Civil Engineer Career - PortCareers.com.au

CIVIL ENGINEER

Cargo Terminal Facility Coordinator

Cargo terminal facility coordinators are responsible for all the clerical needs within the terminal. Click Here

Civil Engineer

Designing and constructing infrastructure eg. wharfs, canals, roads, railways and dams are all part of the job. Click Here

Stevedore

At a container terminal facility a stevedore is responsible for the loading and unloading of ships. Click Here

Gantry Container Crane Operator

Gantry container crane operators are responsible for efficiently loading and unloading containers at the terminal. Click Here

Marine Engineer

Marine engineers who work on tug boats maintain and operate the tug machinery on board the vessel. Click Here

Truck Driver

A truck driver works to transport freight safely and efficiently between two locations. Click Here

Urban Planner

Working with architects and community groups, urban planners plan how land will be used in the future. Click Here

Transport Supervisor

Transport supervisors work to ensure that customers who need goods transported, receive the most effective service. Click Here

Security Coordinator

A security coordinator at a port protects people, transport, property and assets from unlawful interference. Click Here

Ship Agent

While a ship is in port, a Ship Agent represents the interests of the ship’s owner or operator, or the cargo’s owner. Click Here

Ship Planner

A ship planner plans and coordinates the loading and unloading each container ship in port. Click Here

Yard Leading Hand

A yard leading hand leads a team who ensure the safe and efficient handling of local and imported new vehicles Click Here

Chef

A chef is responsible for the preparation, cooking and presentation of food in a variety of commercial settings. Click Here

Sustainability Officer

Sustainability officers provide expert advice to help organisations conduct their activities in a sustainable manner. Click Here

Environmental Officer

Environmental officers work with organisations, governments and communities and provide expert advice. Click Here

Vehicle Spray Painter

Vehicle spray painters repair damaged paintwork. They need to prepare the surfaces and mix and match colours. Click Here

Contract Administration Officer

Contract administration officers provide support for engineers working on projects developing infrastructure. Click Here

QUICK LINKS

Civil engineers plan, design and construct infrastructure eg wharfs, harbours, canals, roads, bridges, buildings, railways and dams.

What does a civil engineer do?

Would you like to be able to create something tangible and feel proud of your involvement?

A civil engineer assists clients and contractors throughout a construction project from inception to completion, finding solutions which will enable them to meet the clients’ needs and vision.

Civil engineers may perform the following tasks:

arrange for, and conduct site investigations, and prepare the ground for construction
prepare designs and documentation related to the construction of the project
manage a construction company's building project and coordinate activities
at the site by working with other professionals including environmental scientists, architects
and landscape architects
organise payments, and the delivery of equipment and materials throughout the project’s duration
write reports on the progress of the project and budgeting
analyse the risks associated with severe weather and natural disasters, to ensure that
the construction will meet appropriate standards
research, plan and advise on the control and minimisation of pollution
manage the testing and commissioning of the completed works.

To complete a project the civil engineer aims to bring the project
in on time and within the budget. To do this the civil engineer must:

convert the clients’ needs to meet engineering requirements, and communicate these to the designer
review plans and designs throughout the project
monitor the day-to-day work of the contractor and address any quality issues
assist in communication between the designer, the construction company and the client to ensure
that the client’s vision is met.

CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS & CHALLENGES

Achievements & highlights

Satisfaction comes from being part of the whole project process. From inception, through to design and construction, to finally handing over to the client. Working at a port there is the opportunity to work on a huge range of projects. For example, projects like terminal buildings, warehouses, wharves, roads, bridges and ground improvement, where land is prepared prior to the start of a project. Working on such a wide range of projects also means communicating with a diverse range of people.

Challenges

During any project it is essential to keep to the budget and the timeline. This, along with meeting the client's expectations, is one of the most challenging aspects of project management.

QUALIFICATION & ADVICE

Job prospects

Skilled engineers are currently in demand as there are so many construction projects underway, not only in Queensland and Australia, but throughout the world. Civil Engineers can specialise in one of the following areas:

Highway Engineer
Hydraulic/Water Engineer
Drainage/Irrigation Engineer
Soil/Geotechnical Engineer
Structural Engineer
Pipeline Engineer
Railway Engineer
Port Engineer

What to study at school

Mathematics is fundamental to a Civil Engineer’s everyday tasks as they are required to prepare the engineering calculations required for the design of projects, in addition to analysing, interpreting and writing reports on productivity and budgeting.
Physics and chemistry are essential to understand and interpret geological and geophysical investigations prior to preparing land for construction. Physics is also essential for analysing and interpreting reports on materials, building loads and quality.
English is vital to develop reasoning and comprehension as well as written and oral expression.
Computer skills and graphics would assist in the operation of computers to assist with the design of Civil Engineering projects.