Maritime Civil Engineer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the modern era of international trade and transport, the role of maritime civil engineers has gained unprecedented importance.
As global economies expand, the demand for proficient individuals who can design, develop, and maintain our maritime infrastructure increases.
But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a maritime civil engineer?
Whether you are:
- An aspiring professional trying to understand the core of this role,
- A recruitment manager outlining the perfect candidate,
- Or simply fascinated by the complex world of maritime civil engineering,
You’ve navigated to the right course.
Today, we unfurl a customizable maritime civil engineer job description template, crafted for effortless posting on job boards or career portals.
Let’s set sail into it.
Maritime Civil Engineer Duties and Responsibilities
Maritime Civil Engineers are responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of structures within the marine environment, such as ports, harbors, canals, and offshore structures.
They combine the principles of engineering with the unique challenges presented by the marine environment.
Their duties and responsibilities include:
- Designing, constructing, and maintaining marine structures such as dams, bridges, ports, and canals.
- Working closely with marine contractors to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget.
- Using computer-aided design (CAD) software to create detailed plans and blueprints for marine structures.
- Conducting site inspections and surveys to assess the feasibility of proposed construction projects.
- Assessing the potential environmental impact of construction projects and developing strategies to mitigate these impacts.
- Overseeing the installation and maintenance of navigation aids such as buoys and lighthouses.
- Providing technical advice and support to clients and other stakeholders.
- Ensuring that all marine structures comply with safety regulations and standards.
- Working with geotechnical engineers to assess the stability of seabeds and other underwater structures.
Maritime Civil Engineer Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a skilled Maritime Civil Engineer to join our dynamic team.
The primary responsibility will be to design and oversee the construction of marine structures such as sea walls, docks, and offshore platforms.
The ideal candidate should be skilled in using both traditional and innovative engineering techniques to design and implement safe, efficient marine structures.
Responsibilities
- Developing detailed designs of maritime structures.
- Performing feasibility studies and risk assessments.
- Overseeing the construction and maintenance of marine structures.
- Conducting environmental impact assessments.
- Assessing the potential effects of climate change on marine structures.
- Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams of architects, engineers, and workers.
- Ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
- Adhering to safety standards and regulations.
- Managing project teams and contractors.
- Carrying out regular site inspections to monitor progress and ensure safety.
Qualifications
- Proven work experience as a Maritime Civil Engineer or similar role.
- Experience with design software, such as AutoCAD or Civil 3D.
- Knowledge of maritime structures and their construction.
- Understanding of marine environment and related issues.
- Excellent project management skills.
- Strong problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to work in a team and communicate effectively with various stakeholders.
- BSc degree in Civil Engineering, Marine Engineering or a related field.
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Maritime Civil Engineer
- Work Environment: Both office and outdoor settings with frequent visits to construction sites. Travel may be required.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Project Manager or Lead Engineer.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $80,000 minimum to $140,000 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 Maritime Civil Engineer Do?
Maritime Civil Engineers are specialized professionals who operate within the realm of marine and coastal projects.
They are involved in designing, constructing, and maintaining structures in the maritime environment.
Such structures include bridges, jetties, seawalls, marinas, and ports, among others.
Their job often involves planning, designing and delivering sustainable solutions to protect coastal areas from the impacts of climate change, like rising sea levels and severe storms.
They also work on land reclamation projects and the construction of offshore wind farms.
Maritime Civil Engineers work closely with environmental scientists, architects, and other engineering specialists to ensure that their projects are safe, sustainable, and environmentally friendly.
They also need to ensure their designs can withstand the harsh conditions of the marine environment.
They are also responsible for carrying out inspections, managing repairs, and conducting maintenance work on maritime structures to ensure they remain in good condition and meet safety standards.
They may also be required to produce technical reports, provide expert advice, and manage project resources including budget and personnel.
They are often involved in project management tasks, and liaise with clients, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies.
In summary, Maritime Civil Engineers play a vital role in the construction and maintenance of crucial maritime infrastructure, and in protecting coastal communities.
Maritime Civil Engineer Qualifications and Skills
A proficient Maritime Civil Engineer should possess the skills and qualifications that align with the job description, such as:
- Strong understanding of maritime structures and principles, including knowledge on design, construction and maintenance of waterway structures like dams, bridges, canals, and ports.
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills to identify and address potential problems in designs and construction processes.
- Effective communication skills to clearly explain complex engineering concepts and solutions to clients, contractors and other team members.
- Proficiency in using various engineering software for designing and simulating maritime structures.
- Strong project management skills to supervise and manage construction projects from start to finish while ensuring the work is completed on time and within budget.
- Ability to perform detailed structural analysis of various maritime structures and develop effective solutions to improve structural integrity and durability.
- Good understanding of various environmental and safety regulations related to maritime projects.
- Physical fitness and the ability to work in challenging conditions, such as open water environments.
- Adaptability and resilience to manage unexpected situations or changes in project plans.
Maritime Civil Engineer Experience Requirements
Entry-level Maritime Civil Engineers generally need at least a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related field, with a specialization or coursework in maritime structures, coastal engineering, or port engineering.
They may also benefit from internships or co-op programs that provide hands-on experience in designing, inspecting, and maintaining maritime structures, such as piers, wharves, and breakwaters.
Candidates with 1 to 3 years of experience might have worked in entry-level roles such as Project Engineers or Design Engineers, gaining practical experience in maritime infrastructure design and construction.
They are often proficient in using design software and have some understanding of maritime legislation and environmental regulations.
Maritime Civil Engineers with over 3 years of experience often demonstrate advanced knowledge of coastal engineering principles and are skilled at managing projects related to marine structures and hydraulic engineering.
They may also have experience with numerical modeling and the design and analysis of coastal and ocean structures.
Those with more than 5 years of experience may have held senior positions, such as Senior Civil Engineer or Project Manager, where they would have supervised teams, managed large-scale projects, and liaised with stakeholders.
These candidates have extensive experience in maritime construction and maintenance and are often responsible for strategic planning and risk management in their respective organizations.
Advanced roles may require a master’s degree or a professional engineer (PE) license, which demands several years of work experience and the passing of a state exam.
Maritime Civil Engineer Education and Training Requirements
A bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Marine Engineering, or a related field is typically required for those seeking a career as a Maritime Civil Engineer.
In many cases, a degree program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) is preferred, as it is recognized as a standard for engineering education.
Subjects like fluid mechanics, structural analysis and design, material science, and hydrodynamics are crucial for this role.
Maritime Civil Engineers often need a Professional Engineering (PE) license, which requires a degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program, four years of relevant work experience, and successful completion of the state’s engineering exam.
Some Maritime Civil Engineers may choose to pursue a master’s degree in engineering management or business administration to enhance their leadership skills and progress into managerial roles.
Continued education is crucial in this field due to the evolving nature of engineering technologies.
Many professionals choose to acquire specific certifications in areas like coastal engineering or port engineering to demonstrate their commitment to ongoing learning and specialization.
Lastly, due to the nature of the role, practical skills like swimming, diving, and boat handling can be advantageous.
Maritime Civil Engineer Salary Expectations
A Maritime Civil Engineer earns an average salary of $80,000 (USD) per year.
However, the salary can fluctuate based on factors such as years of experience, industry certifications, the scale of the projects handled, and the geographical location of the job.
Maritime Civil Engineer Job Description FAQs
What qualifications are required for a Maritime Civil Engineer?
A Maritime Civil Engineer typically requires a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field.
However, given the specialized nature of the role, having a postgraduate degree in coastal or ocean engineering is often beneficial.
Most roles also require professional licensure, which involves passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, gaining relevant work experience, and then passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam.
What skills does a Maritime Civil Engineer need?
Maritime Civil Engineers need to have strong analytical and problem-solving skills as they are often involved in complex projects involving structures in or near bodies of water.
They should also have solid knowledge of the principles of hydrodynamics and geotechnical engineering.
Proficiency in using computer-aided design (CAD) software and other specialized engineering software is also crucial.
Effective communication skills are necessary for presenting findings and collaborating with other professionals.
What are the daily duties of a Maritime Civil Engineer?
On a daily basis, a Maritime Civil Engineer may design and oversee the construction of marine structures such as harbors, marinas, and sea walls.
They might also be involved in the planning and execution of dredging operations, coastal defense projects, and offshore construction works.
Regular tasks also include undertaking feasibility studies, conducting environmental impact assessments, and preparing reports and technical documents.
What qualities make a good Maritime Civil Engineer?
A good Maritime Civil Engineer is highly analytical, detail-oriented and able to envision complex projects from conception through to completion.
They need to be innovative in their approach to solving problems and comfortable in dealing with the uncertainties inherent in marine environments.
Good interpersonal and communication skills are also vital as they often need to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Is it challenging to hire Maritime Civil Engineers?
Given the specialized nature of the field, hiring Maritime Civil Engineers can be challenging.
The role requires a unique combination of civil engineering knowledge and a deep understanding of marine environments.
Therefore, finding candidates with the right balance of academic qualifications, professional licensure, and relevant work experience can be difficult.
Employers can make their job offers more attractive by providing opportunities for ongoing learning and professional development.
Conclusion
So, there it is.
Today, we’ve unraveled the intricacies of being a Maritime Civil Engineer.
Surprise, surprise?
It’s not just about drawing up ship designs.
It’s about shaping the future of maritime structures, one blueprint at a time.
Armed with our on-point Maritime Civil Engineer job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to set sail.
But why drop anchor now?
Go deeper with our job description generator. It’s your compass for navigating to precision-crafted job listings or polishing your resume to a high sheen.
Remember:
Every blueprint is a part of a larger maritime marvel.
Let’s navigate that future. Together.
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