While a junior civil engineer’s duties can vary between projects, most of the postings that we analyzed shared several core responsibilities:

Prepare Blueprints and Specifications

Junior civil engineers prepare blueprints and specification sheets for entire projects or smaller components of large-scale undertakings. They may use computer-assisted drafting programs to create dimensional drawings for project elements or assemble material specification documents for contractors. Junior civil engineers may also review plans and blueprints prepared by other team members before they are submitted to the supervising engineer for final approval.

Manage Project Workflow

Many junior civil engineers oversee the progress of project elements. This can include visiting sites to take measurements or resolving contractor delays on behalf of the senior civil engineer. A junior civil engineer frequently serves as a liaison between the engineering team and construction workers. In some cases, junior civil engineers work closely with the lead engineer to develop project schedules and deliverable timelines.

Develop Cost Estimates

Lead civil engineers may rely on junior civil engineers to provide budget oversight and develop cost estimates for materials and personnel based on documents and project plans. In some cases, junior civil engineers may work with the lead engineer to review bids and examine supplier costs to determine the best prices for project materials and personnel, with the junior civil engineer making recommendations to project leaders about vendors and suppliers.