How to Be Civil Engineer/Project Manager - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Oct 12, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The role of a Civil Engineer/Project Manager is essential in the successful completion of a project. Their expertise in engineering, planning, and construction management ensures that all aspects of the project are addressed and met. They are responsible for the overall design, development, and implementation of a project.

From creating project plans, allocating resources, and ensuring safety, the Civil Engineer/Project Manager ensures that no detail is overlooked. This attention to detail ensures that the project is completed to the highest standards and within budget. A successful Civil Engineer/Project Manager will have a deep understanding of the projects scope, budget, timeline, and deliverables.

With this understanding, they are able to develop efficient plans, coordinate activities, and make decisions in order to ensure the successful completion of the project. a successful Civil Engineer/Project Manager is key to the success of any project.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering. A bachelor's degree in civil engineering is the minimum requirement to become a civil engineer or project manager. Many universities offer civil engineering programs that provide hands-on experience and educational opportunities to help students prepare for a career in civil engineering.
Take and Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam. All civil engineers must pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam in order to become a professional engineer. The FE exam is a challenging 8-hour examination covering a range of topics related to civil engineering.
Gain Experience and Additional Certifications. After earning a bachelor's degree and passing the FE exam, civil engineers must gain experience in the field in order to become project managers. This can involve working as an intern or apprentice under an experienced civil engineer or project manager. Additionally, it is beneficial for civil engineers to obtain additional certifications, such as a Construction Quality Management for Contractors (CQM/C) certification or a Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) certification.
Pursue a Master's Degree in Civil Engineering. Although not required, it is beneficial for civil engineers to pursue a master's degree in civil engineering or a related field. This can help civil engineers develop their technical skills and knowledge and increase their chances of becoming a successful project manager.
Apply for Project Manager Positions. Once civil engineers have obtained the necessary education, experience, and certifications, they can begin to apply for project manager positions. This may involve attending job fairs, submitting resumes online, or networking with other professionals in the field. With the right qualifications and attitude, civil engineers can find success as a project manager.

The success of any project relies heavily on the quality of the engineer or project manager responsible for overseeing its completion. If the engineer or project manager is reliable and competent, it can lead to a successful outcome for the project, with all tasks completed on time, on budget, and to an excellent standard. On the other hand, if an unreliable or incompetent engineer or project manager is involved, the project is likely to be a failure - tasks may be completed late and over budget, or of an inferior quality. It is therefore essential to ensure that the engineer or project manager assigned to a project is both reliable and competent in order to ensure the successful completion of the project.

You may want to check Civil Aviation Engineer, Civil Environmental Technician, and Civil/Municipal Engineer for alternative.

Job Description

Develop and implement project plans, budgets, and schedules for civil engineering projects.
Coordinate with other engineering disciplines and disciplines outside of engineering, such as architecture, planning, and construction.
Oversee the design and construction of civil engineering projects to ensure completion within budget and on schedule.
Analyze, design, and inspect civil works to ensure conformance with applicable codes, regulations, and standards.
Develop and maintain relationships with clients to ensure customer satisfaction.
Identify opportunities for improvement in project management processes, and develop plans for implementing changes.
Monitor project progress and costs, and provide regular reports to management.
Manage the selection and acquisition of materials, supplies, and equipment for projects.
Supervise and train staff on project management procedures, technical design, and relevant software programs.
Collaborate with contractors and other third parties to ensure successful completion of projects.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of relevant engineering principles and best practices
Project management experience
Excellent problem-solving skills
Decision-making and organizational skills
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks
Proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software
Ability to read and interpret blueprints and other technical documents
Knowledge of construction regulations, codes, and safety practices
Knowledge of cost estimation and budgeting
Ability to work effectively with contractors, vendors, and other stakeholders

Having knowledge and experience in civil engineering and project management is essential for any successful project. A civil engineer/project manager must have a broad understanding of construction and building science to be able to create and manage projects effectively. They need to be able to plan, organize, and coordinate all aspects of a project from the initial concept, to the design and development, to construction, to the completion.

They must also be able to work with all parties involved in the project; from the architects, engineers, and contractors to the client, government agencies, and other stakeholders. The civil engineer/project manager must also possess strong leadership skills to effectively manage teams, deliver projects on time and within budget, and ensure that projects meet all safety standards. they must possess excellent problem-solving skills for when unforeseen problems arise during the construction process.

Having these skills can make the difference between a successful project and one that goes over budget, behind schedule, or fails altogether.

Civil/Environmental Engineer, Civil Engineering Project Manager, and Civil Engineering Design Manager are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in project management?
How would you plan and execute a project from start to finish?
What challenges have you faced while working on a project?
How do you manage project resources?
What methods do you use to ensure project timelines are met?
How do you handle difficult clients or stakeholders?
What is your approach to problem solving?
How do you stay organized and prioritize tasks?
How do you manage risks associated with a project?
How do you ensure quality control on a project?

Common Tools in Industry

AutoCAD. A computer-aided design (CAD) software used to create and edit 2D and 3D drawings. (e. g. creating detailed plans of construction sites)
Civil3D. A civil engineering design and documentation software used to create 3D models of civil engineering projects. (e. g. creating 3D renderings of roads, bridges, and other infrastructure)
GIS Software. A geographical information system (GIS) software used to create, store, analyze, and visualize spatial data. (e. g. managing construction project data such as terrain elevations, soil types, and land use)
Project Management Software. A software used to manage project schedules, resources, costs, and risks. (e. g. tracking progress on a construction project and ensuring it meets deadlines)
Earthwork Estimating Software. A software used to estimate the volume of earthwork required for a construction project. (e. g. calculating the amount of soil needed for a site leveling project)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC)
Project Management Institute (PMI)
American Institute of Architects (AIA)
American Public Works Association (APWA)
International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE)
American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA)
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
Society of American Military Engineers (SAME)

We also have Civil Technician, Civil/Transportation Engineer, and Civil Estimator jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Civil Engineering. A branch of engineering that deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment, including works like roads, bridges, canals, dams, and buildings.
Project Management. The process of leading and coordinating a project from conception to completion in order to meet a desired outcome.
Construction Management. The practice of managing the planning, design, and construction of a project, usually with the help of specialized software.
Estimating. The process of estimating the cost of a project or task based on the resources and materials needed for completion.
Planning. The process of creating a plan for a project or task, including the resources and time needed for completion.
Scheduling. The process of organizing tasks and resources in order to complete a project or task on time.
Cost Control. The process of monitoring and controlling the cost of a project in order to stay within budget.
Surveying. The process of measuring distances and angles between points, as well as collecting other data about the land or project area.
Quality Control. The process of ensuring that materials and workmanship meets the required standards for a project.
Risk Management. The process of identifying, assessing, and controlling potential risks associated with a project in order to minimize any negative consequences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are needed to be a Civil Engineer/Project Manager?

To become a Civil Engineer/Project Manager, you must have a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field. Additionally, you may need to have a professional engineering license and experience in project management.

What responsibilities are associated with this role?

As a Civil Engineer/Project Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the design, planning, construction and maintenance of civil engineering projects. This includes managing budgets, timelines and personnel, ensuring safety protocols are met, and coordinating between stakeholders and clients.

What skills are needed to be successful?

To be successful in this role, it is important to have strong problem-solving skills, an eye for detail, excellent communication and organizational skills, and an understanding of engineering principles and practices.

What is the average salary for a Civil Engineer/Project Manager?

According to PayScale, the average salary for a Civil Engineer/Project Manager is $75,225 per year.

What is the job outlook for this profession?

The job outlook for Civil Engineers/Project Managers is positive. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of civil engineers will grow by 6% between 2018 and 2028.

Web Resources

Civil Engineer Project Manager Career Hub | Duke University careerhub.students.duke.edu
Civil Engineering Manager | NC State Online and Distance online-distance.ncsu.edu
Civil Engineering Project Management, Fourth Edition www.academia.edu