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Civil Works Administration Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Halff

Director - Public Works

Houston, TX

This position will entail the design and management of civil engineering projects and related ... Manage project administration and supervision * Work in a collaborative team environment with ...

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$38K

$82.7K

$123K

How much do civil works administration jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for civil works administration in the United States is $82,674.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some examples of civil works administration?

Civil Works Administration (CWA) projects included constructing roads, bridges, schools, and public buildings to improve infrastructure and create jobs during the Great Depression. These projects often involved manual labor, heavy equipment, and coordination with local governments to enhance community facilities and transportation networks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Civil Works Administration, and why are they important?

To excel in Civil Works Administration, a strong background in project management, civil engineering principles, and public works regulations is essential, typically supported by a degree in civil engineering or construction management. Familiarity with project management software, GIS tools, and compliance systems is often required. Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills help coordinate teams and liaise with stakeholders effectively. These abilities ensure efficient project delivery, regulatory compliance, and the successful management of large-scale civil infrastructure projects.

What is the difference between Civil Works Administration vs Civil Engineer?

AspectCivil Works AdministrationCivil Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or equivalent; some positions may need technical trainingBachelor's degree in civil engineering or related field; licensure often required
Work EnvironmentField sites, construction areas, government projectsDesign offices, construction sites, project planning environments
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily government agencies during the New Deal era; modern usage is limitedEngineering firms, construction companies, government agencies

The Civil Works Administration was a short-term government program focused on infrastructure projects, often employing laborers with minimal formal education. Civil Engineers, on the other hand, are licensed professionals responsible for designing, planning, and overseeing infrastructure projects. While both roles are involved in construction and public works, Civil Engineers require formal education and licensure, whereas Civil Works Administration roles historically did not.

What are some common challenges faced when managing large-scale civil works projects within an administrative role?

In a civil works administration role, managing large-scale projects often involves balancing tight deadlines, budget constraints, and regulatory compliance. Coordinating between contractors, engineers, government agencies, and local communities can be complex, requiring strong communication and organizational skills. Administrators must also anticipate and address unexpected issues, such as weather delays or changes in project scope, to keep projects on track. Developing effective project management strategies and maintaining detailed documentation are crucial for success in this dynamic environment.

Does the public works administration still exist?

The Civil Works Administration was a New Deal agency created in 1933 to provide temporary jobs during the Great Depression and was disbanded in 1934. It no longer exists, but its functions were later absorbed into other government agencies involved in public works and infrastructure projects.

What kind of jobs did the Works Progress Administration create?

The Civil Works Administration created jobs primarily in public works projects such as building roads, bridges, schools, and airports. These jobs aimed to improve infrastructure and provide employment during the Great Depression, often requiring skills in construction, carpentry, and engineering. The program focused on short-term employment to stimulate economic recovery.

What is the Civil Works Administration?

The Civil Works Administration (CWA) was a short-term U.S. government agency established in 1933 as part of the New Deal. Its primary purpose was to create jobs for millions of unemployed workers during the Great Depression by funding and organizing public works projects such as building roads, schools, and other infrastructure. The CWA provided much-needed relief by offering immediate employment, helping to boost the economy and improve public facilities. Although it was discontinued in 1934, its projects laid the groundwork for future public works programs.

What does the Civil Works Administration do?

The Civil Works Administration was a short-term New Deal program that employed workers on public projects such as roads, bridges, and public buildings. It provided temporary jobs to alleviate unemployment during the Great Depression and involved skills in construction, project management, and public infrastructure development.
More about Civil Works Administration jobs
What states have the most Civil Works Administration jobs? States with the most job openings for Civil Works Administration jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Civil Works Administration jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Civil Works Administration jobs are:
Civil Works Administration jobs near you
Civil Engineer - Municipal/Public Works

Civil Engineer - Municipal/Public Works

Davis Bowen Friedel

Milford, DE

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Overview

At Davis, Bowen & Friedel, Inc. (DBF), we value community minded individuals. Our Civil Engineers design, enhance, maintain and protect the communities we work, live, and play in. From the water you drink to the navigable waters that define our communities; you'll find the hard work and dedication of an engineer. Our mission is to improve the quality of life in our communities by creating value through problem-solving and design.

In this role, we are looking for an individual who can perform municipal engineering duties in planning, designing, and overseeing construction of public infrastructure projects; one who will take pride in the work they perform to improve the local landscape. The ideal candidate must have knowledge in stormwater, water, wastewater, roadway design, and project management.

DBF's portfolio includes projects of a wide variety, so if you are looking to expand your repertoire and improve your abilities, this position is the perfect fit for you. We also offer opportunities for promotion if you meet our needs. This is an in-person position only. No hybrid or remote work is available at this time.


Responsibilities

  • Utilize design software, computer aided drafting, and other applicable tools to plan, design, and permit municipal/public works projects such as water infrastructure (including but not limited to supply, treatment, distribution, and storage), sanitary sewer infrastructure (including but not limited to collection, conveyance, treatment, and disposal), roadway and streetscape improvements, drainage studies, and stormwater conveyance/management.
  • Assist local municipalities with plan reviews, project planning, and associated coordination with regulatory agencies.
  • Prepare funding applications, reports, studies, and grants related to municipal/public works projects.
  • Perform construction administration duties for municipal/public works projects including but not limited to procurement and submittal, pay requisition, and construction change order reviews and recommendations as well as funding disbursement requests.
  • Attend municipal meetings and public hearings as necessary.
  • Coordinate permitting with local agencies.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned and necessary for successful completion of municipal/public works projects.


Education & Skills

The preferred candidate would possess a four (4) year degree in civil engineering. A minimum of four (4) years of related experience, proficiency in AutoCAD, and the demonstrated ability to market and work with municipalities and regulatory agencies is expected. The preferred candidate shall possess a professional engineering license in the state of Maryland or Delaware or have the ability to obtain licensure within 12 months of employment.


Key Qualifications

The preferred candidate should be:

  • Detail Oriented- Ability to exercise attention to detail.
  • Client Focused- Ability to respond to client needs in a timely manner.
  • An Effective Communicator- Ability to clearly communicate ideas, actively listen, and ask appropriate questions.
  • A Critical Thinker- Ability to problem solve, make good decisions, and adapt to a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

We attract the best in the industry with our competitive benefits package. Benefits include:

  • Medical, dental and vision insurance
  • Life and disability insurance
  • 401(k) plan with company match
  • Annual paid time off (PTO)
  • Paid holidays
  • Flexible summer hours
  • Education Assistance and professional licensing reimbursement
  • Flexible savings account
  • Bonus pay

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