Civil engineers build our physical world—from roads to buildings, to bridges and tunnels, to airports and subway systems, to water and sewage systems. They participate in large construction projects, and may specialize in foundation analysis, building and structural inspection, surveying, geomatics, and municipal planning.

Civil engineers will confer with clients and other members of a project team to determine project requirements. They will consider construction costs, government regulations, potential environmental hazards, and other risk factors in planning the design and construction of a project. They will then design and develop construction specifications and procedures, ensuring that these plans meet the guidelines and specifications of building codes and other regulations. They will test, evaluate, and recommend appropriate building and construction materials, and will establish and monitor construction work schedules. Civil engineers will also conduct feasibility studies, economic analyses, municipal and regional traffic studies, environmental impact studies, and other investigations.