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Soil Engineer

Occupation Information table
Overview: Soil engineers study soils to determine suitability for construction and land development. They make recommendations concerning building heights and loads and write environmental impact statements and reports.
Duties: They study and analyze surface and sub-surface soils to determine what engineering design principles are needed for new construction and development projects.

Inspect proposed construction sites, set up and operate test equipment and drilling machinery to obtain data and soil and rock samples.

Estimate stability of soil and its ability to bear the weights of constructions and vehicles. Make design recommendation for building foundation design, slope angles, grading and heights.

Participate in environmental studies to determine impact of new developments and constructions on soil erosion. They prepare charts and maps of soil areas being studied.
Degree(s): A.S. Engineering Science 
Job Outlook: Employment in this field is projected to grow 5% to 8% percent from 2018 to 2028, which matches the average growth rate for all occupations.
Salary Range (National Average): $38,000 to $43,000
Green: Green Career
Education Level: Typically, a Bachelor’s Degree from a 4-year college (some are 5 years) is required to be considered for this occupation.
Additional Training/Education: A bachelor's degree from an accredited engineering program with a concentration in geology and civil engineering is the typical educational requirement for this occupation. Courses in materials sciences and computer applications are essential. All states require certification by passing a written examination.
Recommended Skills:
  • Identifying the most appropriate equipment and tools needed to get a job done.
  • Weighing out the options in a situation or a problem and logically choosing the best course of action.
  • Analyzing requirements for a new product or service and creating a design to satisfy those needs.
  • Paying attention to what other people are saying, and taking time to understand the points being made.
  • Using mathematics and/or statistics to solve problems.
  • Talking, giving speeches, or speaking in a group to convey information, explain ideas, or give instructions.
  • Using scientific methods to investigate and conduct experiments.
  • Using logic to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • The ability to understand complex written paragraphs, instructions, or reports.
  • Ability to identify a problem, review related information, develop and evaluate options, and implement a solution.
  • Inspecting and testing products or services to assure they meet the desired specifications.
  • Composing and communicating your ideas in written form.
Recommended Values:
  • Being able to decide on how to get something done without significant direction from someone else.
  • Having a level of income that will afford you with luxuries, and which will allow you to become financially independent.
  • Create new ideas, programs, things, or anything else not previously developed by another person.
  • Gaining the respect of others by the nature and/or level of responsibility of your work.
  • Having a job where you can spend a significant amount of time outside.
 

* National data collected by the Department of Labor in 2014 with projections through 2024. For New York green job information .

* For New York salary data information .

* For New York green job information .

Understanding acquiring positions in this field may be enhanced through continuing academic study (i.e. earning a baccalaureate or a master's degree) and/or work experience in the field, Queensborough Community College has established transfer agreements with other institutions for students who wish to further pursue their educational goals. Students are highly encouraged to meet with one of our Career Services to fully understand the opportunities available through study in their degree program.