Transport and traffic engineers design, test and improve systems and structures used to move both people and freight. They plan the future travel needs of city and country areas as populations increase and needs change, investigate alternative transport technologies, and seek to maximise the safety and efficiency of existing transportation systems. Geotechnical engineers provide information and knowledge on how the soil and rocks beneath a proposed structure will behave under pressure. They may spend a large amount of time outdoors inspecting sites, collecting samples and testing ground areas. Geotechnical engineers advise on foundation design, support structures, stability of slopes, tunnel design and construction and the suitability of materials for use in infrastructure projects.
Civil engineers perform an enormous range of tasks within highly diversified industries.
Employment opportunities exist with private industry, local, state and federal government projects, construction and mining firms, marina and resort developments, property and land developers and with consulting engineering firms. Civil engineering offers opportunities in planning, research, design, project management, sales and marketing, construction, and maintenance in many specialised fields. These changes create unique challenges and increased demand for civil engineers of every speciality. Employment opportunities in civil engineering are growing as governments around the world recognise the importance of investment in the creation and maintenance of the basic infrastructure of society. The Bachelor of Engineering in the field of Civil Engineering is a four year degree if taken full time, or up to eight years if taken part time.