Photo credit, press conference on cover: Rich Johnston, Nevada Department of Transportation.

ASCE Guidelines for

Engineering
Grades
A Helpful Tool for Human
Resource Professionals,
Engineering Managers,
and Engineers

American Society of Civil Engineers

1801 Alexander Bell Drive
Reston, VA 20191-4400
(800) 548-2723

the salary their abilities deserve. To register and get pricing

information, visit www.asce.org/salaries.

For more information, visit www.asce.org/institute.

groups (www.asce.org/youngermember).

the survey represents the most accurate compensation

information for all engineering professions in the United
States.
yers build
etaining
cess current

or their
elds
e, level of

for

eer, the
te

are the ofcial magazine and newspaper of the

American Society of Civil Engineers. Both are
received monthly by more than 90,000 members
of ASCE. The staggered issue dates of Civil
Engineering (mails the 1st) and ASCE News (mails
the 15th) provide a 24/year frequency for timely ad
placement and response. For pricing information,
contact [email protected].

ASCE Career Connections

ASCEs Career Connections
(http://careers.asce.org) is the
premier electronic recruitment resource
for the civil engineering industry. The career Web site averages
more than 600 unique job postings, 15,000 unique visitors, and
200,000 page views per month. Employers are able to post jobs in
real-time format, search the database of more than 3,000 resumes,
track online activity, and receive automatic notication of new
prospects. Contact [email protected] for additional information
and pricing.

or construction? This brochure provides paths to achieve a position in the

organization of your choice.

Mentoring Guide for Employers, Mentors and Protgs

Prepared by members of the ASCE Committee on Professional Practices
Committee on Career Development, these mentoring guidelines provide
an overview of ways to implement a mentoring program, benets to both
engineers and employers, and roles and responsibilities. Visit www.asce.
org/mentoring for more information.
For more information or to download PDFs of the above brochures, visit
www.asce.org/professional/careers.

Live Face-to-Face Seminarsmore than 275 in-depth

seminars held each year throughout the United States
covering a wide range of technical and management topics.
Live Web Seminarsmore than 125 low-cost seminars
delivered live over the Web each year on technical and
management topics.
On-Site Trainingconvenient, customized training held at your
organization to meet the objectives of your organization and
your staff.
Distance Learningmore than 150 courses available online, on
CD, on DVD/videotape, and on audiotape.
PE and FE Exam Review Coursesavailable live on the Web,
online, and on CDwith written study guides also available.

Professional Development through ASCE Institutes

The ASCE Institutes work to advance the knowledge
and practice of specic civil engineering specialties by
focusing on technical, educational, and professional
issues. Membership in one of ASCEs Institutes brings
you together with other professionals within your specialty
and provides you with a variety of additional resources.
For more information, visit www.asce.org/institute.

Visit www.asce.org/training for complete information on

ASCEs continuing education offerings.

Participate in Local ASCE Groups

Network and advance your career by participating in ASCE
Sections or Branches (www.asce.org/local) or Younger Member
groups (www.asce.org/youngermember).

American Society of Civil Engineers

1801 Alexander Bell Drive
Reston, VA 20191-4400
(800) 548-2723
5+ Years with P.E. = Member

Go to www.asce.org/fellows or call for more

10+ Years with P.E. + Member Grade +

Eminence = Fellow

information on upgrading to Fellow grade.

Find out about business opportunities for

your organization.

Go to www.asce.org/orgresources.

Join your ASCE Section or Branch

or learn more about them.

Go to www.asce.org/renewal, www.asce.org/local,
e-mail [email protected], or call.

Join an ASCE Institute in your specialty

or learn more about them.

Go to www.asce.org/addinstitute,
www.asce.org/institute,
e-mail [email protected], or call.

Participate in K12 outreach programs.

Go to www.asce.org/kids,
e-mail [email protected], or call.

Learn about upcoming ASCE

conferences and other events in your area.

Go to www.asce.org/conferences,
e-mail [email protected], or call.

Find out how ASCEs continuing

education programs can enhance
your technical and management skills.

Go to www.asce.org/training,
e-mail [email protected], or call.

Stay connected with ASCEs online

directory, Member Connections.

Go to www.asce.org/directory.

Request a catalog and browse ASCE

journals or other publications to stay at
the leading edge of your profession.

Go to www.asce.org/publications,
e-mail [email protected], or call.

Get involved in the political process.

Go to www.asce.org/govrel,
e-mail [email protected], or call.

Nominate a deserving colleague for

an ASCE award.

Go to www.asce.org/awards,
e-mail [email protected], or call.

Photo credit, press conference on cover: Rich Johnston, Nevada Department of Transportation.

venue for researchers

sociated with
. The journal publishes
es, and discussions
ontract
ofessional
esources,
vation management,
trategic planning, conict
tion, networking, team
e.
actice, examines
he
ough news,
and short articles
oles and industry
work, communications,
oring,
elopment, budgeting,
anch,

Recent Graduate/Engineer-in-Training =
Afliate Member or Associate Member

If You Want To...

Heres How...

Join ASCE.

Go to www.asce.org/join or call.

Renew your membership.

Go to www.asce.org/renewal or call.

Update your contact information, business title,

and communication preferences.

Go to www.asce.org/myprole or call.

Tailor your membership to your area of

expertise and interest.

Go to www.asce.org/interests or call.

Advance your membership grade and

gain the professional recognition youve earned:

Go to www.asce.org/advancemembership
or call.

To take advantage of these and other

membership services, or to get more
information, call (800) 548-ASCE (2723) or
(703) 295-6300.

re

Quick Guide to ASCE Resources

ASCE Career Development Publications www.asce.org/bookstore

Guide to Hiring and Retaining Great Civil Engineers
(ASCE Manuals and Reports on Engineering Practice No. 103)

Professional Communications:
A Handbook for Civil Engineers

The need for civil engineers has outstripped supply, and it

has become increasingly difcult for rms to recruit and
retain civil engineersparticularly the best ones. Written by
members of ASCEs Committee on the Employment of Civil
Engineers (CECE) with many years of experience in both
the public and private sectors, this manual also provides
valuable contributions from specialists in the human
resources eld. Edited by Robert J. Russell Published 2003
ISBN 978-0-7844-0627-4 Stock # 40627 List $29.00 /
Members $21.75.

This handbook provides practical,

comprehensive advice on best practices
for developing a wide array of documents,
posters, and oral presentationsalong with
how-to guides on editorial conventions,
editing and proofreading, and writing style.
By Heather Silyn-Roberts Published 2004
ASCE Press ISBN 978-0-7844-0732-5
Stock # 40732 List $39.00 / Members $29.25.

Managing and Leading: 52 Lessons Learned for Engineers

Get useful ideas on how engineers can more effectively
approach the nontechnical or soft-side aspects of working
with colleagues, clients, customers, the public, and other
stakeholders. Each of the 52 quick essays, peppered with
humorous lessons learned, offers an idea or principle for
engineers to improve their managing and leading skills.
By Stuart G. Walesh Published 2004 ASCE Press
ISBN 978-0-7844-0675-5 Stock # 40675 List $55.00 /
Members $41.25.

The Lead Dog Has the Best View: Leading Your Project Team to
Success
Project teams must be led rather than just managed to unleash their full
potential, energy, and enthusiasm. This book provides a person-centered,
results-driven approach to project leadership not found elsewhere. Intended to
be a frequently used tool, it is full of practical exercises and checklists that can
be used individually or with a project team to make project work more fullling
on both a professional and personal level. By Gordon Culp and Anne Smith
Published 2005 ASCE Press ISBN 978-0-7844-0757-8 Stock # 40757
List $45.00 / Members $33.75.

Related ASCE Journals

Leadership and Management in Engineering,
a publication of the ASCE Committee on Professional Practice, examines
contemporary issues and principles of leadership and management. The
focus is on understanding and application of these principles through news,
brief and concise leadership and management nuggets, and short articles
of interest to practicing professionals in a variety of roles and industry
segments. Areas of interest include leadership, teamwork, communications,
team building, decision making, partnering, project management, mentoring,
coaching, diversity, professional practice and development, budgeting,
nancial management, productivity management, and department, branch,
and ofce management.
Journal of Management in Engineering offers an avenue for researchers
and practitioners to present contemporary issues associated with
management and leadership for the civil engineer. The journal publishes
peer-reviewed papers, case studies, technical notes, and discussions
of interest to the practice of civil engineering. Topics include contract
and project management, partnering, ofce management, professional
practice and development, nancial management, human resources,
marketing and sales, ethics, technology and innovation management,
information management, continuing education, strategic planning, conict
management, negotiating, risk management, globalization, networking, team
building, communication, mentoring, coaching, and much more.

American Society of Civil Engineers

1801 Alexander Bell Drive
Reston, VA 20191-4400
(800) 548-2723

the salary their abilities deserve. To register and get pricing

information, visit www.asce.org/salaries.

and pricing.

and provides you with a variety of additional resources.

For more information, visit www.asce.org/institute.

Sections or Branches (www.asce.org/local) or Younger Member

groups (www.asce.org/youngermember).

ASCE Eng Guide_FRONT.indd 1

7/10/07 2:48:18 PM

Resources for Hiring Civil Engineers

Career Development Resources

The Engineering Income and Salary Survey

Classified Ads in Civil Engineering Magazine and ASCE News

ASCE collaborates with the National Society of Professional Engineers

to produce The Engineering Income and Salary Survey. Encompassing
35 disciplines and 20,000 engineering professionals,
the survey represents the most accurate compensation
information for all engineering professions in the United
States.

Clearly the best way to reach civil engineers with your classied advertising
is through the two publications that serve civil engineers exclusivelyCivil
Engineering and ASCE News! These publications
are the ofcial magazine and newspaper of the
American Society of Civil Engineers. Both are
received monthly by more than 90,000 members
of ASCE. The staggered issue dates of Civil
Engineering (mails the 1st) and ASCE News (mails
the 15th) provide a 24/year frequency for timely ad
placement and response. For pricing information,
contact [email protected].

Purchase an online subscription to access current

market information before making important
compensation policy decisions.

Photo credit: Rich Johnston, Nevada

Department of Transportation.

Print standard and customized reports for their

geographic region, state, or major city with elds
such as licensure, length of experience, level of
education, and more.

Access 20+ years of historical data on salary trends.

Get real-time updates online at www.asce.org/salaries for
the most accurate, up-to-date survey information.
For individuals seeking to take the next step in their career, the
survey provides critical insights and information to negotiate
the salary their abilities deserve. To register and get pricing
information, visit www.asce.org/salaries.

ASCE Career Connections

ASCEs Career Connections
(http://careers.asce.org) is the
premier electronic recruitment resource
for the civil engineering industry. The career Web site averages
more than 600 unique job postings, 15,000 unique visitors, and
200,000 page views per month. Employers are able to post jobs in
real-time format, search the database of more than 3,000 resumes,
track online activity, and receive automatic notication of new
prospects. Contact [email protected] for additional information
and pricing.

(800) 548-2723

The survey helps civil engineering employers build

a compensation strategy for hiring and retaining
extraordinary employees. Employers and engineers can:

Do you ever w
ofcer of a company...
director for a city or co
or construction? This br
organization of y

Prepared by
Committee on Car
an overview of ways to
engineers and employ
org/mentoring for mor
For more informa
www.asce.org/profes

The ASCE Institutes w

and practice of speci
focusing on t
is
you t
and provides y
For more informa

ASCE Eng Guide_FRONT.indd 1

7/10/07 2:48:18 PM

Career Development Resources

The Engineering Income and Salary Survey

Classified Ads in Civil Engineering Magazine and ASCE News

Career Paths In Civil Engineering

ASCE collaborates with the National Society of Professional Engineers

to produce The Engineering Income and Salary Survey. Encompassing
35 disciplines and 20,000 engineering professionals,
the survey represents the most accurate compensation
information for all engineering professions in the United

Clearly the best way to reach civil engineers with your classied advertising
is through the two publications that serve civil engineers exclusivelyCivil
Engineering and ASCE News! These publications
are the ofcial magazine and newspaper of the
American Society of Civil Engineers. Both are

Do you ever wonder what path you would follow to become the chief executive
ofcer of a company...or what steps you might take to become the public works
director for a city or county? How about a career in education, industry,
or construction? This brochure provides paths to achieve a position in the
organization of your choice.

Mentoring Guide for Employers, Mentors and Protgs

Prepared by members of the ASCE Committee on Professional Practices
Committee on Career Development, these mentoring guidelines provide
an overview of ways to implement a mentoring program, benets to both
engineers and employers, and roles and responsibilities. Visit www.asce.
org/mentoring for more information.
For more information or to download PDFs of the above brochures, visit
www.asce.org/professional/careers.

verages
ors, and
post jobs in
esumes,
w
ormation

Continuing Education
ASCE provides top-quality, state-of-the-practice continuing education
to civil engineers and related professionals.
Live Face-to-Face Seminarsmore than 275 in-depth
seminars held each year throughout the United States
covering a wide range of technical and management topics.
Live Web Seminarsmore than 125 low-cost seminars
delivered live over the Web each year on technical and
management topics.
On-Site Trainingconvenient, customized training held at your
organization to meet the objectives of your organization and
your staff.
Distance Learningmore than 150 courses available online, on
CD, on DVD/videotape, and on audiotape.
PE and FE Exam Review Coursesavailable live on the Web,
online, and on CDwith written study guides also available.

Professional Development through ASCE Institutes

The ASCE Institutes work to advance the knowledge
and practice of specic civil engineering specialties by
focusing on technical, educational, and professional
issues. Membership in one of ASCEs Institutes brings
you together with other professionals within your specialty
and provides you with a variety of additional resources.
For more information, visit www.asce.org/institute.

Visit www.asce.org/training for complete information on

ASCEs continuing education offerings.

Participate in Local ASCE Groups

Network and advance your career by participating in ASCE
Sections or Branches (www.asce.org/local) or Younger Member
groups (www.asce.org/youngermember).

American Society of Civil Engineers

1801 Alexander Bell Drive
Reston, VA 20191-4400

ASCE Guidelines for

ASCEs Guidelines for Engineering Grades were created to

Engineering
Grades
Grade I

General Characteristics

Acquires limited knowledge and

develops basic skills.
Applies prescribed techniques and
procedures in accordance with
established criteria to perform assigned
tasks.
Performs routine technical work which
does not require previous experience.
Acquires an understanding of
professional and ethical responsibilities.

Technical
Responsibilities

Collects data and gathers information

or documents.
Performs standard computations or
analysis.
Prepares drawings and visual aids.
Observes construction activities.
Performs basic survey work.

Managerial
Responsibilities

Direction Received

help engineers and their employers recognize an engineers level of

professional development and career advancement. The guidelines
outline the knowledge, skills, and responsibilities associated with
engineers at each grade.
The descriptions cover typical requirements for a wide range of
engineering organizations and positions. In addition, many organizations
do not offer the full array of grades listed. In applying the guidelines,
keep the following in mind:
These descriptions should be considered as typical characteristics of
an engineer at a particular grade, rather than minimum requirements.

Grade II
Acquires basic knowledge and develops
skills in a specific practice area.
Applies standard techniques,
procedures, and criteria to perform
assigned tasks as part of a broader
assignment.
Exercises limited judgment on details
of work and in application of standard
methods for conventional work.

Performs basic design tasks.

Assists on other tasks such as:
preparation of permit applications,
material testing, drawings, and
computer-aided design (CAD) work.

Grade III
Develops broad knowledge and skills in a
specific practice area.
Evaluates, selects, and applies standard
techniques, procedures, and criteria to perform
a task or sequence of tasks for conventional
projects with few complex features.
Collaboratively uses judgment to determine
adaptations in methods for nonroutine aspects
of assignments.
Works on small projects or portions of larger
projects.

Performs moderate design tasks.

Prepares portions of project documents.
Edits specifications.
Performs research and investigations.

No managerial responsibilities at this

level.

Assigns tasks to and coordinates with

technicians or administrative staff.

Assigns tasks to and coordinates work

with entry-level engineers, technicians, or
administrative staff.
Assists in determining schedule and budget
requirements.

Receives close supervision on all

aspects of assignments.

Receives close supervision on unusual

or difficult problems, and general
review of all aspects of work.

Receives instruction on specific objectives.

Receives direction on unconventional and/or
complex problems, and possible solutions.
Receives a thorough review of completed work
for application of sound professional judgment.

Possesses effective oral and written

communication skills.
Assists with client, customer, or official contacts
and communication pertaining to specific
assignments or meetings.

Conformance with every item may not be required to achieve a

specic grade.
The grade descriptions include language applicable to both technical
and management career paths.
In general, compensation and benets increase with higher grades;
however, they are determined by many variables that may not be
included in these guidelines.

Acknowledgments
The ASCE Committee on Professional Practices
Committee on Employment of Civil Engineers
would like to acknowledge and thank the
following organizations and their human
resource departments for their assistance in
revising the engineering grades guideline.
CH2M HILL
Federal Highway Administration
National Society of Professional Engineers
Nevada Department of Transportation
Nevada State Board of Engineers and
Land Surveyors

Additional information can be obtained from ASCEs Manuals and

Reports on Engineering Practice No. 103, Guide to Hiring and Retaining
Great Civil Engineers, and the current ASCE Engineering Income and
Salary Survey.

Grade IV

Grade V

Grade VI

Grade VII

Grade VIII

Applies broad knowledge of principles and

practices in a specific practice area.
Independently evaluates, selects, and adapts
standard techniques, procedures, and criteria.
Acquires general knowledge of principles
and practices of related fields, and ability to
function on multidisciplinary teams.
Works on multiple projects of moderate size or
portions of major projects.

Independently applies extensive and diversified

knowledge of principles and practices in broad
areas of assignments and related fields.
Uses advanced techniques in the modification or
extension of theories and practices of sciences
and disciplines to complete assignments.
Works on a major project or several projects of
moderate scope with complex features.

Applies a thorough knowledge of current principles

and practices of engineering as related to the variety of
aspects affecting his or her organization.
Applies knowledge and expertise acquired through
progressive experience to resolve crucial issues and/or
unique conditions.
Keeps informed of new methods and developments
affecting his or her organization, and recommends new
practices or changes in emphasis of programs.
Works on programs of limited complexity and scope.

Uses creativity, foresight, and mature judgment in

anticipating and solving unprecedented problems.
Makes decisions and recommendations that are
authoritative and have an important impact on
extensive organizational activities.
Sets priorities and reconciles directions from competing
interests.
Works on programs with complex features.

Makes decisions with broad influence on the

activities of his or her organization.
Makes authoritative decisions and
recommendations that are conclusive
and have a far-reaching impact on the
organization.
Demonstrates a high degree of creativity,
foresight, and mature judgment in planning,
organizing, and guiding extensive programs
and activities of major consequence.

Designs a complete project, system,

component, or process.
Prepares complete project documents.
Designs and conducts experiments, and
analyzes and interprets data.
Formulates and solves problems.

Reviews complete project documents for

conformity and quality assurance.
Develops new techniques and/or improved
processes, materials, or products.
Assists upper level management and staff as a
technical specialist or advisor.

Serves as the technical specialist for the organization

in the application of advanced concepts, principles, and
methods in an assigned area.
Keeps informed of new developments and requirements
affecting the organization for the purpose of
recommending changes in programs or applications.
Interprets, organizes, executes, and coordinates
assignments.

Develops standards and guidelines.

Leads the organization in a broad area of specialization
or in a narrow but intensely specialized field.

Performs advisory or consulting work for the

organization for broad program areas or an
intensely specialized area with innovative or
important aspects.

Assigns tasks to and directs engineers,

technicians, and administrative staff.
Plans and coordinates detailed aspects of the
engineering work.
Prepares scopes, budgets, and schedules for
assignments.
Assists with proposals to provide professional
services or obtain funding for engineering
projects or programs.

Supervises all staff necessary to complete

assignments.
Reviews and approves scopes, budgets, and
schedules for assignments.
Prepares proposals to provide professional
services or obtain funding for engineering
projects or programs.

Supervises a staff of engineers and technicians.

Plans, schedules, or coordinates the preparation of
documents or activities for multiple major projects, or is
responsible for an entire program of an organization.
Reviews operational procedures to ensure compliance
with applicable policies and performance measures.

Supervises several organizational segments or teams.

Recommends facilities, personnel, and funds required
to carry out programs.
Oversees the technical, legal, and financial issues of an
entire program.
Determines program objectives and requirements.
Develops standards and guidelines.

Leads an entire program of critical

importance.
Decides the kind and extent of engineering
and related programs needed for
accomplishing the objectives of an
organization.

Receives general direction on key objectives.

Receives guidance when necessary on
unconventional or complex problems, direction
on modified techniques, and new approaches
on assignments with conflicting criteria.

Receives supervision and guidance relating to

overall objectives, critical issues, new concepts,
and policy matters.
Receives direction on unusual conditions and
developments.

Receives administrative supervision with assignments

given in terms of broad general objectives and limits.

Receives administrative supervision with assignments

given in terms of broad general objectives and limits.

Receives general administrative direction from

a board of directors or regional council.

Negotiates critical and controversial issues

with top-level engineers and officers of other
organizations and companies.
Conducts presentations and may participate
in media interviews.
Represents his or her organization at
important functions or conferences, including
media interviews as required.

Interacts with clients, customers, officials,

contractors, and others.
Attends project meetings and presents specific
aspects of engineering assignments.

Possesses advanced oral and written

communication skills.
Represents the organization in communications
and conferences pertaining to broad-aspects of
engineering assignments.

Routinely interacts with clients, customers, officials,

contractors, and others.
Leads project meetings and makes presentations.
Represents the organization and maintains liaison with
individuals and related organizations.

Possesses exceptional oral and written communication

skills.
Routinely interacts with organization leaders, clients,
customers, officials, contractors, and others.
Initiates and maintains extensive contacts with key
engineers and officials, or other organizations and
companies.
Demonstrates skills in persuasion and negotiation of
critical issues.

Communication Skills

Possesses basic oral and written

communication skills.
Interacts with other staff.

Typical Titles

Engineer in Training, Engineering Intern, Assistant Engineer, Junior Engineer, Staff Engineer, Engineering Instructor

Civil Engineer, Associate Engineer,

Project Engineer, Resident Engineer,
Assistant Professor

Senior Engineer, Project Manager, Associate

Professor

Principal Engineer, District Engineer, Engineering Manager,

Professor

Director, Program Manager, City Engineer,

County Engineer, Division Engineer,
Department Head, Vice President

Bureau Engineer, Director of Public Works, Dean,

President

Experience

0+ years

4+ years

8+ years

10+ years

15+ years

20+ years

Education

Bachelors degree in engineering from an ABET/EAC accredited program

Bachelors degree in engineering from an ABET/EAC accredited program, masters degree or equivalent, engaged in life-long learning to maintain knowledge of contemporary issues,
doctorate for faculty

Licensure and
Certication

Engineer in Training, Engineering Intern

Professional Engineer

Professional Activities

Member of professional practice organization

Community Activities
Equivalent Federal
General Schedule

Involved in outreach activities with community service organizations.

GS-5

Interacts with staff, general public,

officials, and contractors.

1+ years

3+ years

Member of professional practice organization, member of local

program or committee

GS-7

Member of professional practice organization,

chair of local program or committee

Professional Engineer, advanced credentials such as specialty certification

Member of professional practice organization, national board member or officer, national technical or policy
committee member

Serves on local planning or policy boards.

Organizes and leads community service programs.

GS-9

GS-11

Member of professional practice organization, national

board member or officer, recognized expert on statewide
activity, resource for national activities and organization

GS-12

GS-13

GS-14

Member of professional practice organization,

recognized expert on national activity or
spokesperson for the profession
Serves on state or national boards.

GS-15, Senior Executive Service (SES)

Revised 2007

ASCE Engineering Guide_Grade.ind1 1

7/9/07 10:58:05 PM