When people hear the term “civil engineer,” they likely think the job is all math, all the time. And math is a subject that can put a lot of people off when it comes to the work! But the truth of the matter is that a successful civil engineer needs to possess a host of additional skills to do their jobs without error. So, while math is definitely a significant part of any engineering-related job, it’s important to remember that it isn’t everything.
Here are some of the other must-have top skills a professional civil engineer in Idaho needs to do his or her job well.
Critical thinking skills
On any given project a civil engineer undertakes, there is a fair chance there will be challenges. Maybe a custom-made component doesn’t fit where it should, or a load-bearing beam is too short for the designated space. Whatever the case may be, civil engineers need to be able to think quickly and clearly to make sure a project moves forward like it should. Without these vital, on-the-fly skills, a team could wait weeks while a solution is concocted.
Communication skills
One of the most valuable skills an engineer can have is that of communication. When on a job site, an engineer will need to talk with a wide range of people. Some may have a similar educational background, but others will not. So, to simply talk at them at an engineering student level might leave some team members wondering what was just said. To be able to communicate a complicated idea in a clear and accurate manner, everyone needs to be seen as invaluable to a civil engineer.
Leadership skills
During the course of any major land project, a great majority of the responsibility generally falls to the civil engineer. Not only are they the ones designing the plans and keeping things organized, but they must also oversee its construction. This means interacting with many individuals—including people on the engineering team, as well as the client—to ultimately lead the team to the finish line. Furthermore, without good leadership skills on the part of the civil engineer in charge, the project will likely suffer.
Project management
Much like the importance of good leadership skills, a civil engineer also needs to have good project management abilities. After all, the civil engineer is the one in charge of checking everyone else’s work. If things like welds are not performed to specifications or plans are not followed correctly, the entire project can suffer through delays—such as having to start from the top or formulating all-new plans. Without good project management skills, a project will likely not be planned, executed or built to its best quality.
There are all sorts of residential, commercial and public projects that require the services of a professional civil engineer in Idaho. When you are in need of a reputable civil engineer, don’t hesitate to contact the team at Mason & Stanfield, Inc. We are here to help you with your project, start to finish!