Civil Engineering is a very broad field covering a number of seemingly diverse specialties. Civil engineers design and supervise the construction of:

Structures of various forms, such as bridges, buildings, industrial plants, stadiums, dams, docks, marine platforms, oil drilling rigs, missile bases and launching facilities for space exploration and travel.

Transportation systems such as highway, railroads, airfields, canals, harbors and pipelines;

Systems for water supply, hydropower, irrigation, drainage, flood control, and navigation; and systems for waste disposal, water and air pollution control.

The characteristic features of these facilities are that they are generally large, one of a kind, and are important to the daily lives of a great many people; they meet basic human needs and contribute to safer and more enjoyable living. The planning of new communities and the redevelopment of existing cities are also within the spectrum of civil engineering. 

Because civil engineering is so broad, it is not generally possible to become proficient in all its specialties. Therefore, a civil engineer will usually specialize in one of the fields above, or a sub-area of a field, and will have only a general knowledge of the other fields.

Civil engineers work with private consulting firms, construction companies, industrial corporations, governmental agencies, research establishments and universities. They often work on teams with other engineers, architects, geologists, city planners and sociologists. Many civil engineers are self-employed and many assume top managerial positions. Depending on his or her responsibilities, a particular civil engineer may spend most of the time in the office or in the field or may divide time between indoor and outdoor work.

To execute their responsibilities properly, civil engineers must be well grounded in the scientific fundamentals of their discipline. They must have a good basic knowledge of the mechanics of solids, fluids and soils, and of the properties of engineering materials. They must have a sound background in mathematics, and must be proficient in the use of computers to solve complex engineering problems. They must have good judgment and sense of proportion and must be able to arrive at designs which are both technically and economically sound, capable of yielding maximum benefits at a minimum cost. These qualities are, of course, developed through specialized training and experience.

Many engineers are engaged in management, directing projects and/or organizations of all sizes; they must have appropriate management skills. Engineers must have knowledge of the society in which they live and of their fellow man, and an understanding of the sociological consequences of their work. Finally, they must be able to present and defend their ideas skillfully. They must, therefore, be able to communicate effectively, concisely and accurately. Proficiency in writing is an important complement to technical skills.