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Civil engineering professionals are responsible for the design and development of transportation and building projects, including roads, buildings, airports, tunnels, dams, bridges and other infrastructure projects. For a successful career in this industry, highlight your organizational skills, your drawing and design abilities, mathematical acumen, quality control, and onsite management.

To create a civil engineering resume that’s built to last and gets you the right job, use these tips and resume examples.

Top civil engineering resume examples

Fire Engineer

Geotechnical Engineer

Structural Engineer

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How to build your resume for a civil engineering career

Use these examples for popular professions within civil engineering, along with our pointers below, to construct the perfect resume for your career.

Career Track: Civil Engineering Management

Civil Engineering Management, or CEM, involves the overseeing of a wide range of infrastructure projects. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of civil engineers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2019 to 2029, slower than the average for all occupations, but as infrastructure continues to age, the need for projects to rebuild, repair, and upgrade structures of all types will remain.

Civil Engineering Specialist $71,052 Median Salary

Resume Format

Functional Resume

As this is a job that stresses skills, consider the functional format, which emphasizes abilities and training rather than work history. Separate your skills into tangible and intangible categories, and also mention any internships or extracurricular work that showcases engineering work. For example: “Participated in construction inspections, investigation, and field surveys for college project.”

Summary statement tip

 In a few crisp sentences, present your top skills and credentials, sticking to strengths that can make an impact on the specific job you’re applying to. For example, for a job that deals with construction blueprints, you could write: “Efficient and meticulous Civil Engineer, well-trained in interpreting construction specifications and blueprints.”

Skills to feature

  • Coordination
  • Leadership
  • Ability to meet deadlines
  • Time management
  • Problem-solving
  • Analytical thinking
  • Mathematical skills
  • Knowledge of software, such as map creation and photo tools, AutoDesk, CAD, Civil 3D and MicroStation
  • Negotiation skills
  • Excellent visualization skills

Go to the next level

To move ahead in your career path, look to do the following:

  • Earn an advanced degree in civil engineering, construction engineering, environmental management, or a related field.
  • Earn an engineering license by taking the Principals and Practice of Engineering exam, and becoming a professional engineer (PE).
  • Gain more expertise in design and development software like Civil 3D and MicroStation.
  • Earn a specialization certificate in areas such as geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, fire engineering, environmental or project management.
  • Gain more experience with projects in which you assist engineers and make a direct contribution to success.

Civil Engineering Coordinator $76,979 Median Salary

Resume Format

Combination Resume

Showcase your abilities, skills and strengths along with details on your work achievements using a combination format, which features substantial skills and work history sections. Give examples of how you have managed day-to-day operations skillfully, rather than just stating general responsibilities. For example: “Coordinated with project coordination team members, vendors, and subcontractors to create workable designs.”

Summary statement tip

Consider this section to be a brief “elevator pitch” that introduces your best qualities, including skills, work experiences, and achievements. For example: “Highly motivated and detail-oriented Civil Engineering Coordinator with 6+ years of experience in commercial and residential construction. Well-versed in large-scale project management.”

Skills to feature

  • Competency with design software such as CAD and Civil 3D
  • Excellent mathematical skills
  • Free-hand sketching and/or drawing skills
  • Testing of building materials
  • Ability to function in deadline-driven environments
  • Time management
  • Analytical thinking
  • Problem-solving
  • Decision-making
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Leadership

Go to the next level

To advance from the coordinator position, consider getting expertise in the following areas, and add them to your resume:

  • Certifications or advanced training in building and construction management, project management, or related field
  • Formal training or demonstrated experience in quality assurance and testing
  • Work history examples of using leadership skills to successfully manage and complete projects

Civil Engineering Manager $105,591 Median Salary

Resume Format

Chronological Resume

The chronological format works for this job, as employers are typically looking for candidates with extensive experience. This format highlights your key achievements and work responsibilities. Feature your abilities in project coordination and reporting, and examples of projects in specific areas (e.g., roads and highways) that fit what the job needs.

Summary statement tip

Focus on your best-selling points: the skills and achievements that match the potential job’s requirements. For example, if the job calls for heavy management of subcontractors, you could write: “Goal-oriented Civil Project Manager with years of experience in managing the civil construction projects. Adept at overseeing subcontractors while adhering to quality control standards.”

Skills to feature

  • Critical thinking
  • Discipline
  • Leadership
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Presentation skills
  • Proactive
  • Multitasking
  • Customer relations
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Budget planning
  • Cost estimation
  • Knowledge of engineering fundamentals
  • Material loading
  • Hands-on experience in designing software

Go to the next level

Focus on adding the following to your resume to move ahead in your career:

  • Earn a master’s degree in civil engineering, relevant certifications, and state licensure to qualify for a senior construction manager role
  • Gather work history examples that show your experience and knowledge with environmental safety and aesthetic standards
  • Provide work history examples that show your ability to oversee budgets, schedule timelines, coordinate with civil engineers and workers, and manage resources
  • Give examples of success projects where you displayed supervisory and leadership abilities

Career Track: Civil Engineering Analysis and Inspection

Civil engineering projects need constant inspection and review, and positions such as civil analysts and inspectors are key for ensuring safety standards and budgets are being met. From reviewing plans to visiting sites, there’s plenty of opportunities for professionals in this area.

Civil Analyst $56,830 Median Salary

Resume Format

Functional Resume

If you’re short on experience, opt for a functional format, which focuses on the skills and training that fit what the job needs. Feature key abilities such as construction plan reviews, task scheduling, troubleshooting, collaborative skills, and excellent written and verbal communication.

Summary statement tip

In three to four lines, describe your strengths and areas of expertise, communicating to potential employers what you will bring to the job. Focus on essential traits and skills related to the job you’re seeking. For example: “Civil Engineering Progressional well-trained in plant operations, contract and project management, and process improvement. Adept at supporting operations and maintenance requests.”

Skills to feature

  • AutoCAD
  • Mathematical skills
  • Information orders
  • Technical training
  • Collaboration
  • Attention to detail
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Good mechanical aptitude
  • Self-motivated
  • Standard engineering documentation knowledge
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Get to the next level

To achieve career growth, look to feature the following in your resume:

  • Bachelor’s or master’s degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, business management, or related field
  • Proven experience in implementing Python programming, creating and implementing fixed asset reporting procedures, and strategy planning
  • Projects and responsibilities that show your analytical abilities and customer service skills
  • Professional certification in specialized areas, such as the Planning Engineer, HVAC Designer, Diplomate, or Geotechnical Engineering

Site Engineer $81,797 Median Salary

Resume Format

Combination Resume

Combination resumes are useful if you have a few years of civil engineering experience, as it allows you to feature both your relevant job achievements and skills. feature your experience with civil improvement plans and cost estimates as well as your proficiency with software such as AutoCAD.

Summary statement tip

A resume summary statement states your value proposition to a prospective employer, like a sales pitch. Follow the lead of our resume example and in a few sentences, highlight strengths and work experiences that match what the job is looking for, such making sure projects adhere to regulations, procedures and standard practices.

Skills to feature

  • Project management
  • Problem-solving
  • Knowledge of health and safety regulations
  • Commercial awareness
  • Strategic planning
  • Contract and finance supervision
  • Multitasking
  • Organizational skills
  • Expertise reading blueprints
  • Excellent communication abilities
  • Detail-oriented

Get to the next level:

If you’re looking to move up to a managerial position, look to obtain:

  • Degree or advanced training in construction site management, business management, project management, or a closely related field (if you don’t have one)
  • Professional experience planning, overseeing, and leading projects from ideation to completion
  • Examples of projects where you managed high-stress situations and displayed leadership
  • Certifications in related areas such as project management

Civil Inspector$104,060 Median Salary

Resume Format

Chronological Resume

For positions that require more experience like this, the chronological format is a logical choice, as it concentrates on work achievements and key skills, both of which show how you’ve learned and progressed in your career. Highlight responsibilities and abilities that center on providing guidance to teams, interpreting plans, and documenting issues.

Summary statement tip

Present highlights from your professional history in a few concise sentences, using examples that fulfill the requirements of the job you want. For example, if the job stresses construction site review, you could write, “Methodical, certified Civil Inspector bringing 14 years’ experience to reviewing construction sites, and ensuring compliance with building codes.”

Skills to feature

  • Building repairs
  • Safety inspections
  • Critical thinking
  • Quality control guidelines
  • Math skills
  • Interpersonal communications
  • Quality Inspector Certification (CQI) professional certification
  • HVAC, electrical, and plumbing code knowledge
  • Detail-oriented
  • Data analysis
  • Problem-solving
  • Customer service
  • Project management

Get to the next level

If you’re aiming to elevate your career, look into adding the following to your resume:

  • Experience with construction project plan review and quality assurance
  • More than six years of experience measuring fields quality, managing project documentation, and working with daily written and photo documentation
  • Expertise in material testing
  • Interfaces with CM Quality Coordinator
  • Work history documenting any quality-related issues that result in non-conformance reports (NCRs) or Quality Deficiency Reports (QDR) in OCR

Civil engineering resume FAQ

How do you format your resume?

Just follow these guidelines:

Functional Resume: This format is an ideal pick if you’re a recent graduate or first-time job seeker, as it highlights your strengths and skill set rather than your lack of history.

Combination Resume: For intermediate-level jobs which favor some experience, use this format, which emphasizes both relevant skills and work experiences. This is also a good choice if you’re switching careers but can bring over transferable skills and accomplishments from your previous jobs.

Chronological Resume: The chronological format is a solid choice if you’re applying for a more senior role that requires extensive experience, as it focuses on your work history and accomplishments, alongside some key skills.

What are some skills you should consider for your civil engineering resume?

Consider using a blend of both tangible and intangible skills to get forward in this industry. Focus on gaining more expertise in management duties, including project management. Other important skills that signal you’re ready to step up include:

  • Project management
  • Evaluation of building sites and materials
  • Supervision of construction projects
  • Strong analytical thinking
  • Excellent oral communication
  • Project management
  • Drawing skills
  • Technical skills
  • Leadership qualities
  • Experience with Civil 3D
  • Detail-oriented
  • CAD knowledge
  • Maintenance and repair
  • Presentation skills
  • Strong knowledge of engineering fundamentals
  • Proactive
  • Mathematical skills
  • Decision-making
  • Ability to excel under pressure
  • Testing of building materials
  • Quality control
  • Budgeting
  • Strong judgment
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Client interaction
  • Time management
  • Creation of blueprints
  • Highly efficient
  • Team management
  • Negotiation skills
  • Creativity

What other certifications and training are useful for civil engineering?

Additional credentials that can help you stand out from other candidates are always useful in a resume — for civil engineering, look into certifications and courses such as the following:

  • Certificate in Civil and Environment Engineering (CEE)
  • Professional Engineer Certificate (PEC)
  • ASCE Construction Engineering Certificate Program (CEC)
  • Certified Planning Engineer (CPE)
  • Certified Building Commissioning Professional (BCP)
  • Certified Construction Contract Administrator (CCA)
  • Project Management Professional (PMP)
  • Engineer in Training (EIT) Certification
  • Geo-Professional Board Certification
  • Value Methodology Associate Certification
  • Graduate Certificate in Civil Engineering