Careers List Professional Careers in Construction

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1 Careers List Professional Careers in Construction Architect Designs buildings, including the preparation of detailed construction drawings and specifications, and advises on their construction. May specialize in designing residential, industrial, commercial & institutional or public buildings. Architectural Technician Prepares accurate working or detailed drawings for construction, engineering, mapping, architectural companies and other purposes. Works from notes, sketches, calculations, specification sheets and other data. May operate computer-aided drafting systems. Education: College Architectural Technologist Works with architects, engineers or corporations in building design, drawings and specification preparation. May also be involved in the construction process and administration. Can work with government agencies in the areas of administration, code enforcement or facilities management. Education: College BIM Professional (Building Information Modeling) Is involved in the generation and management of digital representations of physical and functional characteristics of places. The BIM concept envisages virtual construction of a facility prior to its actual physical construction, in order to reduce uncertainty, improve safety, work out problems, and simulate and analyze potential impacts. Sub-contractors from every trade can input critical information into the model before beginning construction, with opportunities to pre-fabricate or pre-assemble some systems off-site. Waste can be minimized on-site and products delivered on a just-in-time basis rather than being stock-piled on-site. Quantities and shared properties of materials can be extracted easily. Scopes of work can be isolated and defined. Systems, assemblies and sequences can be shown in a relative scale with the entire facility or group of facilities. BIM also prevents errors by enabling conflict or clash detection whereby the computer model visually highlights to the team where parts of the building (e.g.: structural frame and building services pipes or ducts) may wrongly intersect. BIM software is used by individuals, businesses and government agencies who plan, design, construct, operate, and maintain diverse physical infrastructures such as: water, wastewater, electricity, gas, roads, bridges, ports, and buildings. Page 1/8

2 Business Systems Analyst Analyzes an organization or business domain and documents its businesses, processes, or systems assessing the business model and its integration with technology. They typically reside in the Information Technology department. Using their knowledge of the organization s technology infrastructure and specific software applications they help the business to address changes through technology. Chartered Accountant (Financial Analyst) Provides valuable input on key client decisions, applies a unique blend of expertise to identify new market opportunities, ensures corporate accountability, manages risk, and assists the company to maintain long-term competitive advantage through the analysis of financial data. Education: University Construction Insurance Salesperson Provides a comprehensive review and sells the many types of insurance products available to Canadian construction projects. Insurance is a key risk management tool for participants in the Canadian construction industry. Construction Lawyer Ensures all bases are covered before construction begins. They make sure businesses and homes are being built on land that has been approved for development and that projects have the necessary financial backing. With a practice concentration on the areas of construction law and general commercial litigation, a construction lawyer seeks to help clients understand their rights and obligations under applicable laws so as to minimize liability and maximize their success. Their goal is to help clients efficiently manage their construction projects by anticipating possible issues and taking the appropriate steps to prevent them. Education: University Construction Manager Plans, organizes, directs, controls and evaluates the activities of a construction company, or a construction department within a company, under the direction of a general manager or other senior manager. Education: College / Technical School / University Contract Administrator Is familiar with all the details in project contract and subcontract documents, including the plans and specifications described in the contract documents. They are employed by project owners, project designers and engineers, and by general contractors. Page 2/8

3 Communications Specialist (Public Relations) Establishes and nurtures positive associations with the public and mass media on behalf of their employer (General Contractor). This position incorporates a number of skills from different fields including marketing, journalism, business administration and more. Engineering: The application of planning, designing, constructing, maintaining, and operating infrastructures while protecting the public and environmental health, as well as improving existing infrastructures that have been neglected. Education: University Specialized Engineering Fields Include: Electrical Engineer Designs, plans and evaluates electrical or electronic equipment and systems; directs or supervises installations, testing, inspection and maintenance activities; specializes in many areas such as electrical power generation and transmission, communication systems, instrumentation and control systems, computer application and software design. Mechanical Engineer Involves the design, development, manufacture, operation and maintenance of machinery and devices that produce, transmit or consume power or employ heat energy. Provides design and building services such as heating, ventilating air conditioning and plumbing (HVAC). May prepare specifications and cost estimates. Civil Engineer Plans, design, develops and manages projects for the construction or repair of structures such as dams, bridges, ports, water and waste management systems, pipelines, roads and buildings. Also conducts feasibility, traffic pattern, environmental impact and other studies for construction proposals, and makes recommendations. Applies science for the planning, design, construction, operation or management of buildings, bridges, harbours, dams, highways, railways, airports, water supply and distribution systems, waste collection and storm drainage, flood control structures and other public works. As a branch of Civil Engineering is so broad, both in the education and practice of the profession, it is divided into a number of specialized fields such as the ones listed below. Domestic and Rural Engineer: Plans and designs municipal water facilities, sewage treatment plants, storm water and solid waste management, and the control of rivers and air pollution. Structural Engineer: Designs bridges, skyscrapers, factories and power plant buildings, often working in close cooperation with architects to ensure that the functional and aesthetically pleasing structure with the architect creates, is structurally sound and safe for human use of occupation Page 3/8

4 Transportation Engineer: Plans, designs, constructs, and maintains transportation systems such as roads, airports, harbours, railways, subways, and other forms of public transit. Hydrotechnical Engineer: Works in the control and utilization of water systems such as rivers, lakes and oceans and hydraulic structures such as dams and canals. Geotechnical Engineer: Determines the geological conditions associated with the construction of structures such as foundations, tunnels and dams following careful assessment of the engineering characteristics of soil, rock and groundwater, and the consideration of factors related to safety and economics. Construction Engineer: Plans and schedules projects from the start to finish and is responsible for seeing that the work is done safely, on time, within budget and in accordance with the designer s specifications. Engineer Technician/Technologist Functions as part of the engineering team in one of 13 major disciplines including chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical or environmental technological functions. Technologists duties would include measurements and analysis, design, supervision of field installations and quality control. Technicians do similar work that is less complex but highly specialized. Education: College Environmental Consultant Consultants and works on commercial or government contracts to address a variety of environmental issues for their clients/employers. They are responsible for a wide range of disciplines such as assessment of air, land and water contamination, environmental impact assessment, environmental audit, waste management and the development of environmental policy and environmental management systems. Entrepreneur Has a burning desire to start their own business and be their own boss. Many entrepreneurs start off as being very successful in their profession and feel they can do better on their own. Or often, they have an idea for a product or business that is better than others currently in the market. It can be a very rewarding career, however, it is generally a large time commitment and the entrepreneur has to juggle many different tasks. It is more than being excellent at your profession; you must wear many different hats until you build the business up to a point where you can hire additional employees to take on select tasks. Page 4/8

5 Estimator Carries out a wide range of duties including contract proposal estimates on labour, materials and equipment, visualizes overall projects and providing solutions to achieve the most economical method of construction. Assembles bids and meets bid closure deadlines. Health & Safety Administrator (Officer/Inspector/Co-ordinator) Is responsible for assessing compliance with Health and Safety legislation in order to: promote the well-being of employees in the workplace; avoid exposure to risk; and reduce costs related to workplace injuries and/or non-compliance fines and penalties. This includes: conducting workplace audits to minimize or alleviate unsafe work conditions and prevent workplace accidents; problem-solving and providing recommendations related to workplace practices/ conditions and accident investigations; compiling and tracking of statistics and data to facilitate the prioritization of mitigation strategies; interpreting applicable codes, standards, guidelines, and relevant legislation; providing advice and guidance to managers to ensure legislative compliance; writing Policies and Procedures; developing and delivering necessary health and safety training and workshops; liaising with and providing guidance to the fellow staff, management, and the Health and Safety Committees. Human Resource Manager Assists in planning, organizing, directing, controlling and evaluating the operations of the human resources (people) and departments. He/she also develops and implements policies, programs and procedures regarding human resource planning, recruitment, collective bargaining, training and development, occupation classification and compensation and benefit administration. He/she represents management and participates actively on various joint committees to maintain ongoing relations between management and employees. The Human Resources manager develops and manages employment programs, salary compensation and job evaluations, promotions, equal opportunity initiatives, education, and training programs. Interior Designer Is a creative problem solver and is responsible for enhancing the function and the quality of life, health and safety in interior spaces. This is accomplished through a systematic approach where they balance and co-ordinate the needs and resources of the client to produce interior design that is both attractive as well as efficient and practical for the people who will be using the space. In order to design spaces successfully, interior designers must be trained in the area of building construction, building materials, specifications writing, technical drawing and business practices. In consultation with their clients and working in co-operation with other specialists, they analyze the problem(s), develop planning and detailed design solutions, organize, supervise and complete the installation. Page 5/8

6 Landscape Architect Professionally designs, plans and manages the landscape. Applying both art and science, landscape architects provide consulting services, prepare plans and facilitate projects that create a balance between the needs and wants of people and the limitations of the environment. Areas of specialization include landscape design, site planning, urban design, regional landscape planning, parks and recreation, land development planning, ecological planning and design including bio-engineering, heritage conservation, landscape reclamation and restoration, social/behavioural aspects of landscape design for special user needs. LEED Consultant (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Is formally educated on the LEED rating system for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of green buildings, homes, and neighborhoods. Provides consultations and suggestions which help in the conservation of energy during and following construction. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a rating system that is recognized as the international mark of excellence for green building in 150 countries. LEED works because it recognizes that sustainability should be at the heart of all buildings in their design, construction and operation. Materials Manager Plans, organizes, directs, manages, evaluates, and is responsible for the materials management activities. They purchase general and specialized equipment, materials and subcontractor services for construction projects as well as budgeting for their organization or client, including the identification of opportunities for operational improvements. Professional Quantity Surveyor Prepares economic feasibility studies, gives advice on construction cost planning and prepares tender documents, specifications, and construction contracts. Also checks and analyzes tenders, manages and coordinates projects, prepares process schedules and sets up and maintains cost control systems, conducts arbitrations in contract disputes and acts as an expert witness. Works with architects, engineers, planners and government agencies; works as consultant, estimator or manager in construction and development firms. Project Co-ordinator Is responsible for the efficient administration of a contract, particularly in the areas of subcontracts and contract changes. Reports to the Project Manager, Superintendent or General Manager. Duties will include: preparation and processing of subcontract documents, shop drawings, change orders, receiving and checking contract change notices and requisitions for material and equipment. May work at head office or field office of either a General Contractor, Mechanical Contractor or Electrical Contractor. Page 6/8

7 Project Manager Is responsible for overall management and administrative responsibility for larger jobs. All onsite staff, including superintendents, report to this person who may work out of the office or in a field office. Project managers (with the assistance of a project coordinator) plan, schedule, organize, direct, control and evaluate the activities of construction projects, normally under the direction of a construction manager, general manager or other senior manager. They play a key role on construction projects and may have on-site staff, junior project managers and contract administrators reporting to them. Depending on the company and the sector, senior project managers may hold overall responsibility for billion dollar projects. Specifier Prepares tendering and contract documents, writes technical specifications, reviews drawing construction details as they relate to specifications and advises on material selection; will attend all site review meetings and wrap-up meetings to collect information and record all decisions. Will usually be an employee of a design consultant. A Specification Consultant performs similar tasks but will usually be an independent advisor to design consultant whose role may include providing advice and counsel to consultants and owners. Specification Writer (Spec Writer) Describes to builders the different types of materials used in construction projects. They also instruct builders on how to use the materials. These descriptions or specifications cover everything from the type of concrete used in the foundation to the type of paint used on the front door. Specifications are important because they provide legal protection for the owner, the architect, the contractor, and any other people involved in a construction project. In the bidding process the architect presents the plans and specifications to construction firms and asks them to submit a bid, or price quote. Contractors from the construction firms then determine what they must charge to build the project. The specifications become a part of the legal contract that binds all parties concerned. Therefore, the specification writer is an essential member of the construction industry. Superintendent Is responsible for directing the work of the forepersons who represent different trades. A background in a particular trade is helpful, with a thorough knowledge of related tools, materials and procedures. On larger jobs, superintendents are concerned with administrative and management duties such as planning, scheduling, cost control, and procurement. Surveyor Directs and conducts legal surveys to determine property boundaries, and prepares and Page 7/8

8 maintains plans and records. Works with computers and electronic equipment to determine precise locations and advises on matters related to legal surveys Surveyor Technician/Technologist Records measurements in the field; uncovers physical, historical and documentary evidence; drafts plans for the Ontario Land Surveyor to check and sign. Education: College Urban and Land Use Planners Prepares plans for zoning, transportation, public utilities, community facilities, parks, housing and related services for cities, towns and rural areas. Also prepares and recommends plans for the provision of wildfire preserves, national and provincial parks, protection of watershed and the prevention of soil erosion. Develops plans and programs for the use of land and physical facilities in urban areas. Duties include preparing and presenting narrative and graphic program plans to municipal and industry authorities affecting land use, public utilities, community facilities, housing and transportation. VP/General Manager Plans, directs, or coordinates the operations of companies or public and private sector organizations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Includes owners and managers who head small business establishments whose duties are primarily managerial. Web Communications Provides design expertise, particularly website programming and design. Develops, designs, and creates layout, graphics, animation, video, and sound content for the various web sites. Stays current with latest trends in web site design, accessibility, and usability, and makes recommendations for incorporating new features into the sites. Communications professionals are required to have myriad of tools and skills to confront and manage issues and problems. Page 8/8

Civil and Structural Engineering

Civil and Structural Engineering What it means to be a Civil and Structural Engineer! Gajendra Circle Initiative (GCI) from IIT Madras Alumni Association and The Hindu Group May 15, 2010 Compiled by: Adayana