How to Be Civil/Highway Designer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Nov 27, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The demand for Civil/Highway Designers is increasing due to the growth of infrastructure and transportation projects. With the ever-growing number of roads, bridges, and highways, there is a need for professionals to design and develop these projects. This is an important role that requires knowledge of engineering principles, construction materials, and safety regulations.

The responsibilities of a Civil/Highway Designer include planning and designing roads, bridges, and highways; analyzing construction costs; and ensuring compliance with local codes and regulations. Civil/Highway Designers must have excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate with other engineers, clients, and contractors. As a result of the increasing demand for Civil/Highway Designers, salaries have risen and job opportunities have become more plentiful.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering. Many civil/highway designers have a bachelor's degree in civil engineering. This degree program typically covers engineering mathematics, physics, mechanics, and other engineering subjects. It also includes courses in drafting, computer-aided design (CAD), structural analysis, construction methods, and design.
Get hands-on experience. As a civil engineer, you can gain experience through internships or by working on projects related to your degree. This will help you develop a better understanding of the field and give you an advantage when applying for civil/highway design jobs.
Obtain the necessary certifications. In order to become a civil/highway designer, you must obtain certain certifications. These certifications may include a Professional Engineer (PE) license, Certified Design Professional (CDP) certification, or a Certified Highway Design Professional (CHDP) certification.
Become familiar with software programs. Many civil/highway designers use specialized software programs to design roads and highways. It is important to become familiar with these programs in order to be successful in this field.
Get involved in professional organizations. Becoming involved in professional organizations such as the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) or the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) can help you stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the field. This can also provide networking opportunities with other civil/highway designers.
Stay current on industry developments. In order to remain competitive in the field of civil/highway design, it is important to stay up-to-date on industry developments and technological advances. Reading industry publications, attending conferences, and taking continuing education classes can help you stay current.

Being a civil/highway designer requires staying informed and competent in the field. To ensure this, one must stay up-to-date on new technologies, materials, and industry standards. it is important to stay abreast of the latest laws and regulations that govern civil engineering and highway design.

To remain competent, designers should also participate in professional development activities such as attending conferences, workshops, and seminars. Furthermore, participating in professional networks and organizations can be beneficial to build relationships with peers and to share knowledge and resources. By staying informed and competent, civil/highway designers can become more efficient and effective in their work, thus providing the best possible designs.

You may want to check Civil/Geotechnical Engineer, Civil/Architectural Designer, and Civil Estimator for alternative.

Job Description

Civil/Highway Designer: Responsible for preparing and designing transportation infrastructure plans, including roadways, highways, bridges, and drainage systems. Utilizes engineering software to create plans and drawings in accordance to local, state, and federal regulations and standards.
Construction Engineer: Manage the construction of civil engineering projects such as roads, highways, bridges, and drainage systems. Oversee project progress, inspect work sites to ensure compliance with safety regulations, and coordinate with subcontractors.
Project Manager: Oversee the planning and execution of civil engineering projects. Responsible for creating timelines, establishing budgets, and ensuring projects are completed on time and under budget.
Geotechnical Engineer: Responsible for investigating subsurface soils and rock to determine their properties and suitability for use in civil engineering projects. Utilizes engineering software and specialized equipment to analyze soil samples.
Surveyor: Utilize surveying equipment to measure and map land for civil engineering projects. Responsible for setting out reference points, monitoring survey progress, and providing accurate data for project design.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of civil engineering principles and design techniques.
Knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations related to civil/highway design.
Proficiency in AutoCAD and/or other CAD software.
Knowledge of civil engineering software programs such as Civil 3D.
Ability to read and understand construction drawings.
Ability to create accurate calculations and design plans.
Ability to effectively communicate with project stakeholders and team members.
Knowledge of stormwater management and drainage design.
Knowledge of erosion control and environmental regulations.
Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and manage multiple projects.

A successful Civil/Highway Designer must possess a wide range of skills in order to be successful. The most important skills to have are an understanding of engineering principles, good problem-solving skills, and an eye for detail. This is because engineering principles are the foundation of all design projects.

Good problem-solving skills will help the designer identify and resolve any issues that may arise. Finally, an eye for detail is important to ensure that all aspects of the project are taken into account. Without these skills, a designer can easily make mistakes that can lead to costly delays, project reworks, and even safety issues.

Therefore, having a strong set of these skills is essential for a successful career as a Civil/Highway Designer.

Civil Maintenance Supervisor, Civil Engineering Designer, and Civil Inspector Supervisor are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in Civil/Highway Design?
How familiar are you with AutoCAD software?
How do you ensure accuracy and quality control in your designs?
What challenges have you faced in Civil/Highway Design?
How do you stay up to date on new technologies and design trends?
Describe a project that you have worked on that has been successful and why?
How have you used stakeholder feedback to improve your design?
What strategies do you use to ensure timely delivery of projects?
What have you done to improve the efficiency of your designs?
Describe a time when you had to work collaboratively with other departments or stakeholders on a project?

Common Tools in Industry

AutoCAD. A computer aided design (CAD) software used to create detailed 2D and 3D drawings. (eg: Creating a detailed plan for a highway project).
MicroStation. A CAD software with advanced 3D modeling capabilities used to create detailed 2D and 3D drawings. (eg: Designing a bridge structure).
Civil 3D. A software used to analyze road designs, storm water designs, and other civil engineering projects. (eg: Analyzing the drainage system of a highway).
ArcGIS. A geographic information system (GIS) used to create and manage spatial data. (eg: Mapping the terrain of a highway project).
HEC-RAS. A hydraulic engineering software used to create hydrological models for water systems. (eg: Modeling a river to determine its water flow).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC)
Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
National Association of County Engineers (NACE)
American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA)
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)
International Right-of-Way Association (IRWA)
American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA)
American Public Works Association (APWA)

We also have Civil Litigator, Civil Structural Engineer, and Civil Engineering Design Manager jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Subsurface Exploration. A process of investigating the subsurface of the ground to determine soil and rock conditions for the design of civil engineering projects such as highways.
Right-of-Way. The land, or portion of land, that is acquired or reserved for the purpose of constructing a highway or other public works project.
Geotechnical Engineering. The branch of engineering that deals with the analysis and design of structures and foundations that are affected by soil or rock conditions.
Traffic Engineering. The process of making sure that roads are safe and efficient for vehicles and pedestrians, including the design of speed limits, traffic signals, and other safety measures.
Surveying. The process of measuring distances, angles, and other physical characteristics of the earth's surface, used in the design of civil engineering projects.
Drainage Design. The process of designing drainage systems for highways and other civil engineering projects, including the use of ditches, culverts, and other drainage structures.
Erosion Control. The process of preventing or minimizing erosion due to water or wind, which can damage roads and other structures.
Environmental Impact Assessment. The process of evaluating the potential environmental impacts of a proposed project, such as a highway, with an eye towards minimizing any negative impacts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum experience required to become a Civil/Highway Designer?

Most employers require at least two years of experience in civil engineering design and drafting, preferably with a focus on highway design.

What software do Civil/Highway Designers usually use?

Common software used by Civil/Highway Designers includes AutoCAD, Civil 3D, MicroStation, InRoads, and OpenRoads Design.

What qualifications do Civil/Highway Designers need?

To become a Civil/Highway Designer, it is important to have a Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field. Additional certifications and licenses may also be required.

What are the main tasks of a Civil/Highway Designer?

The main tasks of a Civil/Highway Designer include designing highways, bridges, culverts, and other transportation structures; preparing plans and drawings; and conducting feasibility studies.

How much do Civil/Highway Designers typically earn?

According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for Civil Engineers, which includes Civil/Highway Designers, is $86,640 per year.

Web Resources

Civil Engineering Technology Highway Technology | Gateway www.gtc.edu
Civil Engineering Technology-Highway Technician - Mid-State www.mstc.edu
CE 503 Highway Design - Engineering Online - North www.engineeringonline.ncsu.edu