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What is Civil Engineering Project Management?

Carol Francois
Carol Francois

Civil engineering project management is a set of techniques and methodologies used for the construction or repair of bridges, sewage systems, roads, and other civil engineering projects. The techniques used are often refined project management skills, due to the high level of complexity and low error tolerance on these projects. Civil engineering is a discipline that is focused primarily on the development and implementation of infrastructure and systems to support a community of people.

There are three areas of focus within civil engineering project management: contracting, government requirements, and documentation. These topics are all part of any project management position, but have unique aspects in civil engineering. All projects are completed with government funding, which adds an additional layer of complexity, as the project budget may be quite tight. In addition to financial constraints, political pressure and profile of a project can often impact the overall project plan and support.

An onsite civil engineer reviews construction plans provided by the project manager.
An onsite civil engineer reviews construction plans provided by the project manager.

Contracting of suppliers, construction firms, and professional staff is a complex, multi-stage process for any large project. As the project funding is government based, there are often specific requirements included in the funding agreement surrounding the procurement process, licensing requirements, union affiliations and more.

Project managers must take the time to review the agreement in detail and highlight the applicable sections. Compliance is required for funding to continue, and it is a fine line to walk between following these requirements and obtaining best value for dollar. Many civil engineering project managers work with procurement specialists, who are responsible for managing the contracting and tendering process.

Civil engineer project managers oversee highly complex projects that have low error tolerance, such as highway construction.
Civil engineer project managers oversee highly complex projects that have low error tolerance, such as highway construction.

Government requirements are often provided as a specific section of the agreement. This may include project milestones, press announcements, confidentiality clauses, financial reporting, and other processes. Progress reports can be quarterly, monthly, or even weekly. Compliance is required both to receive payment on the current project and to be considered for future opportunities.

A civil engineer might help build dams, bridges, or roads.
A civil engineer might help build dams, bridges, or roads.

Civil engineering project management guidelines include an increased level of documentation. There are two reasons for this: project length and government reporting requirements. A project can have a very long time frame, as the scope tends to be very broad. As a result, there is an additional reliance on written documentation for everything from change orders to receipt of materials.

A civil engineer is trained in sewage treatment, waste and pollution prevention as well as a variety of construction techniques.
A civil engineer is trained in sewage treatment, waste and pollution prevention as well as a variety of construction techniques.

Many project managers hire a documentation specialist to manage this process and ensure that the information is recorded for review and discussion. An additional risk with a government funded project is a change in the leadership. This often results in concerns about projects approved by the other political party. Proper documentation of authorization and costs is the best way to reduce this risk.

Discussion Comments

dimpley

@tlcJPC - I think civil engineers make pretty decent money. Starting out is in the upper forties and can get into six figures with time and experience. Personally, I’m not a fan of the politics that would be involved- but you do what you gotta do. It definitely is a job where you have to be flexible and able to go with the flow I guess. As far as the rest, I'm not real sure...but I'd think for big projects there would probably be teams in place.

What I wonder is how secure the jobs are? Although I've toyed around with the idea of going into this (I mean it seems like it would have benefits and stuff which could help outweigh the negatives) I'm a little afraid of working for the government. If there’s a budget cut, who knows who goes first.

tlcJPC

So it looks like a civil engineer has to wear a lot of hats. About how much does a civil engineer make and is it worth the hassle of dealing with a lot of complicated politics? Also, is it generally one engineer overseeing an entire project or a whole team?

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    • An onsite civil engineer reviews construction plans provided by the project manager.
      By: ndoeljindoel
      An onsite civil engineer reviews construction plans provided by the project manager.
    • Civil engineer project managers oversee highly complex projects that have low error tolerance, such as highway construction.
      By: khunaspix
      Civil engineer project managers oversee highly complex projects that have low error tolerance, such as highway construction.
    • A civil engineer might help build dams, bridges, or roads.
      By: Andy
      A civil engineer might help build dams, bridges, or roads.
    • A civil engineer is trained in sewage treatment, waste and pollution prevention as well as a variety of construction techniques.
      By: hansenn
      A civil engineer is trained in sewage treatment, waste and pollution prevention as well as a variety of construction techniques.
    • Project management is how a civil engineer oversees all aspects of a build.
      By: bibi
      Project management is how a civil engineer oversees all aspects of a build.