Civil Engineers

City Engineer

Civil Engineer

County Engineer

Design Engineer

Engineer

Geotechnical Engineer

Licensed Engineer

Project Engineer

Railroad Design Consultant

Structural Engineer

What is a Civil Engineer?

Civil engineers are professionals who design, build, supervise, operate, and maintain large construction projects and systems, including roads, buildings, airports, tunnels, dams, bridges, and sewage systems. They are pivotal in the creation and improvement of infrastructure that enhances the quality of life and meets societal needs. Civil engineering combines the principles of physics, mathematics, and materials science to produce functional and sustainable structures. Civil engineers work on projects that require extensive planning, research, and teamwork while adhering to regulations and ensuring safety standards. They often collaborate with architects, planners, and other engineering disciplines to ensure the successful execution of their projects. Environmental considerations and project feasibility also play a significant role in their work, as civil engineers strive to incorporate sustainable practices and minimize the impact on the environment in their designs.

Job Outlook

Projected salary and job growth

$63220.0 - $150640.0

This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.

Finding local jobs...

Assessment

Related assessments and tests

No assessment available.

Related Occupations

Tasks

Direct engineering activities, ensuring compliance with environmental, safety, or other governmental regulations.
Manage and direct the construction, operations, or maintenance activities at project site.
Inspect project sites to monitor progress and ensure conformance to design specifications and safety or sanitation standards.
Compute load and grade requirements, water flow rates, or material stress factors to determine design specifications.
Plan and design transportation or hydraulic systems or structures, using computer-assisted design or drawing tools.

Technology Skills

Computer aided design CAD software
Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint 365
Analytical or scientific software
Development environment software
Geographic information system

Tools Used

Levels
- Laser levels
- Precision levels
Distance meters
- Electronic distance measuring devices
- Rhodes arcs
Scales
- Drafting scales
- Rolling scales
Triangles
- Drafting triangles
Microfiche or microfilm viewers
- Microfilm readers

Knowledge

Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Engineering and Technology
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 Construction
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

1566 Active Jobs in South Africa

Avg Salary: R55,089pm

How to Know if You Are Ready to be a Civil Engineer in South Africa

South Africa’s infrastructure demands are at a critical junction, creating a robust landscape for aspiring engineers. With currently 1635 active jobs in the market and an average salary of R55,089pm, the profession is both lucrative and essential. Interestingly, market data for 2024 shows a significant upward trajectory in compensation; starting at approximately R48,479 in January and climbing steadily to over R60,598 by December. This growth reflects the increasing value placed on technical expertise in our local economy.

Is Civil Engineering Right for Me? (Psychometric Checklist)

Before committing to the rigorous training required, it is vital to assess whether your natural inclinations align with the demands of the profession. Consider the following traits:

Analytical Rigour: Do you have a natural affinity for mathematics and physics, and do you enjoy deconstructing complex problems?
Spatial Awareness: Can you easily visualise 2D plans as 3D structures and understand how different components interact within a physical space?
Ethical Responsibility: Are you prepared to take accountability for public safety and the environmental impact of your projects?
Resilience and Adaptability: Can you remain calm and organised when project deadlines shift or when unexpected site conditions arise?
Collaborative Leadership: Are you comfortable working in multi-disciplinary teams, communicating with everyone from site labourers to corporate stakeholders?

A Day in the Life of a South African Civil Engineer

In the South African context, the daily life of a Civil Engineer is a dynamic blend of high-level design and "boots-on-the-ground" implementation. Your morning might begin in a modern consulting office in Sandton or Century City, using advanced BIM software to model a new bridge or water treatment plant. By midday, you could be travelling to a construction site to inspect the progress of a provincial road upgrade or a metropolitan housing project.

The role involves constant problem-solving. You might spend your afternoon negotiating with contractors, ensuring that the materials used meet the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) requirements, or finding ways to mitigate the impact of loadshedding on a project's timeline. It is a career that offers the unique satisfaction of seeing a conceptual drawing transform into a tangible structure that improves the lives of your fellow citizens.

Education & Upskilling: The Path to Professionalism

To succeed in South Africa, a structured educational path is non-negotiable. Most enter the field through a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) or a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSc Eng) from a Washington Accord-accredited university. Alternatively, those following a more technical route may pursue a Diploma or Advanced Diploma at a University of Technology (formerly Technikon) or a TVET college to become an Engineering Technician.

However, your degree is only the beginning. To reach the pinnacle of the profession, you must eventually register with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) as a Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) or Professional Engineering Technologist (Pr Tech Eng). This requires several years of supervised work experience and a commitment to continuous learning.

In today’s fast-paced environment, upskilling through short courses is essential. Proficiency in software like AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or Revit is mandatory, while certifications in Project Management (such as PMP) or Environmental Management can significantly boost your marketability. The most successful engineers are those who treat their education as an ongoing programme rather than a one-time event.

Next Steps

Choosing a career in Civil Engineering is a commitment to building the backbone of South Africa. It is a demanding path, but for the right individual, it offers unparalleled job security and the chance to leave a lasting legacy on the national landscape. If you possess the grit, the technical curiosity, and the passion for transformation, you are already halfway there. Test your readiness now by completing our comprehensive career assessment to see if you have the profile to thrive in this high-growth industry.

Skills

Active Listening
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 Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Mathematics
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

Abilities

Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Problem Sensitivity
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.

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?

Bachelor's degree

86 %
Master's degree

10 %
Post-baccalaureate certificate

5 %

Awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree, but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master

Work Activities

Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
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 Equipment
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 Standards
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Detailed Work Activities

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.

Work Interests

Realistic
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.
Investigative
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.
Conventional
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.