Civil engineers plan, design, develop and manage projects for the construction or repair of buildings, earth structures, powerhouses, roads, airports, railways, rapid transit facilities, bridges, tunnels, canals, dams, ports and coastal installations and systems related to highway and transportation services, water distribution and sanitation.

Civil engineers may also specialize in foundation analysis, building and structural inspection, surveying, geomatics and municipal planning.

They are employed by engineering consulting companies, in all levels of government, by construction firms and in many other industries, or they may be self-employed.