The chances of getting work as a civil engineer are good. Civil engineering is a large profession, with nearly 4,000 people in the job, and the number of engineering projects has remained steady despite a recent downturn in the economy.
Demand from employers is greatest for senior-level civil engineers with 10 or more years of experience in design and management. Many people with this level of experience go overseas to take-up better-paying jobs, creating a shortage in New Zealand.
Competition high for entry-level jobs in civil engineering
There are fewer vacancies for junior to intermediate civil engineers, as more people are graduating with civil engineering degrees. However, employers predict that more entry-level opportunities will arise as economic conditions improve and more building and engineering projects are funded.
Demand for transportation and water management specialists on the rise
Central and local government spending on infrastructure and environmental management is increasing. More civil engineers will be needed to work on projects, particularly those with expertise in the following areas:
- road and traffic safety
- bridge projects
- river engineering
- wastewater management.
While the largest number of civil engineers work around Auckland, civil engineering and construction firms are found in most towns and cities in New Zealand. Civil engineers working on large construction projects, such as dams and wind farms, may work in remote areas.
Public sector employers tend to be based in larger towns.
- Auckland (40% of civil engineers)
- Canterbury (13%)
- Wellington (12%)
- Waikato (9%)
- Bay of Plenty (6%).
