Civil Field Engineer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of construction and infrastructure development, the focus on civil field engineers has become paramount.
As urbanization progresses, the demand for skilled professionals who can plan, design, and oversee civil projects continues to soar.
But let’s delve a bit deeper: What’s truly expected from a civil field engineer?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
- A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
- Or simply intrigued by the intricacies of civil field engineering,
You’re in the right place.
Today, we present a customizable civil field engineer job description template, designed for seamless posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s dive right into it.
Civil Field Engineer Duties and Responsibilities
Civil Field Engineers have a wide range of responsibilities within the construction industry, focusing primarily on the supervision of projects, quality control, and on-site inspections.
They are involved in all phases of the construction process, ensuring that the construction project follows the prepared design, complies with the building codes and other legal or regulatory requirements.
The following are their duties and responsibilities:
- Analyze survey reports, maps, drawings, blueprints, and other topographical and geologic data to plan projects.
- Prepare and present reports detailing all field activities and progress.
- Perform on-site inspections to ensure that the construction adheres to the architectural plans and safety regulations.
- Coordinate with project managers, construction crews, and government agencies throughout the construction process.
- Resolve any technical issues that arise on site.
- Ensure that quality materials are used in construction.
- Help in the development of cost estimates, schedules and work timetables.
- Use design software to create civil engineering plans for construction.
- Document project progress and report any discrepancies or alterations from the original plan to management.
- Oversee soil testing to determine the adequacy and strength of foundations.
- Verify the accuracy of survey data, including measurements and calculations conducted at survey sites.
Civil Field Engineer Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a skilled Civil Field Engineer to oversee the application of civil engineering plans on our project sites.
The Civil Field Engineer’s responsibilities will include conducting site visits, liaising with clients and construction professionals, performing feasibility studies, and ensuring that the project runs smoothly and is completed within the stipulated deadline and budget.
Our ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of construction procedures, material properties, and project management principles.
They should also have superb problem-solving abilities and a keen eye for detail.
Responsibilities
- Oversee all field and operational aspects of construction projects.
- Interpret civil engineering plans and construction designs for practical application on site.
- Conduct field studies and inspections to gather data for project development.
- Collaborate with construction crews and subcontractors to ensure project adherence to design specifications and safety standards.
- Monitor project progress and handle any issues that arise.
- Resolve design and development problems.
- Manage budgets and project resources.
- Prepare reports on project status and progress.
- Liaise with clients and public regulatory bodies.
- Ensure the project complies with legal requirements and safety standards.
Qualifications
- Proven work experience as a Civil Engineer or similar role.
- Experience with design software and tools, including AutoCAD, 3D modelling software.
- Strong project management and supervision skills.
- In-depth knowledge of engineering, construction, and design principles.
- Excellent mathematical, logical, and problem-solving abilities.
- Strong communication and reporting skills.
- BSc degree in Civil Engineering or relevant field.
- Professional Engineer (PE) certification is preferred.
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Civil Field Engineer
- Work Environment: This role requires on-site work at construction sites. Some office work may also be required for planning and coordination purposes.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Project Manager or Site Manager.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].
What Does a Civil Field Engineer Do?
Civil Field Engineers usually work for construction companies, government agencies, or consulting firms.
Their roles can sometimes require extensive travel to various job sites.
They are responsible for the planning, implementation, and management of various civil engineering projects.
They work closely with other engineers, architects, and construction workers to ensure that the projects are completed according to specifications and within the agreed timeline.
Their job often involves evaluating the feasibility and potential impact of a project, preparing reports, designing and managing construction plans, managing budgets, and ensuring that all work is in compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
Civil Field Engineers also often oversee the work of subcontractors to ensure quality and adherence to project specifications.
They may also be involved in the inspection and maintenance of existing structures, and are typically responsible for resolving any technical issues that arise during the construction process.
Their role requires a strong understanding of civil engineering principles, as well as excellent problem-solving and communication skills, as they often have to coordinate between various teams and stakeholders.
Civil Field Engineer Qualifications and Skills
A proficient Civil Field Engineer should possess the following skills and qualifications that are instrumental to the job role:
- Technical knowledge in the design, construction, and maintenance of physical and naturally built environment such as roads, bridges, canals, dams, and buildings.
- Strong analytical skills to evaluate and solve problems related to civil engineering projects.
- Exceptional communication skills to effectively relay complex engineering concepts and procedures to colleagues, contractors, and clients.
- Proficiency in using civil engineering software and tools for design, analysis, and project management.
- Collaboration skills to effectively work with a team of engineers, architects, and construction personnel.
- Detail-oriented approach to ensure accuracy in design, planning, and execution of civil engineering projects.
- Ability to handle stress and manage multiple projects simultaneously within given deadlines.
- Physical fitness and fieldwork readiness, as the job often requires on-site supervision and inspection.
- Customer service skills to build strong relationships with clients and stakeholders, ensuring their needs and expectations are met.
- Understanding and adherence to safety regulations and construction standards in civil engineering.
Civil Field Engineer Experience Requirements
Entry-level Civil Field Engineers typically need to have a minimum of 1 to 2 years of experience, often acquired through an internship or co-op program while studying civil engineering at a university.
This practical experience is crucial as it provides exposure to the work environment and the application of civil engineering principles in a real-world setting.
Candidates for a Civil Field Engineer role who have 2 to 4 years of experience are expected to have a deeper understanding of civil engineering concepts and are often involved in the planning, design, and construction supervision of infrastructure projects.
Those with more than 5 years of experience are often tasked with more complex responsibilities, such as project management, feasibility studies, and cost estimation.
This level of experience typically qualifies the candidate for a senior position or a role with leadership responsibilities.
In addition to the practical experience, Civil Field Engineers are often required to have a professional engineer (PE) license, particularly for senior roles.
This can be achieved by passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, gaining a certain amount of professional engineering experience, and then passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam.
Civil Field Engineer Education and Training Requirements
Civil Field Engineers typically require a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or another related field.
They need a strong foundation in structural engineering, materials science, geotechnical engineering, and transportation engineering.
Several positions may require a master’s degree in a specialized area of civil engineering such as structural, environmental, or hydraulic engineering.
This is particularly true for roles that involve complex projects or high-level decision making.
All Civil Field Engineers must be licensed as a Professional Engineer (PE) in the state where they work.
This involves passing two rigorous exams and gaining a certain amount of work experience, typically under the supervision of a licensed PE.
Continuing education is also important in this field, as engineers need to stay updated on the latest technologies, construction methods, and regulations.
This can be accomplished through professional development courses, workshops, and conferences.
Additionally, some Civil Field Engineers may opt to become certified in a particular area of civil engineering to demonstrate their expertise.
These certifications are usually offered by professional organizations and often require passing an exam and maintaining the certification through ongoing education and training.
Practical experience, such as internships or cooperative engineering programs, can also be beneficial for job prospects.
These opportunities allow students to gain hands-on experience in the civil engineering field before graduation.
Civil Field Engineer Salary Expectations
A Civil Field Engineer can expect to earn an average salary of $74,273 (USD) per year.
The salary can fluctuate based on factors such as work experience, educational background, and the region in which they are employed.
Civil Field Engineer Job Description FAQs
What skills does a Civil Field Engineer need?
Civil Field Engineers require a broad set of skills.
They should be proficient in using engineering software and technologies and have a solid understanding of construction methods and civil engineering principles.
They also need strong problem-solving skills to identify and resolve issues on-site.
Good communication skills are essential for coordinating with team members, contractors, and clients.
Do Civil Field Engineers need a degree?
Yes, most Civil Field Engineers require a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related field.
Some employers may also prefer candidates with a Master’s degree or Professional Engineer (PE) licensure.
Additionally, they should have relevant field experience, which can be obtained through internships or cooperative education programs.
What should you look for in a Civil Field Engineer’s resume?
A Civil Field Engineer’s resume should highlight their educational qualifications and any specializations they might have.
It should also detail their hands-on experience with civil engineering projects, including their role and the project outcomes.
Familiarity with certain software or technologies relevant to the job can be an added advantage.
Look for evidence of problem-solving skills, leadership, and effective communication.
What qualities make a good Civil Field Engineer?
A good Civil Field Engineer is detail-oriented, ensuring that every aspect of a project meets specifications and safety standards.
They should have excellent problem-solving skills to overcome obstacles that arise during projects.
Leadership skills are also crucial as they often lead teams and coordinate with various stakeholders.
Finally, they should be adaptable, as fieldwork can often be unpredictable and require quick decision-making.
Is it difficult to hire Civil Field Engineers?
The difficulty in hiring Civil Field Engineers can vary based on a number of factors such as location, project requirements, and the current job market.
Generally, there is high demand for experienced Civil Field Engineers, especially those with specialized skills or advanced qualifications.
Employers need to provide competitive salaries and benefits, and opportunities for professional development to attract top talent.
Conclusion
And that’s a wrap.
Today, we’ve shed light on the intricate layers of a civil field engineer‘s role.
And here’s the big surprise:
It’s not just about constructing buildings.
It’s about shaping our physical world, one brick at a time.
Armed with our comprehensive civil field engineer job description template and real-world examples, you’re poised to step forward.
But, why halt your stride?
Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating precisely worded listings or refining your resume to stand out.
Remember:
Every brick laid is a part of the broader vision.
Let’s construct that future. Together.
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