Civil Engineers

Job Zone

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Direct engineering activities, ensuring compliance with environmental, safety, or other governmental regulations.81
Test soils or materials to determine the adequacy and strength of foundations, concrete, asphalt, or steel.80
Manage and direct the construction, operations, or maintenance activities at project site.75
Inspect project sites to monitor progress and ensure conformance to design specifications and safety or sanitation standards.75
Compute load and grade requirements, water flow rates, or material stress factors to determine design specifications.73
Plan and design transportation or hydraulic systems or structures, using computer-assisted design or drawing tools.72
Provide technical advice to industrial or managerial personnel regarding design, construction, program modifications, or structural repairs.68
Analyze survey reports, maps, drawings, blueprints, aerial photography, or other topographical or geologic data.67
Direct or participate in surveying to lay out installations or establish reference points, grades, or elevations to guide construction.67
Estimate quantities and cost of materials, equipment, or labor to determine project feasibility.64
Identify environmental risks and develop risk management strategies for civil engineering projects.64
Prepare or present public reports on topics such as bid proposals, deeds, environmental impact statements, or property and right-of-way descriptions.63

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Conduct studies of traffic patterns or environmental conditions to identify engineering problems and assess potential project impact.52
Design energy-efficient or environmentally sound civil structures.50
Develop or implement engineering solutions to clean up industrial accidents or other contaminated sites.47
Design or engineer systems to efficiently dispose of chemical, biological, or other toxic wastes.39
Use drone technology for site surveying, inspection, and monitoring of infrastructure projects.—

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Active Listening75
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Complex Problem Solving72
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Critical Thinking72
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Mathematics72
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Reading Comprehension72
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Speaking72
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Science69
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Systems Analysis69
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Time Management69
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Operations Analysis66
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Judgment and Decision Making60
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Active Learning56
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

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Monitoring56
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Writing56
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Coordination53
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Systems Evaluation53
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Instructing50
Teaching others how to do something.
Management of Personnel Resources50
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Negotiation50
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Persuasion50
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Service Orientation50
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Social Perceptiveness50
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Learning Strategies47
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Management of Financial Resources47
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Management of Material Resources47
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Quality Control Analysis31
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Technology Design31
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Operations Monitoring28
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Programming22
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Repairing16
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Equipment Maintenance13
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Troubleshooting13
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Operation and Control10
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Equipment Selection6
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Design93
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Engineering and Technology92
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Building and Construction88
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Mathematics87
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
English Language75
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Physics68
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Administration and Management66
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Customer and Personal Service61
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Law and Government56
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Public Safety and Security56
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Computers and Electronics54
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Transportation51
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

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Sales and Marketing47
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Economics and Accounting45
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Administrative43
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Geography39
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Personnel and Human Resources39
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Mechanical38
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Education and Training35
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Chemistry32
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Production and Processing28
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Communications and Media25
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Psychology18
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
History and Archeology14
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Biology13
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Foreign Language13
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Telecommunications13
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Sociology and Anthropology12
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Philosophy and Theology10
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Food Production4
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Medicine and Dentistry4
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Therapy and Counseling4
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Fine Arts0
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Deductive Reasoning75
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning75
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Oral Comprehension75
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Problem Sensitivity75
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Written Comprehension75
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Information Ordering72
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Mathematical Reasoning72
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Category Flexibility69
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Fluency of Ideas69
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Near Vision69
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

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Number Facility69
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Visualization69
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Far Vision66
The ability to see details at a distance.
Flexibility of Closure66
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Perceptual Speed66
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Speech Clarity66
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition66
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Originality56
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Selective Attention50
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Speed of Closure47
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Auditory Attention41
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Memorization41
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Time Sharing41
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Visual Color Discrimination41
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Depth Perception38
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Hearing Sensitivity38
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Finger Dexterity28
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Spatial Orientation22
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Control Precision16
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Multilimb Coordination13
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Trunk Strength13
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Wrist-Finger Speed10
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Glare Sensitivity6
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Arm-Hand Steadiness0
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Dynamic Strength0
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Explosive Strength0
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Extent Flexibility0
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Gross Body Coordination0
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium0
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Manual Dexterity0
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Night Vision0
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision0
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Rate Control0
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Reaction Time0
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Response Orientation0
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Sound Localization0
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Speed of Limb Movement0
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Stamina0
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Static Strength0
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Getting Information89
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems86
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates82
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment79
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards79
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge79
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others78
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Working with Computers78
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization76
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials76
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Processing Information76
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Scheduling Work and Activities76
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

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Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work74
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Analyzing Data or Information73
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Developing and Building Teams68
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Documenting/Recording Information67
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships66
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events66
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information64
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates64
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Thinking Creatively64
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others63
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources61
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Coaching and Developing Others58
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings58
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others57
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Training and Teaching Others57
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People55
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others55
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Staffing Organizational Units55
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public50
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Developing Objectives and Strategies48
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Performing Administrative Activities42
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Selling or Influencing Others41
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Performing General Physical Activities25
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Assisting and Caring for Others19
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Handling and Moving Objects14
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment14
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment14
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Controlling Machines and Processes12
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment7
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Dependability88
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Attention to Detail86
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Cautiousness80
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Integrity74
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Intellectual Curiosity72
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Achievement Orientation69
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Leadership Orientation67
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Innovation66
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Adaptability62
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Perseverance59
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Self-Confidence59
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Initiative53
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

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Cooperation48
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Stress Tolerance48
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Self-Control44
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Tolerance for Ambiguity44
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Social Orientation29
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Sincerity26
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Optimism20
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Empathy14
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Humility14
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Realistic91
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Investigative69
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Conventional60
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Enterprising28
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Artistic20
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
Social12
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

E-Mail
- Every day100%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day90%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day76%
- Once a week or more but not every day24%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important52%
- Very important33%
- Important14%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day75%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important43%
- Very important52%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others38%
- Contact with others most of the time43%
- Contact with others about half the time19%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours57%
- 40 hours43%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually19%
- More than half the time76%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom24%
- Some freedom52%
- Limited freedom24%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day38%
- Once a week or more but not every day33%
- Once a month or more but not every week19%
Time Pressure
- Every day24%
- Once a week or more but not every day52%
- Once a month or more but not every week24%

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Written Letters and Memos
- Every day19%
- Once a week or more but not every day67%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom19%
- Some freedom52%
- Limited freedom29%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results29%
- Important results48%
- Moderate results14%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Very important52%
- Important38%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important14%
- Very important48%
- Important24%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- High responsibility48%
- Moderate responsibility38%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious43%
- Very serious19%
- Fairly serious14%
- Not serious at all24%
Level of Competition
- Highly competitive29%
- Moderately competitive62%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important14%
- Very important24%
- Important43%
- Not important at all14%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Once a week or more but not every day38%
- Once a month or more but not every week19%
- Never29%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
- Once a month or more but not every week52%
- Once a year or more but not every month29%
Conflict Situations
- Once a week or more but not every day19%
- Once a month or more but not every week52%
- Once a year or more but not every month29%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility19%
- High responsibility19%
- Limited responsibility38%
- No responsibility14%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
- Once a month or more but not every week43%
- Once a year or more but not every month33%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Once a week or more but not every day20%
- Once a month or more but not every week45%
- Once a year or more but not every month25%
Physical Proximity
- Moderately close (at arm's length)14%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)48%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)38%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Once a week or more but not every day19%
- Once a month or more but not every week43%
- Once a year or more but not every month29%
Degree of Automation
- Moderately automated29%
- Slightly automated48%
- Not at all automated14%
Public Speaking
- Once a month or more but not every week29%
- Once a year or more but not every month62%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Less than half the time50%
- Never25%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a month or more but not every week19%
- Once a year or more but not every month76%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Once a month or more but not every week19%
- Once a year or more but not every month67%
Exposed to High Places
- Once a month or more but not every week29%
- Once a year or more but not every month62%
Spend Time Standing
- Less than half the time81%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Once a month or more but not every week38%
- Once a year or more but not every month24%
- Never33%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- More than half the time14%
- Less than half the time43%
- Never33%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Less than half the time90%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Once a month or more but not every week19%
- Once a year or more but not every month48%
- Never29%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Once a month or more but not every week29%
- Once a year or more but not every month24%
- Never43%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Once a year or more but not every month57%
- Never29%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Once a year or more but not every month62%
- Never29%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Less than half the time76%
- Never24%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a year or more but not every month67%
- Never33%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time57%
- Never38%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)24%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)71%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Less than half the time50%
- Never50%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month38%
- Never57%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Once a year or more but not every month38%
- Never57%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Once a year or more but not every month29%
- Never67%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month29%
- Never71%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
- Never76%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time24%
- Never76%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never86%
Exposed to Radiation
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
- Never85%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Fairly important14%
- Not important at all86%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

Bachelor’s degree
Master’s degree
Post-baccalaureate certificate

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Computer aided design CAD software
Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D, Autodesk Revit, Bentley MicroStation, Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Analytical or scientific software
HEC-HMS, Minitab, Procore software, The MathWorks MATLAB
Development environment software
C, Microsoft Visual Basic, National Instruments LabVIEW, Verilog
Geographic information system
ESRI ArcGIS software, ESRI ArcInfo, ESRI ArcView, Geographic information system GIS software
Graphics or photo imaging software
Bentley GeoPak Bridge, Graphics software, SmugMug Flickr, Trimble SketchUp Pro
Project management software
Cost estimating software, Microsoft Project, Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management, The Gordian Group PROGEN Online
Electronic mail software
Email software, Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft Outlook
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne, SAP software
Office suite software
Corel WordPerfect Office Suite, Microsoft Office software
Internet browser software
Microsoft Internet Explorer, Web browser software
Map creation software
Cartography software, Intergraph MGE
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Document management software
Adobe Acrobat
File versioning software
Apache Subversion SVN
Enterprise application integration software
Extensible markup language XML
Operating system software
Shell script
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Business intelligence and data analysis software
Oracle Business Intelligence Enterprise Edition
Object or component oriented development software
Microsoft ActiveX
Data base user interface and query software
Microsoft Access
Calendar and scheduling software
Scheduling software
Industrial control software
Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Coordinate safety or regulatory compliance activities.
Test characteristics of materials or structures.
Direct construction activities.
Inspect facilities or sites to determine if they meet specifications or standards.
Estimate technical or resource requirements for development or production projects.
Create graphical representations of civil structures.
Recommend technical design or process changes to improve efficiency, quality, or performance.
Evaluate technical data to determine effect on designs or plans.
Survey land or bodies of water to measure or determine features.
Develop technical methods or processes.
Investigate the environmental impact of projects.
Estimate operational costs.

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Explain project details to the general public.
Prepare proposal documents.
Incorporate green features into the design of structures or facilities.
Implement design or process improvements.
Design systems to reduce harmful emissions.

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology