A bachelor degree in a related field is needed to work as a Civil Engineering Professional. Many Civil Engineering Professionals complete postgraduate studies.

Did You Know? Snowy Mountains Hydro Scheme Construction of the Snowy Scheme officially commenced on 17 October 1949 and it was completed in 1974.   About 100,000 people worked on the Snowy; about two-thirds of them were migrants, from over 30 countries. The scheme cost about $820 million and was completed on time and on budget. The Snowy has 16 dams, seven power stations, a pumping station, and 225 kilometres of tunnels, pipelines and aqueducts. The official death toll during construction was 121. Guthega power station generated the first Snowy electricity on 21 February 1955. Lake Eucumbene, the largest reservoir in the Snowy, has a capacity nine times that of Sydney Harbour. Talbingo Dam has the highest wall – 161.5 metres. Khancoban Dam has the longest crest length – 1066.8 metres – but the lowest height of 18.3 metres. Many world records for hard-rock tunnel-drilling were set; in 1963, the Australian company Thiess drilled 165 metres in a six-day week in the Snowy-Geehi tunnel. In June 2002 the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Authority ceased to be a Commonwealth Government agency and became a corporation, Snowy Hydro Limited; the New South Wales, Victorian and Commonwealth governments are shareholders. In 1967 the American Society of Engineers nominated the Snowy Scheme as one of the engineering wonders of the world. The Snowy Scheme pioneered the compulsory use of seat belts in vehicles. Snowy scientists and engineers refined the technique of rockbolting – the use of tension bolts to compress broken or jointed rock into a self-supporting arch structure – a world ranking achievement in civil engineering and mining. (Source: National Archives of Australia)

 

 

 

 

Structural engineers research, plan, design and monitor the construction, maintenance, renovation or demolition of the framework of buildings, stadiums, bridges and tunnels to ensure they are strong, durable, and safe. They take into account all structural loads when planning, such as predicted pedestrian and road traffic, and natural forces such as wind, rain, earthquakes, and cyclones to ensure the overall stability of the structure. Structural engineers usually work as part of a team with architects, builders, and other engineers to create a safe and sturdy structure.

Structural Engineers analyse the statical properties of all types of structures, test the behaviour and durability of materials used in their construction, and design and supervise the construction of all types of structures.

A structural engineer designs the framework of buildings, towers, bridges, water treatment structures, tunnels and other structures to make sure of strength and rigidity.

  
ANZSCO ID: 233214


Knowledge, skills and attributes

They have a strong grasp of physics, 3D skills and creative solutions.

• Minimum four years’ experience, and must hold a relevant degree in civil engineering or similar

• Technically astute across structural steel and/or FRP packages of work, including precast panel works

• Autocad knowledge and be experienced in shop detailing for structural steel and concrete packages and be able to manage drafting resources

• Experienced in project set-up, getting works to ground from pre-contracts stage, dealing with suppliers, and compiling/scoping out packages of work

• Demonstrated experience in helping to deliver technically challenging projects, particularly structures (steel or concrete) related through on-site supervision and management of construction activities

• Previous experience with a top/mid-tier or specialist New Zealand or Australasian civil engineering company or similar

• A practical-minded hands-on approach coupled with excellent communication and people skills

• A solutions-orientated attitude with a desire to progress in your chosen civil engineering profession

(Source: RamJack)

 

Duties and Tasks

• Designing: Structural engineers are responsible for calculating loads and stresses to ensure a safe construction. They can understand the different strengths and qualities delivered by building materials, and how to incorporate supportive columns, beams and foundations ideally. Design various reinforced concrete and post tensioned concrete, and steel structures

• Investigation: Before the work gets started, structural engineers do a survey and investigate the building site to figure out the suitability of the earth that is needed for the specific project. Undertake structural analysis with software, spreadsheets and hand calculations

• Communication: The best thing about structural engineers is their co-ordination with other team members including geological scientists, engineers, architects and common workers. Prepare high-quality reports and other related documents. Ensuring that all designs are up to a high standard and meet local specifications. They can also assist government bodies for inspections related to a public welfare project.

• Management: Structural engineers engage in organisation and delivery of equipment and materials for construction purpose. They supervise and manage the on-site workers too. Manage the drafting team. Undertake site inspections

Day-to-day

• determines construction methods, materials and quality standards, and drafts and interprets specifications, drawings, plans, construction methods and procedures

• analyses structural systems for both static and dynamic loads

• designs structures to ensure they do not collapse, bend, twist or vibrate in undesirable ways.
  

Working conditions

Structural engineers may require to work for long hours in teams of professional and skilled workers, depending on the type and size of the project.

A structural engineer usually works from an office during the design phase, although some time may be spent on site to determine planning. During the construction phase, structural engineers may be based on building sites, where they may have to wear personal protective equipment.

Structural engineers usually work for design and consultancy firms around Australia. They can also work as consultants to assist in the safe demolition of buildings, or assess damage to structures in emergencies and natural disasters.

Tools and technologies

Structural engineers use drawing and measuring instruments and materials, as well as Computer Aided Design (CAD) and structural engineering software packages (such as SpaceGass and StrucPLUS). They must also analyse building plans and construction materials against a range of building standards and codes to ensure that a finished structure complies with the law and will be strong enough to stand on its own and withstand all weather conditions.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a structural engineer you usually need to study a degree in engineering, majoring in civil engineering. You may need to complete further postgraduate study to specialise in structural engineering.

Employment Opportunities

There is currently a skills shortage of experienced engineers in Australia. Driving demand for engineers is ongoing investment in public infrastructure, a re-emergence of demand for minerals and a global transition to clean energy and adapting to climate change.

 

(Source: DynamicX)

 

 

Civil engineering associates help civil and structural engineers plan and design the construction of projects such as roads, airports, railways, buildings, bridges, dams and drainage systems. They also help with commercial, residential, and land development. Civil engineering associates work under the direction of licensed civil engineers.

Civil engineering technicians support engineers with planning, designing and overseeing the construction and maintenance of buildings, roads and other infrastructure projects. They assist with estimating costs, preparing timetables and planning the specifications for materials needed for projects. Prior to the commencement of construction they may survey and measure proposed sites and consult with clients, contractors, members of the public and other stakeholders about each group's particular requirements and/or concerns. Once construction has begun, civil engineering technicians may work closely with builders and site managers, overseeing the project to ensure a high quality of materials are used, and work is maintained.


ANZSCO description: 312212 Conducts tests of construction materials, prepares sketches and tabulations, and assists in estimating costs in support of Civil Engineering Professionals and Engineering Technologists. Registration or licensing may be required.

Alternative names: Civil Engineering Associate, Civil Engineering Technical Officer, Structural Engineering Technician, Civil and Structural Engineering Associate

Specialisations: Civil Engineering Assistant, Civil Laboratory Technician, Geotechnical Laboratory Technician

 

Knowledge, skills and attributes

A civil engineering technician needs:

• good communication skills

• mathematical ability

• sound problem-solving skills

• the ability to understand engineering drawings and principles

• IT skills for computer aided design (CAD) work

• good organisational and supervisory skills

• excellent planning and organisational skills

• to have an eye for detail

• the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
  

(Source: Tidewater Community College)

Duties and Tasks

As a civil engineering associate, your duties would include:

• assisting with initial site surveys

• arranging for lab analysis of soil, rock and materials samples

• creating engineering design plans, by hand or with computer aided design (CAD) software

• preparing estimates of labour costs and the amount and type of materials

• drawing up timescales for the delivery of supplies, equipment and labour

• negotiating with suppliers to get value for money when buying resources

• inspecting projects and supervising progress

• reporting problems to site managers and preparing reports for engineers.

Working conditions

Civil engineering technicians work in offices and on building and construction sites throughout Australia. They generally work standard business hours, however evening and weekend work may be required when working to a deadline. When working on construction sites, they may spend a large amount of time working outdoors in most weather conditions. All workers on a construction site must undergo construction induction training and will be required to follow strict safety guidelines, including wearing protective clothing.

You would typically work standard hours, Monday to Friday. You could work shifts, including weekends and nights, when on site. You might also be part of an on-call roster to deal with out-of-hours problems.

You would work in all weather conditions, and would be expected to wear a safety helmet and protective footwear on site.

 

Tools and technologies

Civil engineering technicians often use surveying and measuring equipment, and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software in the planning phase of a construction project. When working on a construction site they may use two-way radios and will be required to wear safety equipment, which may include hard hats, steel-capped boots, ear muffs, safety glasses and high-visibility clothing. They will also need to be familiar with the properties and prices of a variety of building materials and machinery so that they are able to develop the most accurate and efficient cost estimates.

 

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a civil engineering technician you usually need to complete a qualification in civil construction or engineering.

The Diploma of Civil and Structural Engineering and the Advanced Diploma of Civil and Structural Engineering are offered at TAFE Colleges and other registered training organisations throughout  Australia.

You can also complete a traineeship. The civil construction manager and civil construction contract manager traineeships usually take 36 months to complete.
 

Employment Opportunities

Employment of civil engineering associates is projected to about as fast as average for all occupations.

As infrastructure continues to age, civil engineering associates will be required to assist civil engineers, who manage projects to rebuild bridges, repair roads, and upgrade structures such as dams and water treatment systems. Civil engineers and engineering associates also work on renewable energy projects such as large-scale photovoltaic cell installations, or large scale wind turbine projects.

Although Federal and State governments continue to face financial challenges and may have difficulty funding all the projects that need attention, some of the projects that have been delayed will ultimately have to be completed in order to build and maintain critical infrastructure.

 

Civil engineering draftspersons assist in the research, design, operation and maintenance of civil engineering construction projects. Their work generally consists of preparing detailed drawings and plans for civil engineering work in support of engineering professionals. As such they plan and oversee the construction of public structures that aid transportation, water and sewerage, and other public amenities.

ANZSCO ID: 312211

Alternative names: Engineering Draftsperson - Civil/General,

Specialisations: Civil engineering design draftsperson, Plumbing Engineering Draftsperson, Road Design Draftsperson, Sewage Reticulation Drafting Officer, Structural Engineering Drafting Officer

 

Knowledge, Skills & Attributes

To become an engineering draftsperson, you would need:

• to be able to identify, analyse and solve technical problems

• strong computing skills

• the ability to produce consistently accurate and detailed work

• practical creative skills and an aptitude for design

• good oral and written communication skills

• the ability to work independently or as part of a team

• a knowledge of building materials and methods.

(Source: Elementree Drafting Service)

 

Duties and Tasks

• preparing sketches, charts, tabulations, plans and designs for civil engineering works such as drainage, water supply, sewerage reticulation systems, roads, airports, dams, bridges and other structures

• performing and directing fieldwork and laboratory testing

• interpreting work assignment instructions, applying appropriate procedures and selecting equipment

• collecting and analysing data, and carrying out computations

• estimating material costs and ensuring finished works are within specifications, regulations and contract provisions

• inspecting civil engineering works, and organising and supervising maintenance and repair work

• conducting field and laboratory tests of construction materials and soils, and collecting data for traffic surveys

 

Working conditions

Civil engineering draftspersons may work indoors drawing up plans and technical drawings and designs in engineering firms, where they may work as part of a design team. Alternatively, they may work outdoors on construction projects, or overseeing the maintenance of civil engineering works and facilities. They work all over the States and Territories, from overseeing the construction of new office buildings in our busy cities, to buildings for new mining developments in key regional areas.

Although drafters spend much of their time working on computers in an office, some visit construction or mining sites in order to collaborate with engineers, architects and construction managers. Site work would be in all weathers and may involve a lot of travel and spending nights away from home.

Tools and technologies

Civil engineering draftspersons are involved in the design and planning of engineering projects that will ultimately eventuate in the construction of a building or structure, so they need to be familiar with a range of technical drawing concepts and computer programs such as Computer Assisted Drawing (CAD) and 3-D imaging programs.

 

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a civil engineering draftsperson, you usually need to complete a qualification in civil construction design or civil and structural engineering.

The Diploma of Civil Construction Design, the Diploma of Civil and Structural Engineering and the Advanced Diploma of Civil and Structural Engineering are offered at TAFE colleges throughout  Australia.

You can undertake a traineeship. The civil construction designer and civil and structural engineering draftsperson traineeships usually take 36 months to complete.

 

Employment Opportunities

Although construction projects will likely result in some demand for engineering drafters, efficiencies gained from computer-aided design and drafting (CAD) and building information modelling (BIM) software will likely continue to reduce the need for engineering drafters.

CAD systems that are more user friendly and more powerful than current systems may allow other technical professionals to perform some tasks previously done by drafters. In addition, some drafting work may be outsourced to other countries at lower wages, further reducing the need for these workers.

 

 

Related Jobs or Working with these Jobs
(Jobs not linked are currently being worked on)

 

Architect	Builder	Building Inspector	Carpenter
Concreter	Coastal Engineer	Construction Project Manager	Construction Rigger
Construction Worker	Electrician	Floor Finisher	Geologist
Glazier	Hydrologist	Landscape Architect Pool Designer	Lift Mechanic
Local Government Inspector	Painter	Plasterer	Plumber
Quantity Surveyor	Structural Steel Erector	Surveyor	Waste Water Operator
Urban and Regional Planner

 

 

Materials sourced from
Jobs & Skills WA [Civil Engineer; Civil Engineering Technician; Civil Engineering Draftsperson; Structural Engineer; ]
CareerHQ [Engineering Draftsperson-Civil/General; Civil Engineering Associate;]
Fernandes [Roles & Responsibilities of Structural Engineers; ]
Consult ANZ [Structural Engineer; ]
Engineers Australia [Statistics; ]
Your Career [Civil Engineering Professional; Civil Engineering Draftsperson; Technician; Structural Engineer; ]