As a civil engineer, you’ll love untangling complex problems and discovering new solutions. You’ll carefully plan each step of a project to ensure the optimal use of resources. To keep projects on schedule, you may use complex spreadsheets and specialised software. You will need to be a great collaborator and feel comfortable incorporating ideas from other professionals. You must also be a strong communicator because your team will rely on you to give clear and accurate direction.

The construction of the Sydney Metro is a great example of an enormous but rewarding project a civil engineer may work on. This project included designing and building leading edge new train tunnels, bridges, and stations in a very congested and active city. Today’s engineers are exploring how new technologies and methods can improve our rail networks – from low-emission materials to the recycling of structures and real-time monitoring of infrastructure.

You’ll work in a team of engineers,  skilled tradespeople. And a range of project professionals. Sometimes you’ll be in an office, perhaps using design software to plan a new underground metro line. Other times you’ll work on a project site to make sure everything is progressing to plan and meets the required specifications. Your work may interface with roads, tunnelling and other engineering disciplines. You can find work as a civil engineer all around Australia (and the world!). Most jobs are in cities and towns. Some are in remote areas.

Civil engineers typically complete a university degree. They may study areas such as transport, structural, geotechnical, and construction engineering. Engineers may need to be registered in the state or territory they plan to work in. Our industry values diverse personal and work experience. Many employers can provide you with opportunities to gain additional qualifications and industry experience to help you succeed.