Civil Engineers

Civil Engineers

Civil engineers plan, build, and maintain the physical surroundings of any given place. They do not design the interiors of structures as architects do, but the exteriors and structure plan. The unique aspects, exclusive history and distinctive requirements set civil engineering apart from other branches of engineering.

Devising, constructing and maintaining physical surroundings are the main job of a civil engineer. Civil engineers also determine which materials to buy and who to hire. They estimate the time and cost of the project and solve problems on site.

There are many different branches of civil engineers. Transportation engineers specialize in building roads, bridges, highways and airstrips. Pipeline engineers work with the miles of huge piping across mountainous areas carrying water, oil and gas. They need to frequently check the pipes for leakage or damage. Civil engineers can also work as consultants on long term projects. They advise clients on whom to hire, what materials and estimate time and cost. Clients include the government, private businesses or large companies. Geotechnical, coastal, environmental, rehabilitation, structures, materials, management, monitoring, and water resources are other branches of civil engineering.

A civil engineer is among one of the lowest paid engineers, but has one of the highest starting pays. An engineer is paid $33,000 with a Bachelor's degree, $35,000 with a Master's degree and $47,000 with a Doctorate. As with any job, a civil engineer gets paid more as he/she becomes more advanced. A senior civil engineer can be paid $100,000 plus. Civil engineers often work on long term projects. They may travel and move multiple times during one project. Civil engineers may work on site, in an office or at home. "Some stay on site keeping daily surveys of how the structure is holding up and to resolve problems on site" (Civil Engineers 3 of 3).

Many wonderful structures were built by civil engineers between 4000 BC and 2000 BC. "Civil engineering is the oldest of the main disciplines of engineering" (History of Engineering 1 of 2). The first engineering tool was human labor. Human labor built the pyramids, towers, obelisks and other ancient structures. King Zopher's Stepped Pyramid was built by Imhotep. He was the worlds earliest recorded engineer. He built the pyramid in 2550 BC. Inventions in transportation like the wheel and the ramp also helped construct great structures.

The Romans were one of the most architecturally sound civilization in those times. Archimedes invented the screw for raising water and discovered buoyancy. They built aqueducts, huge arch-like structures used to carry water over the hills in Rome. They built roads, arches, columns, and bridges. One bridge they built over the Thames River would one day become a building block for the London Bridge.

Machu Picchu, Peru was considered a great marvel. It was a city built by the Incan civilization in South America. "The people of Macho Picchu built a mountain top city complete with running water, drainage systems and stone structures so advanced that they have endured for over 500 years"(History of Engineering: Civil 1 of 2). It was often referred to as "The Lost City of the Incas." It was built for Emperor Pachacuti in the high Andes Mountains. In the future, experts say there will be a need for more transportation, management consulting and computer services. They are all hoping that more people will see civil engineering as an excellent career and believe the job will expand.

A career in civil engineering does not require many years in college. A college graduate only needs to pursue a bachelor's degree minimum. There are many ways