Job Description Template: Civil Engineer
Use this template to hire a civil engineer in Switzerland. It outlines the role, technical and soft-skill requirements, and guidance on structuring your offer—including Pensum, canton location, and typical benefits like 13. Monatslohn and holiday entitlements.
A civil engineer job description attracts qualified candidates when it is clear, concrete, and reflects Swiss employment norms. This template helps SMEs without dedicated HR staff write a posting that covers both technical competence and team fit.
Adapt the Pensum (percentage), location (canton/city), and language requirement to match your needs. Most Swiss roles require at least passive German or French; state this explicitly to avoid mismatched applications.
Role Overview & Responsibilities
Begin by naming the role and reporting line. Explain whether the engineer designs, supervises, manages projects, or performs site inspections. Mention key project types: infrastructure, building construction, roads, water systems, or specialist fields like geotechnics or hydraulics.
List 5–8 core responsibilities in order of priority. Include client interaction, documentation, compliance with Swiss standards (SIA), team collaboration, and any site-presence requirements. Specify if the role is field-based, office-based, or mixed.
- Design and plan projects in line with Swiss building codes (SIA standards) and cantonal regulations
- Conduct site surveys, inspections, and technical assessments; document findings clearly
- Manage project timelines, budgets, and stakeholder communication with clients and contractors
- Oversee compliance with environmental, safety, and quality standards (ISO, SUVA requirements)
- Mentor junior engineers or apprentices if applicable
- Liaise with authorities and obtain necessary permits for your canton
Must-Have & Nice-to-Have Requirements
Must-haves include a relevant Swiss diploma (HES, ETH, or recognised equivalent), 2–5 years' experience depending on seniority level, and fluency in the local language (German, French, or Italian—specify which). Professional accreditation (USIC, VSE, or relevant order) may be mandatory.
Nice-to-haves might include software skills (AutoCAD, QGIS, BIM tools), familiarity with your specific sub-sector, a driving licence (especially for field-based roles), and prior experience with small teams or project management. Avoid overloading this section; focus on genuine differentiators.
- HES or ETH engineering diploma (civil, infrastructure, or specialist variant); Swiss-recognised or equivalent qualification with cantonal approval
- 3–5 years' proven experience in design, project management, or site supervision in Switzerland
- Fluent spoken and written [German/French/Italian] (specify your canton's primary language)
- Proficiency with AutoCAD, design software, or BIM platforms (e.g. Revit, Allplan); GIS or structural analysis tools a plus
- Strong communication skills and ability to work with clients, contractors, and cantonal authorities
- Valid Swiss driving licence preferred; willingness to travel within the canton/region
What We Offer
Structure your offer around salary, Pensum, and working conditions. State the gross annual salary or monthly rate in CHF and the Pensum as a percentage (e.g. 80–100%). Name the canton and city explicitly; note whether relocation support is available.
Include statutory and discretionary benefits: 13. Monatslohn (or equivalent bonus), holiday (minimum 20 days, often 25 for SMEs), pension (BVG/LPP), accident insurance, and flexible working if applicable. Mention professional development (training budget, conference attendance) and team culture briefly.
- Salary CHF [X] per month gross (13. Monatslohn included), Pensum [X–X]% depending on experience
- Location: [City], [Canton]; no relocation package, but [public transport/parking/flexibility] available
- 25 days annual holiday; statutory public holidays in [Canton] observed
- BVG/LPP pension contribution; [Company] pays [X]% of the mandatory contribution
- Professional development budget (CHF [X] per year) for courses, SIA memberships, or certifications
- Flexible home office arrangements; modern office with [specific amenity, e.g. site visit support, collaborative tools]
Frequently asked questions
- Should I mention language requirements in the job title or body?
- Mention language in the Requirements section, not the title. State the level clearly: 'fluent German' or 'intermediate French with willingness to improve'. This prevents wasted applications from non-speakers and keeps your title concise.
- What if I need someone for both office and site work?
- Specify the split in the Responsibilities section: e.g. '60% office-based design, 40% site inspection.' Note any minimum on-site presence (e.g. 'at least 2 days per week on-site') and clarify who covers travel costs within the canton.
- How do I know what Pensum to offer?
- A full-time role is typically 100% Pensum (40–42 hours per week, depending on GAV/collective agreement). Many engineers work 80% or 90% for work–life balance. State a range if flexible (e.g. '80–100%') and note that salary scales proportionally with Pensum.
General information for Swiss employers, not legal advice. Have a lawyer confirm anything with legal consequences.