you exceed client expectations? Are you observant and thorough?
Quantify your experience. How expensive were some of your projects? How many people have you managed?

How to List Your Work Experience as a Civil Engineer

Use reverse chronological format. List your most recent jobs first, as this shows managers how you’ve gained experience in the industry.
Use action verbs related to being a Civil Engineer. Verbs are critical to demonstrating what you can do for the company. Review the following list for some powerful examples.

Analyze
Assess
Build
Collaborate
Compile
Complete
Comply
Consider
Construct
Construct
Design
Determine
Direct
Evaluate
Evaluate
Maintain
Manage
Oversee
Perform
Plan
Prepare
Source
Survey
Verify

See our list of over 350 action verbs to find more.

Senior Level Work Experience as a Civil Engineer

Supervised a team of 8 civil, electrical and mechanical engineers
Designed and produced plans for a wide range of projects including public capital improvement projects, commercial sites, subdivisions, and transportation infrastructure
Oversaw plan productions totalling $13 billion for 7 different clients
Reviewed plans with authorities and clients
Compiled and submitted permit applications to local, state and federal agencies
Produced engineering reports
Produced engineering documents using CAD and Civil 3D
Maintained project files and database
Conducted on site investigations, inspections, and analyzed data
Completed stormwater inspections and wrote detailed reports
Sampled and tested concrete, masonry, grout, asphalt, and soil
Observed and monitored construction site activities
Performed special inspection of structural building components including reinforced concrete, pre‑stressed/post-tensioned concrete, reinforced masonry, and post-installed anchors
Problem solved with job site contractors
Prepared cost proposals
Assisted in marketing and follow up with Clients
Reviewed engineering drawings and reports
Trained technicians and inspectors on test methods and proper techniques

Junior Level Work Experience as a Civil Engineer

Worked closely with senior design engineers
Developed plans and specifications for buildings worth over $3 billion
Completed and reviewed calculations for building designs
Prepared engineering cost opinions
Performed special inspection of soil placement and compaction, foundation construction, and full-scale foundation load testing
Conducted field surveys
Performed on-site materials testing
Assisted in analysis of soil to determine engineering characteristics
Reviewed aerial photography
Drafted geotechnical reports
Made recommendations regarding foundation design, soil bearing pressures, slope stability, and lateral earth pressures
Assessed impacts of development, including transportation projects in flood prone areas
Prepare bills of material, schedules, and assist engineering personnel with formal drawing transmittals and construction issues.
Drew civil plans (site plans, grading and stormwater plans, utility plans), diagrams, and profiles, using cross-sections and surveys
Created templates and other standard drawings using Civil 3D software
Supported the design and production of plans and specifications

How to List Your Skills as a Civil Engineer

Being a civil engineer is about more than designing and building things. You also need to be able to communicate your ideas and to collaborate with other team members. Additionally, you need to be able to think outside the box and visualize your project.

Decision Making Skills
Math Skills
Leadership
Organizational Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Detail-Oriented
Speaking Skills
Computer-Aided Design Software (CAD)
Analytical Skills
Critical Thinking
Creativity
Negotiation
Time Management
Visualization
Teamwork

How to List Your Education as a Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers require a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. For senior positions, you will need a master’s degree and a license, as well as 2+ years of experience.

According to the National Society for Professional Engineers, engineers must complete a four-year college degree, work under a Professional Engineer for at least four years, pass two intensive competency exams and earn a license from their state's licensure board. Then, to retain their licenses, PEs must continually maintain and improve their skills throughout their careers.

Requirements for licensure vary by state but generally involve the following:

Earn a four-year degree in engineering from an accredited engineering program
Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam
Complete four years of progressive engineering experience under a PE
Pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam
Complete a background check
Apply for a license in the state you’re located in

Civil Engineer Career Overview

Job Outlook

The job outlook for Civil Engineer is growing at 6% per year, which is considered average. In 2018 there were 326,800 jobs available.

Average Salary

Civil Engineers make $87,060 per year on average. However, salaries could be as high as $144,560 depending on depending on experience, industry, and location.

Top Paying Salaries by State