ice 2.4

We’ve taken a look at speciality areas within civil engineering and have discovered pathways into this dynamic profession, so what’s next? In this section, we’ll dive into the different project stages of civil engineering.

Civil Engineering:

Project Stages

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Concept, Planning and Design

Construction

Operation and Maintenance

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Demolition

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Senior Structural Design Engineer

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Civil Auto CAD Technician

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Jobs in Concept, Planning and Design

This is where the vision for a project is conceived, planned and later, designed. The design stage is usually led by an architect or engineer, and this is where the bidding process begins. Construction bidding involves a project owner and contractors; the construction bid is part of the process of submitting a proposal for a construction project.

Meet a Civil Engineer Working in Concept, Planning and Design

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Role:

Location:

Laura Clegg

BIM designer, Tony Gee and Partners

United Kingdom

A day in my life

• My day-to-day work consists primarily of delivering on multidisciplinary rail schemes.
• I’m typically responsible for producing the 3D models and drawings throughout the project.
• I also support my office with its BIM development.
• This role includes being a BIM mentor for some of our junior staff through their progression.
• I’m also a contact for day-to-day software queries across the office.

Expertise:

Digital

Site Engineer

Construction Manager

case study

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Jobs in Construction

The construction stage of civil engineering projects is like building a giant puzzle. It's when all the plans and designs created by engineers and architects come to life. Civil engineers working in construction oversee the work to ensure it is carried out according to the plans, on time and that the right materials are sourced. They may also take responsibility for site safety and budgets. Whether it’s a bridge, skyscraper or a road, they make sure everything comes together.

Meet a Civil Engineer Working in Construction

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Folashade Shoyoye

Project Manager, National Highways

United Kingdom

A day in my life

• My role involves getting a scheme from detailed design to construction and then to project close out.
• My day starts with a run-through of my inbox as most of our works are carried out during nighttime hours; I like to check for progress then I note down items I need to follow up with.

• My role has a few routine tasks that I need to complete such as ensuring commercial/contractual documents are in place, financial forecasting and reporting, and booking access to the road network.
• The rest of my time is spent in meetings going through the design with the consultants, our stakeholder management team, and collaborating with contractors and the commercial team.
• Each scheme comes with its own unique challenges due to the nature of the road networks.

Expertise:

Construction, Project Management

Carbon Specialist

Area Civil Engineer

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case study

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Jobs in Operation and Maintenance

The operation and maintenance stage of civil engineering projects involves the ongoing management and upkeep of constructed infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, buildings, and utilities, to ensure their continued functionality, safety, and efficiency throughout their intended lifespan. This phase includes routine inspections, repairs, and upgrades, as well as the implementation of maintenance strategies to extend the infrastructure's service life and minimise disruptions to users.

Meet a Civil Engineer Working in Maintenance and Operations

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Role:

Location:

Verena Fernandes

Senior Civil Engineer, Wokingham Borough Council

United Kingdom

A day in my life

• My days at work usually involve reflecting on how I can help improve the infrastructure of the place I work.

This may involve: -Sketching concept designs -Producing detailed designs -Collaborating with other teams in the council or external consultants -Researching procurement strategies -Managing contracts

• The overall aim is to come up with cost-effective solutions to maintain and build infrastructure.
• This requires a holistic view of the project and a great deal of professional commitment.

Expertise:

Project Management, Design, Construction

Health and Safety Advisor

Demolition Site Manager

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case study

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Jobs in Demolition

The demolition stage in civil engineering projects involves the systematic and controlled removal of existing structures, infrastructure, or buildings to make way for new construction or redevelopment. This process typically includes activities such as site clearance, structural dismantling, waste management, and environmental remediation

Meet a Civil Engineer Working in Demolition

Name:

Role:

Location:

Ryan Finnimore

Apprentice Engineer

Exeter

A day in my life

• Meet with senior engineers or supervisors to review a project's goals, progress, and any specific tasks for the day.
• Assess the demolition site
• Attend training sessions or workshops to build technical skills related to demolition techniques
• Participate in practical, hands-on activities under the supervision of experienced engineers.

Expertise:

Demolition

A Construction Manager oversees and coordinates all aspects of a construction project, including planning, scheduling, budgeting, and on-site supervision, to ensure it is completed successfully and within specified parameters. As a Construction Manager, your role could also involve:

• Ensuring Safety, Health, & Environmental protection are given the highest priority throughout all construction activities
• Implementing appropriate quality systems for the control of construction information
• Identifying and managing all key construction risks
• Managing and leading the construction team to successfully deliver the project requirements

• Ensuring construction meets appropriate quality standards

As a Site Engineer, you will be responsible for providing technical expertise, ensuring the accuracy of construction activities, and contributing to the overall success of the project. Your responsibilities will include:

• Overseeing daily site operations, including construction activities, surveying, and quality control.
• Collaborating with the Site Agent, Project Manager, and design professionals to ensure project plans are executed accurately.
• Performing regular site inspections to monitor construction progress and quality, identifying and addressing any issues.
• Maintain accurate project records, including daily logs, measurement reports, and as-built drawings.
• Solving technical challenges and making informed decisions to keep the project on track and within budget.
• Providing technical support and guidance to the site team.

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A Civil Auto CAD (Computer-Aided Design) Technician plays a crucial role in civil engineering projects by assisting with design and drafting tasks. Your role responsibilities could be:

• Engaging in spatial, organisational, and lateral thinking
• Specialising in roads, drainage, and external works infrastructure using AutoCAD
• Collaborating closely with civil engineering colleagues and other disciplines
• Contributing to multidiscipline projects, including major regeneration, commercial, healthcare, airport, pharmaceutical, and corporate headquarters projects
• Developing and improving quality systems
• Visualising in three dimensions.

An Area Civil Engineer is often responsible for managing operations within a specific geographical region. They typically oversee infrastructure development, construction, and maintenance, ensuring compliance with local regulations, coordinating with project stakeholders, and addressing technical challenges within that particular area. As an Area Civil Engineer, your responsibilities could include:

• Ensuring projects comply with local regulations and obtaining necessary permits
• Conducting regular site inspections to monitor construction progress and quality
• Supervising and coordinating engineering teams and subcontractors
• Ensuring construction work meets engineering standards and specifications
• Enforcing safety protocols and ensuring a safe work environment
• Communicating with clients, local authorities, and project stakeholders.

Health and Safety Advisors perform risk assessments to ensure organisations prioritise employees' safety. They look out for any hazards, record their findings and provide solutions and guidance to the company's health and safety procedures. As a Health and Safety Advisor, your day-to-day tasks may include:

• Developing safety policies and procedures
• Advising and training staff on health and safety practices
• Making regular inspections
• Performing risk assessments
• Investigating and recording accidents in the workplace
• Working with relevant inspectors and trade unions.

As a Senior Structural Design Engineer, you will be responsible for leading and managing a range of projects, including refurbishments and new builds. Ideally, you will have expertise in working with concrete and steel frameworks. You could also be responsible for:

• Developing and implementing innovative design solutions to meet project requirements
• Conducting structural analysis, calculations, and simulations to ensure the integrity and safety of structures
• Collaborating with internal teams and external stakeholders, including architects, contractors, and clients, to ensure successful project delivery
• Providing technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and drafters
• Participating in design reviews, site inspections, and construction meetings as required.

A Demolition Site Manager plays a critical role in overseeing and managing the safe and efficient demolition of structures and buildings. As a Demolition Site Manager, your responsibilities could include:

• Ensuring the safety of the demolition site by implementing and enforcing safety procedures and protocols, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Developing a detailed demolition plan, including methods, sequencing, and equipment requirements, while considering environmental and regulatory compliance
• Coordinating site preparation activities, such as securing utilities, asbestos removal, and hazardous material handling, to ensure a smooth demolition process
• Managing and monitoring the operation of heavy machinery and equipment used in the demolition process, ensuring they are operated safely and efficiently.

Carbon Specialists focus on integrating sustainability and carbon reduction principles into civil engineering projects. As a Carbon Specialist, your role could involve various responsibilities, such as:

• Collaborating and engaging with wider teams to identify sustainability and carbon savings opportunities for a project
• Helping to develop procedures, strategies and tools to implement and quantify sustainability opportunities and carbon savings
• Preparing calculations and fee budgets, proposals and resource requirements
• Ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and carbon reduction targets set by governing bodies.

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