What Is a Civil Engineer Land Development and How to Become One
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What Does a Land Development Civil Engineer Do?
A land development civil engineer helps plan residential, commercial, industrial, or mixed-use developments. In this role, you determine the feasibility of a development project and assess the land to ensure that it can support the planned development. Once the possibility is established, you design the infrastructure, including streets, utilities, waste management, drainage, and other systems by creating drawings or using modeling software to visualize your plans. You also coordinate with other architects and engineers involved in the project. A civil engineer must ensure that infrastructure plans meet zoning requirements and do not conflict with other municipal regulations.
How to Become a Land Development Civil Engineer
To become a land development civil engineer, you need a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related engineering subject. Some pursue a master's degree in engineering or construction management to become more competitive in the job market. These degree programs teach you how to use computer-aided design and modeling software such as AutoCAD and Civil 3D. Many start their careers are apprentices or in entry-level roles, assisting the primary engineer on large projects. Most employers prefer professional engineers (PEs) who have four or more years of experience and have passed their professional engineering exams.
