After getting a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and obtaining some additional certifications, an individual is technically ready to become a civil engineer. But what do engineer duties and responsibilities in Idaho entail? The answer is quite involved. Keep reading to learn what our day-to-day tasks might look like at Mason & Associates:
- Develop project plans: Every construction project starts with a detailed plan, and a civil engineer is always heavily involved in creating that plan. This is a big undertaking, as everything from government regulations to a proposed structure’s safety must be taken into account. Design software is often used to make this task somewhat easier.
- Perform site surveys: A survey is always performed before a construction project breaks ground. If a civil engineer is a licensed surveyor, they could be the ones doing the survey. Using a civil engineer as a surveyor can save time and money by avoiding the need to hire a separate surveying company.
- Oversee projects: An engineer wears multiple hats, and a hardhat is one of them! You’ll usually find at least one civil engineer at the site, ensuring construction is going according to plan. Construction site managers often take directions directly from civil engineers.
- Complete cost analyses: Every project needs a budget, and a civil engineer may be responsible for figuring out what it is. The engineer must take into account things like building materials, equipment and labor costs while working on the analysis. The project may need some design changes depending on the results of the evaluation.
Qualities of a reputable engineer
Someone with a degree in civil engineering could do an adequate job working as your civil engineer, but you want the best and brightest performing all necessary engineer duties and responsibilities in Idaho. Here are a few qualities of the top civil engineers:
- Communication skills: Open communication is a must for any successful engineer. In addition to communicating with team members, civil engineers may be responsible for taking high-level technical information and translating that jargon into layman’s terms.
- Creativity: Thinking outside of the box isn’t always easy, but it’s something engineers have to do for each job. Without creative thinking skills, civil engineering projects may be boring or even fail to function.
- Logical thinking: Look for an engineer whose logical thinking skills are just as strong as their creative ones. Coming up with a logical plan from the outset results in faster completion times and lower costs.
- Attention to detail: Even the smallest errors can result in catastrophe, especially when working on a big project like a bridge or a dam. A quality civil engineer will double or even triple check all of their work to ensure it’s right.
For a team that possesses all of the qualities above and can perform all of the necessary engineer duties and responsibilities in Idaho, look no further than Mason & Associates. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our abilities or to get a quote for your next project.