Coastal Engineer Career Profile

What the role involves

Coastal Engineers investigate coastal processes, waves, currents, sediment movement, erosion, storm impacts and coastal structures. They may design protection works, assess development proposals or support shoreline management plans.

The work often involves engineering design, modelling, field investigations, technical reports, environmental assessment, stakeholder consultation and collaboration with planners, ecologists and local government teams.

Typical employers

Coastal Engineer roles in Australia may be found with:

• engineering consultancies
• coastal and marine engineering firms
• local councils and coastal management teams
• state government transport, planning or environment agencies
• port authorities and maritime organisations
• infrastructure and development companies
• research organisations and universities
• climate adaptation and resilience programs

Key tasks

• assessing erosion, waves, currents and coastal hazards
• designing seawalls, revetments, beach nourishment or drainage solutions
• modelling coastal processes and climate impacts
• preparing coastal engineering reports and design documentation
• reviewing development proposals in coastal areas
• working with planners, ecologists, surveyors and community stakeholders
• supporting coastal adaptation and shoreline management plans
• considering environmental, social and engineering constraints

Skills and qualities

Coastal Engineer work suits people with a mix of practical, technical and communication skills. Useful skills and qualities include:

• civil, coastal or ocean engineering knowledge
• strong maths, modelling and technical analysis skills
• understanding of coastal processes and climate risk
• engineering design and project management skills
• clear technical report writing
• ability to balance safety, environment, cost and community values
• communication with councils, clients and stakeholders
• attention to standards, approvals and professional obligations

Qualifications and pathways

Coastal Engineer roles usually require an accredited engineering degree, commonly in civil, coastal, environmental or ocean engineering. Professional accreditation or registration may be required for some roles.

• Accredited engineering degree in civil, coastal, environmental or ocean engineering
• Postgraduate study or professional development in coastal processes, hydrology, marine systems or climate adaptation
• Professional membership, accreditation or registration through Engineers Australia or a state engineering registration scheme where required
• Experience in modelling, design, coastal management, stormwater, ports, maritime or infrastructure projects

Coastal Engineers may progress into senior coastal engineer, coastal project manager, principal engineer, coastal adaptation specialist, maritime engineer, environmental engineering manager or infrastructure resilience roles.

Salary and job outlook

Coastal Engineer salaries vary depending on engineering discipline, registration, seniority, employer, project complexity and whether the role is in consulting, government, ports, infrastructure, development or climate adaptation. Senior and chartered engineers generally attract higher pay.

Where jobs are usually found in Australia

Coastal engineering jobs are found in coastal cities and regional coastal areas, as well as ports, maritime infrastructure, consulting offices and government agencies. Demand is often linked to coastal development, erosion, stormwater, sea-level rise and climate adaptation projects.

Tips for getting started

• study civil, coastal, environmental or ocean engineering
• build modelling, hydrology and coastal process skills
• learn about planning approvals, environmental assessment and climate adaptation
• gain experience through engineering internships or council/coastal projects
• work towards professional engineering accreditation where relevant

Related environmental careers

• Environmental Engineer
• Civil Engineer
• Coastal Management Officer
• Climate Change Adaptation Officer
• Hydrologist
• Water Sensitive Urban Design Officer
• Environmental Planner
• Marine Scientist