Civil engineers

People in this career need a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or in a related engineering discipline. For some jobs, a master's degree or doctorate in a related engineering discipline is also required.

Licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers is required to approve engineering drawings and reports, and to practise as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.). For a Professional Engineer to obtain a licence to work, the person must have graduated from an accredited program in engineering and pass a professional practice examination that covers the law and ethics of the engineering practice in Canada.

Some employers may require people in this job to have Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, which is offered by the Canada Green Building Council.

Civil engineers who are certified for that occupation by a regulator elsewhere in Canada can apply for the same certification from the regulator in B.C. Under the terms of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), most applicants who are transferring their credentials from elsewhere in Canada will not be required to complete additional training or testing. However, the B.C. regulator may ask applicants to provide further information such as a letter of good standing, references, or criminal record check.

For those who trained outside of Canada and never received certification from any Canadian jurisdiction, a full assessment is likely needed. Most occupational regulators have a process for assessment and recognize internationally trained applicants.

Contact the Engineers and Geoscientists B.C. for details on how to apply for certification in B.C.

For information about labour mobility in Canada, visit www.workersmobility.ca.

View a list of Professional Regulatory Authorities in B.C.

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Civil engineers work with people with a diverse range of skills and roles on a project. Good communication skills are needed for project meetings with supervisors, clients, other employees and partners. In addition, civil engineers can be asked to present project reports to clients, government officials or the public, and at conferences.

People with this job must understand the sustainable – or green – elements related to how a project will affect the environment. Project plans need to address sustainability, the impact of the project on the environment and how it will affect the community where it is being built.

People in this career often work with others who have diverse backgrounds and skills sets, experience and knowledge, which can help the civil engineer continue to grow in their career and learn on the job.