The Role of The Professions in Civil Engineering

Structure and Levels of the Profession of the Engineer (Civil Contracting Engineer)

There are two major branches of Civil Engineering, Contracting and Consultant engineering. Engineers who specialize in construction will often work as project managers. They are responsible for the time management of the project which involves the order of trades involved on a project, keeping the project on track and consulting with other engineers involved in the project such as architectural engineers and Geotechnical engineers.

Within Contracting Engineering 3 main levels are:

Site Engineer

Site engineers are integral to construction projects. Working alongside civil engineers, structural engineers, architects and surveyors, they use their technical skills and managerial skills to make sure that building sites are fit for purpose.

The role of a site engineer combines technical responsibilities with project management. Without Site engineers, construction projects would descend into chaos. Site engineers are responsible for planning, marking out and leveling construction sites before any building work takes place. They also build roads, drainage systems and other vital facilities to make sure construction projects go off without a hitch. Site Engineers are also responsible for the procurement and management of construction materials which are used on-site.

Using their expert knowledge of construction materials and their commercial common sense to negotiate deals with suppliers, this lot play a seriously important role in making sure that building projects are as cost-effective as possible.

The project management side of a site engineer’s job involves liaising with third party stakeholders to keep them updated on the progress of the construction project, managing the site facilities, and supervising construction workers on a daily basis. They are usually in charge of health and safety on the construction site.

Project Engineer

Project Engineer Job Duties:

1. 1. • Develops project objectives by reviewing project proposals and plans; conferring with management.
      • Determines project responsibilities by identifying project phases and elements; assigning personnel to phases and elements; reviewing bids from contractors.
      • Determines project specifications by studying product design, customer requirements, and performance standards; completing technical studies; preparing cost estimates.
      • Confirms product performance by designing and conducting tests.
      • Determines project schedule by studying project plan and specifications; calculating time requirements; sequencing project elements.
      • Maintains project schedule by monitoring project progress; coordinating activities; resolving problems.
      • Controls project plan by reviewing design, specifications, and plan and schedule changes; recommending actions.
      • Controls project costs by approving expenditures; administering contractor contracts.
      • Prepares project status reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information and trends, recommending actions.
      • Maintains safe and clean working environment by enforcing procedures, rules, and regulations.
      • Maintains project data base by writing computer programs; entering and backing up data.
      • Maintains product and company reputation by complying with federal and state regulations.
      • Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.

Project Manager

A Project Manager is a key figure of any Service Team. They will be primarily responsible for the overall successfulness of delivering a project, reaching set targets both safely and correctly.

They must be able to perform effectively within tight time-scales, keep within strict budgets and create a positive client environment such that clients become/remain in a good relationship throughout the contract.

They will manage a set of service deliveries, which must be achieved on time to ensure all activities in the schedule are completed in time. To overcome certain task, project managers must show initiative and be able to find ways to best adapt a situation to provide a successful overall critical path analysis.

A PM will be expected to support the development of the leadership, both on-site and back in the offices. They will need to organize the best team possible to complete the project, whilst training and teaching the employees towards the company’s core values. Encouragement of excellence and quality in work will lead to a great reputation amongst clients.

Consultancy engineering includes the design of bridges or anything structural or load bearing in some capacity. In order to prepare a safe design, structural engineers consider many factors including the construction materials, the expected loads that will be placed upon the completed structure and special issues such as seismic or wind considerations. Structural engineers find employment with construction companies, design firms and private consultants.

Consulting civil engineers provide expert advice on the design, planning and management of civil construction projects, covering all types of residential and commercial construction, particularly in the area of large, public infrastructure projects. These guys are the driving force behind the construction of roads, highways, bridges and public facilities.

Consultant engineers make expert assessments of selected sites for construction, evaluating the structural, environmental and commercial feasibility of future projects.

Following this assessment process, you’ll be responsible for creating detailed drawings, plans and schedules and estimating the cost of the construction and engineering work required.

Once you’ve discussed all the relevant issues with building professionals, you’ll be in charge of finalizing construction plans and obtaining final approval from your clients.

Once the project begins, you’ll periodically be monitoring site activities to ensure that construction is progressing according to planned schedules and budgets.

Furthermore, you’ll be in charge of making sure that all the construction activities meet quality standards and comply with statutory and regulatory requirements.

Finally, you’ll be responsible for resolving any issues and problems arising onsite, offering expert advice, closing out any possible gaps and addressing any unforeseen risks.

Consultant engineers regularly update themselves with the latest trends and developments within the construction industry, reading about newly-enacted legislation and gathering information on new tools and techniques.

Role of the Engineer within Industry and Companies

Civil engineers create, improve and protect the environment in which we live. They plan, design and oversee construction and maintenance of building structures and infrastructure, such as roads, railways, airports, bridges, harbors, dams, irrigation projects, power plants, and water and sewerage systems. They also design and build tall buildings and large structures that can withstand all weather conditions. Generally, civil engineers fall into two types: consulting engineers and contracting engineers. Consultants are responsible for the design work of projects and work predominantly in an office. Contractors then take the designs and implement them during construction. Contractors work on site, managing the construction of the structure.

Depending on whether you are a contractor or a consultant, work activities can include:

1. 1. • undertaking technical and feasibility studies including site investigations
      • using a range of computer software for developing detailed designs
      • undertaking complex calculations
      • liaising with clients and a variety of professionals including architects and subcontractors
      • compiling job specs and supervising tendering procedures
      • resolving design and development problems
      • managing budgets and project resources
      • scheduling material and equipment purchases and deliveries
      • making sure the project complies with legal requirements, especially health and safety
      • assessing the sustainability and environmental impact of projects
      • ensuring projects run smoothly and structures are completed within budget and on time.

Working hours for consulting civil engineers are generally normal office hours, with some extra hours and weekend work close to project deadlines. Contractors, on the other hand, often work shifts and weekends and are outside in all weathers.

Future Roles for Engineers

Future roles for a site engineer working in the contracting field possibilities are

Project Manager

Project managers are the ones in charge of a specific project or projects within a company. As the project manager, your job is to plan, budget, oversee and document all aspects of the specific project you are working on. Project managers may work closely with upper management to make sure that the scope and direction of each project is on schedule, as well as other departments for support.

Area Manager

Area managers are the ones who look after a portfolio of projects within a certain area. Some of their duties involve:

1. 1. 1. to oversee a team of Project Managers
      2. to contribute to pre-contract activities
      3. to assist in the development of business growth strategies
      4. to deal with clients and consultants budget and requirement.