Civil Engineering

4 people in orange hard hats examining wires

Civil Engineering at Oregon State University is a diverse professional field with areas of concentration in structural engineering, transportation engineering, geotechnical engineering, water resources engineering, surveying, and ocean engineering.

Position Title	Projected Growth (2014-2024)	Preparation Required	2015 Median Wage
Architects, Except Landscape and Naval Architects, Except Landscape and Naval Position Description: Plan and design structures, such as private residences, office buildings, theaters, factories, and other structural property. Projected Growth: Average (5% to 8%) Median Pay: $82,850 per year Preparation: Job Zone 4 Position Duties: Prepare scale drawings or architectural designs, using computer-aided design or other tools. Plan or design structures such as residences, office buildings, theatres, factories, or other structural properties in accordance with environmental, safety, or other regulations. Direct activities of technicians engaged in preparing drawings or specification documents. Prepare contract documents for building contractors. Prepare information regarding design, structure specifications, materials, color, equipment, estimated costs, or construction time. Skills: Critical Thinking Speaking Active Listening Complex Problem Solving Judgment and Decision Making Pay and Growth More Information	Average (5% to 8%)	Job Zone 4	$82,850 per year
Architectural and Engineering Managers Architectural and Engineering Managers Position Description: Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields. Projected Growth: Slower than average (2% to 4%) Median Pay: $141,650 per year Preparation: Job Zone 5 Position Duties: Manage the coordination and overall integration of technical activities in architecture or engineering projects. Direct, review, or approve project design changes. Confer with management, production, or marketing staff to discuss project specifications or procedures. Present and explain proposals, reports, or findings to clients. Consult or negotiate with clients to prepare project specifications. Skills: Reading Comprehension Critical Thinking Active Listening Complex Problem Solving Coordination Pay and Growth More Information	Slower than average (2% to 4%)	Job Zone 5	$141,650 per year
City and Regional Planning Aides City and Regional Planning Aides Position Description: Compile data from various sources, such as maps, reports, and field and file investigations, for use by city planner in making planning studies. Projected Growth: Much faster than average (14% or higher) Median Pay: $45,760 per year Preparation: Job Zone 4 Position Duties: Participate in and support team planning efforts. Prepare reports, using statistics, charts, and graphs, to illustrate planning studies in areas such as population, land use, or zoning. Research, compile, analyze and organize information from maps, reports, investigations, and books for use in reports and special projects. Provide and process zoning and project permits and applications. Respond to public inquiries and complaints. Skills: Reading Comprehension Active Listening Speaking Critical Thinking Judgment and Decision Making Pay and Growth More Information	Much faster than average (14% or higher)	Job Zone 4	$45,760 per year
Civil Engineering Technicians Civil Engineering Technicians Position Description: Apply theory and principles of civil engineering in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of structures and facilities under the direction of engineering staff or physical scientists. Projected Growth: Average (5% to 8%) Median Pay: $51,330 per year Preparation: Job Zone 3 Position Duties: Draft detailed dimensional drawings and design layouts for projects and to ensure conformance to specifications. Calculate dimensions, square footage, profile and component specifications, and material quantities using calculator or computer. Read and review project blueprints and structural specifications to determine dimensions of structure or system and material requirements. Confer with supervisor to determine project details such as plan preparation, acceptance testing, and evaluation of field conditions. Inspect project site and evaluate contractor work to detect design malfunctions and ensure conformance to design specifications and applicable codes. Skills: Reading Comprehension Active Listening Critical Thinking Writing Speaking Pay and Growth More Information	Average (5% to 8%)	Job Zone 3	$51,330 per year
Civil Engineers Civil Engineers Position Description: Perform engineering duties in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of building structures, and facilities, such as roads, railroads, airports, bridges, harbors, channels, dams, irrigation projects, pipelines, power plants, and water and sewage systems. Projected Growth: Average (5% to 8%) Median Pay: $87,940 per year Preparation: Job Zone 4 Position Duties: Inspect project sites to monitor progress and ensure conformance to design specifications and safety or sanitation standards. Compute load and grade requirements, water flow rates, or material stress factors to determine design specifications. Provide technical advice to industrial or managerial personnel regarding design, construction, or program modifications or structural repairs. Test soils or materials to determine the adequacy and strength of foundations, concrete, asphalt, or steel. Manage and direct the construction, operations, or maintenance activities at project site. Skills: Critical Thinking Reading Comprehension Active Listening Complex Problem Solving Mathematics Pay and Growth More Information	Average (5% to 8%)	Job Zone 4	$87,940 per year
Compliance Officers Compliance Officers Position Description: Examine, evaluate, and investigate eligibility for or conformity with laws and regulations governing contract compliance of licenses and permits, and perform other compliance and enforcement inspection and analysis activities not classified elsewhere. Projected Growth: Slower than average (2% to 4%) Median Pay: $69,180 per year Preparation: Job Zone 4 Position Duties: Maintain documentation of compliance activities, such as complaints received or investigation outcomes. File appropriate compliance reports with regulatory agencies. Conduct or direct the internal investigation of compliance issues. Identify compliance issues that require follow-up or investigation. Report violations of compliance or regulatory standards to duly authorized enforcement agencies as appropriate or required. Skills: Critical Thinking Reading Comprehension Active Listening Monitoring Coordination Pay and Growth More Information	Slower than average (2% to 4%)	Job Zone 4	$69,180 per year
Construction Managers Construction Managers Position Description: Plan, direct, or coordinate, usually through subordinate supervisory personnel, activities concerned with the construction and maintenance of structures, facilities, and systems. Participate in the conceptual development of a construction project and oversee its organization, scheduling, budgeting, and implementation. Includes managers in specialized construction fields, such as carpentry or plumbing. Projected Growth: Average (5% to 8%) Median Pay: $97,510 per year Preparation: Job Zone 4 Position Duties: Confer with supervisory personnel, owners, contractors, or design professionals to discuss and resolve matters, such as work procedures, complaints, or construction problems. Plan, schedule, or coordinate construction project activities to meet deadlines. Prepare and submit budget estimates, progress reports, or cost tracking reports. Inspect or review projects to monitor compliance with building and safety codes, or other regulations. Inspect or review projects to monitor compliance with environmental regulations. Skills: Active Listening Critical Thinking Speaking Complex Problem Solving Coordination Pay and Growth More Information	Average (5% to 8%)	Job Zone 4	$97,510 per year
Environmental Engineers Environmental Engineers Position Description: Research, design, plan, or perform engineering duties in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental hazards using various engineering disciplines. Work may include waste treatment, site remediation, or pollution control technology. Projected Growth: Faster than average (9% to 13%) Median Pay: $88,040 per year Preparation: Job Zone 5 Position Duties: Design or supervise the design of systems, processes, or equipment for control, management, or remediation of water, air, or soil quality. Advise corporations or government agencies of procedures to follow in cleaning up contaminated sites to protect people and the environment. Collaborate with environmental scientists, planners, hazardous waste technicians, engineers, experts in law or business, or other specialists to address environmental problems. Obtain, update, or maintain plans, permits, or standard operating procedures. Serve as liaison with federal, state, or local agencies or officials on issues pertaining to solid or hazardous waste program requirements. Skills: Reading Comprehension Critical Thinking Active Learning Active Listening Complex Problem Solving Pay and Growth More Information	Faster than average (9% to 13%)	Job Zone 5	$88,040 per year
Highway Maintenance Workers Highway Maintenance Workers Position Description: Maintain highways, municipal and rural roads, airport runways, and rights-of-way. Duties include patching broken or eroded pavement, repairing guard rails, highway markers, and snow fences. May also mow or clear brush from along road or plow snow from roadway. Projected Growth: Average (5% to 8%) Median Pay: $38,200 per year Preparation: Job Zone 2 Position Duties: Flag motorists to warn them of obstacles or repair work ahead. Set out signs and cones around work areas to divert traffic. Perform preventative maintenance on vehicles and heavy equipment. Drive heavy equipment and vehicles with adjustable attachments to sweep debris from paved surfaces, mow grass and weeds, remove snow and ice, and spread salt and sand. Drive trucks to transport crews and equipment to work sites. Skills: Operation and Control Operation Monitoring Active Listening Equipment Maintenance Monitoring Pay and Growth More Information	Average (5% to 8%)	Job Zone 2	$38,200 per year
Hydroelectric Plant Technicians Hydroelectric Plant Technicians Position Description: Monitor and control activities associated with hydropower generation. Operate plant equipment, such as turbines, pumps, valves, gates, fans, electric control boards, and battery banks. Monitor equipment operation and performance and make necessary adjustments to ensure optimal performance. Perform equipment maintenance and repair as necessary. Projected Growth: Little or no change (-1% to 1%) Median Pay: $55,530 per year Preparation: Job Zone 3 Position Duties: Identify or address malfunctions of hydroelectric plant operational equipment, such as generators, transformers, or turbines. Monitor hydroelectric power plant equipment operation and performance, adjusting to performance specifications, as necessary. Start, adjust, or stop generating units, operating valves, gates, or auxiliary equipment in hydroelectric power generating plants. Communicate status of hydroelectric operating equipment to dispatchers or supervisors. Implement load or switching orders in hydroelectric plants, in accordance with specifications or instructions. Skills: Operation Monitoring Critical Thinking Operation and Control Equipment Maintenance Monitoring Pay and Growth More Information	Little or no change (-1% to 1%)	Job Zone 3	$55,530 per year
Hydroelectric Production Managers Hydroelectric Production Managers Position Description: Manage operations at hydroelectric power generation facilities. Maintain and monitor hydroelectric plant equipment for efficient and safe plant operations. Projected Growth: Decline (-2% or lower) Median Pay: $103,720 per year Preparation: Job Zone 3 Position Duties: Direct operations, maintenance, or repair of hydroelectric power facilities. Supervise or monitor hydroelectric facility operations to ensure that generation or mechanical equipment conform to applicable regulations or standards. Check hydroelectric operations for compliance with prescribed operating limits, such as loads, voltages, temperatures, lines, or equipment. Create or enforce hydrostation voltage schedules. Develop or review budgets, annual plans, power contracts, power rates, standing operating procedures, power reviews, or engineering studies. Skills: Active Listening Speaking Judgment and Decision Making Monitoring Reading Comprehension Pay and Growth More Information	Decline (-2% or lower)	Job Zone 3	$103,720 per year
Manufacturing Production Technicians Manufacturing Production Technicians Position Description: Set up, test, and adjust manufacturing machinery or equipment, using any combination of electrical, electronic, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or computer technologies. Projected Growth: Little or no change (-1% to 1%) Median Pay: $62,820 per year Preparation: Job Zone 3 Position Duties: Adhere to all applicable regulations, policies, and procedures for health, safety, and environmental compliance. Inspect finished products for quality and adherence to customer specifications. Set up and operate production equipment in accordance with current good manufacturing practices and standard operating procedures. Calibrate or adjust equipment to ensure quality production, using tools such as calipers, micrometers, height gauges, protractors, or ring gauges. Set up and verify the functionality of safety equipment. Skills: Operation Monitoring Critical Thinking Reading Comprehension Active Listening Equipment Maintenance Pay and Growth More Information	Little or no change (-1% to 1%)	Job Zone 3	$62,820 per year
Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers Position Description: Conduct sub-surface surveys to identify the characteristics of potential land or mining development sites. May specify the ground support systems, processes and equipment for safe, economical, and environmentally sound extraction or underground construction activities. May inspect areas for unsafe geological conditions, equipment, and working conditions. May design, implement, and coordinate mine safety programs. Projected Growth: Average (5% to 8%) Median Pay: $107,880 per year Preparation: Job Zone 4 Position Duties: Select locations and plan underground or surface mining operations, specifying processes, labor usage, and equipment that will result in safe, economical, and environmentally sound extraction of minerals and ores. Design, implement, and monitor the development of mines, facilities, systems, or equipment. Inspect mining areas for unsafe structures, equipment, and working conditions. Examine maps, deposits, drilling locations, or mines to determine the location, size, accessibility, contents, value, and potential profitability of mineral, oil, and gas deposits. Select or develop mineral location, extraction, and production methods, based on factors such as safety, cost, and deposit characteristics. Skills: Critical Thinking Complex Problem Solving Judgment and Decision Making Reading Comprehension Speaking Pay and Growth More Information	Average (5% to 8%)	Job Zone 4	$107,880 per year
Structural Iron and Steel Workers Structural Iron and Steel Workers Position Description: Raise, place, and unite iron or steel girders, columns, and other structural members to form completed structures or structural frameworks. May erect metal storage tanks and assemble prefabricated metal buildings. Projected Growth: Much faster than average (14% or higher) Median Pay: $54,750 per year Preparation: Job Zone 2 Position Duties: Read specifications or blueprints to determine the locations, quantities, or sizes of materials required. Connect columns, beams, and girders with bolts, following blueprints and instructions from supervisors. Bolt aligned structural steel members in position for permanent riveting, bolting, or welding into place. Fasten structural steel members to hoist cables, using chains, cables, or rope. Hoist steel beams, girders, or columns into place, using cranes or signaling hoisting equipment operators to lift and position structural steel members. Skills: Coordination Operation and Control Operation Monitoring Active Listening Critical Thinking Pay and Growth More Information	Much faster than average (14% or higher)	Job Zone 2	$54,750 per year
Technical Writers Technical Writers Position Description: Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work. Projected Growth: Average (5% to 8%) Median Pay: $73,350 per year Preparation: Job Zone 4 Position Duties: Organize material and complete writing assignment according to set standards regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology. Maintain records and files of work and revisions. Edit, standardize, or make changes to material prepared by other writers or establishment personnel. Select photographs, drawings, sketches, diagrams, and charts to illustrate material. Interview production and engineering personnel and read journals and other material to become familiar with product technologies and production methods. Skills: Writing Reading Comprehension Active Listening Speaking Critical Thinking Pay and Growth More Information	Average (5% to 8%)	Job Zone 4	$73,350 per year
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists Telecommunications Engineering Specialists Position Description: Design or configure voice, video, and data communications systems. Supervise installation and post-installation service and maintenance. Projected Growth: Faster than average (9% to 13%) Median Pay: $103,100 per year Preparation: Job Zone 3 Position Duties: Communicate with telecommunications vendors to obtain pricing and technical specifications for available hardware, software, or services. Keep abreast of changes in industry practices and emerging telecommunications technology by reviewing current literature, talking with colleagues, participating in educational programs, attending meetings or workshops, or participating in professional organizations or conferences. Implement or perform preventive maintenance, backup, or recovery procedures. Consult with users, administrators, and engineers to identify business and technical requirements for proposed system modifications or technology purchases. Assess existing facilities' needs for new or modified telecommunications systems. Skills: Active Listening Critical Thinking Reading Comprehension Active Learning Speaking Pay and Growth More Information	Faster than average (9% to 13%)	Job Zone 3	$103,100 per year
Traffic Technicians Traffic Technicians Position Description: Conduct field studies to determine traffic volume, speed, effectiveness of signals, adequacy of lighting, and other factors influencing traffic conditions, under direction of traffic engineer. Projected Growth: Little or no change (-1% to 1%) Median Pay: $47,660 per year Preparation: Job Zone 3 Position Duties: Interact with the public to answer traffic-related questions, respond to complaints or requests, or discuss traffic control ordinances, plans, policies, or procedures. Prepare drawings of proposed signal installations or other control devices, using drafting instruments or computer-automated drafting equipment. Provide technical supervision regarding traffic control devices to other traffic technicians or laborers. Analyze data related to traffic flow, accident rates, or proposed development to determine the most efficient methods to expedite traffic flow. Plan, design, and improve components of traffic control systems to accommodate current or projected traffic and to increase usability and efficiency. Skills: Active Listening Critical Thinking Speaking Complex Problem Solving Coordination Pay and Growth More Information	Little or no change (-1% to 1%)	Job Zone 3	$47,660 per year
Transportation Engineers Transportation Engineers Position Description: Develop plans for surface transportation projects, according to established engineering standards and state or federal construction policy. Prepare designs, specifications, or estimates for transportation facilities. Plan modifications of existing streets, highways, or freeways to improve traffic flow. Projected Growth: Average (5% to 8%) Median Pay: $87,940 per year Preparation: Job Zone 4 Position Duties: Design or prepare plans for new transportation systems or parts of systems, such as airports, commuter trains, highways, streets, bridges, drainage structures, or roadway lighting. Investigate traffic problems and recommend methods to improve traffic flow or safety. Check construction plans, design calculations, or cost estimations to ensure completeness, accuracy, or conformity to engineering standards or practices. Prepare administrative, technical, or statistical reports on traffic-operation matters, such as accidents, safety measures, or pedestrian volume or practices. Prepare project budgets, schedules, or specifications for labor or materials. Skills: Complex Problem Solving Critical Thinking Speaking Judgment and Decision Making Reading Comprehension Pay and Growth More Information	Average (5% to 8%)	Job Zone 4	$87,940 per year
Urban and Regional Planners Urban and Regional Planners Position Description: Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas. Projected Growth: Average (5% to 8%) Median Pay: $70,680 per year Preparation: Job Zone 5 Position Duties: Hold public meetings with government officials, social scientists, lawyers, developers, the public, or special interest groups to formulate, develop, or address issues regarding land use or community plans. Design, promote, or administer government plans or policies affecting land use, zoning, public utilities, community facilities, housing, or transportation. Advise planning officials on project feasibility, cost-effectiveness, regulatory conformance, or possible alternatives. Recommend approval, denial, or conditional approval of proposals. Discuss with planning officials the purpose of land use projects, such as transportation, conservation, residential, commercial, industrial, or community use. Skills: Active Listening Reading Comprehension Critical Thinking Judgment and Decision Making Speaking Pay and Growth More Information	Average (5% to 8%)	Job Zone 5	$70,680 per year
Water Resource Specialists Water Resource Specialists Position Description: Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues. Projected Growth: Slower than average (2% to 4%) Median Pay: $136,570 per year Preparation: Job Zone 4 Position Duties: Perform hydrologic, hydraulic, or water quality modeling. Conduct, or oversee the conduct of, investigations on matters such as water storage, wastewater discharge, pollutants, permits, or other compliance and regulatory issues. Develop plans to protect watershed health or rehabilitate watersheds. Develop strategies for watershed operations to meet water supply and conservation goals or to ensure regulatory compliance with clean water laws or regulations. Identify and characterize specific causes or sources of water pollution. Skills: Reading Comprehension Active Listening Complex Problem Solving Systems Analysis Critical Thinking Pay and Growth More Information	Slower than average (2% to 4%)	Job Zone 4	$136,570 per year
Water/Wastewater Engineers Water/Wastewater Engineers Position Description: Design or oversee projects involving provision of potable water, disposal of wastewater and sewage, or prevention of flood-related damage. Prepare environmental documentation for water resources, regulatory program compliance, data management and analysis, and field work. Perform hydraulic modeling and pipeline design. Projected Growth: Faster than average (9% to 13%) Median Pay: $88,040 per year Preparation: Job Zone 4 Position Duties: Provide technical direction or supervision to junior engineers, engineering or computer-aided design (CAD) technicians, or other technical personnel. Conduct feasibility studies for the construction of facilities, such as water supply systems, run-off collection networks, water and wastewater treatment plants, or wastewater collection systems. Design pumping systems, pumping stations, pipelines, force mains, or sewers for the collection of wastewater. Design domestic or industrial water or wastewater treatment plants, including advanced facilities with sequencing batch reactors (SBR), membranes, lift stations, headworks, surge overflow basins, ultraviolet disinfection systems, aerobic digesters, sludge lagoons, or control buildings. Analyze storm water or floodplain drainage systems to control erosion, stabilize river banks, repair channel streams, or design bridges. Skills: Complex Problem Solving Critical Thinking Mathematics Active Listening Judgment and Decision Making Pay and Growth More Information	Faster than average (9% to 13%)	Job Zone 4	$88,040 per year

College of Engineering

Civil Engineering