What Is a Civil Engineering Consultant?

Civil engineers commonly work as consultants by becoming employees or independent contractors for engineering consulting companies. These consultants most often provide design and analysis services. They plan and design buildings, bridges, highways, water treatment plants, harbors, railroads, and airports. They

also do environmental studies to prevent water and soil contamination during construction.

1. Function

   • Civil engineering consultants do extensive analysis on structural and environmental factors to design sturdy, functional and safe buildings, transportation systems and a wide variety of water-related projects. They determine the best materials and construction techniques for each project. They manage budgets. They review and approve plans and drawings. Consultants also coordinate and supervise construction. Civil engineering consulting companies often provide combination civil and environmental engineering services, including structural design, pollution prevention, energy-saving methods, and equipment. There sometimes work on the development of alternative energy systems. Typically they offer surveying and site development services as well.

   Types

   • A civil engineering consulting company might focus on one particular area, or it could employ civil engineers across various specialties. Hydraulics civil engineers, for instance, design reservoirs, flood-control systems, river and coastal maintenance, and harbors. Structural engineers design buildings and other structures to ensure that they are safe and functional, able to support their own weight and resist all types of weather. Other specialties include construction, environmental, transportation, and urban planning. Many architectural firms hire civil engineering consultants, and civil engineers also work in tandem with construction contractors.

   Features

   • Some consulting positions can last for several years. One current position listing is for a 5-year contract in a rural western area of the United States designing water treatment and storm sewer systems and water piping. Another, based in Chicago, is looking for a civil engineering consultant to work on railroads, including design of yards, signals, and operations. Adventurous civil engineers can take international consulting positions. One company currently looking for civil engineering consultants has opportunities available in Houston, Texas; Milan, Italy; Paris, France; and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

   Considerations

   • Civil engineers, including consultants, must complete a Bachelor of Science degree, with rigorous coursework in math, physics, thermodynamics, project management, structural design, and electro chemistry. They also learn software packages to design projects and create computer drawings.

   Benefits

   • Civil engineers working for consulting firms make more per year on average than their counterparts working for an industrial corporation or for government agencies. Project manager consultants in 2008 were earning around $105,000 annually. Employees of consulting firms work full-time positions with health insurance, paid vacations and holidays, and 401(k) plans. Independent contractors for these firms typically do not receive these extra benefits, but these workers often consider the freedom and flexibility they gain a worthwhile trade-off.

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