A civil engineer creates, improves, and protects the surroundings in which we reside. Their job is to plan and design infrastructures like airports, roads, railways, bridges, dams, harbors, irrigation projects, sewerage and water systems, power plants. They not only plan and design but also oversee and supervise the construction process. Their objective is to create infrastructures that have the ability to face adverse weather conditions.
Civil site engineer has a myriad of responsibilities to shoulder. Such responsibilities vary from project to project and has a lot to do with the nature of the project. The nature of construction activities is quite dynamic. Various decisions and measures are to be taken upon the happening of new unexpected developments. Such unexpected decisions are taken by the civil engineer present at the site. A site engineer must have the basic skills for executing and completing the project and meeting all contingencies with prudent measures.
The following are the responsibilities of a civil engineer at the site
Responsibility for Construction: He is the person who spends most of his time at the construction site. He is updated about all the information concerning the activities and design.
Traveling: A site engineer has to travel to different sites is he has multiple projects on hand. He also needs to oversee the availability of raw materials for the smooth conduct of construction activities.
Technical activities: He is also supposed to conduct survey control according to the required conditions specified in the contract. The construction work needs to be as per the contract. He has to ensure that the work and the contract are in conformity. This would require regular checks. Apart from this, he has to maintain records for the statutory bodies. If faced with unforeseen problems, he has to carefully study the problem and resolve the issue efficiently.
Preparation of schedules and reports: Schedules are essential to ensure that sufficient material is in stock to meet normal and abnormal consumption. Schedules are a must if efficiency is to be achieved. Civil engineers have to prepare various reports on the progress of the project. He also has to keep site diaries and cost sheets for accounting purposes.
Leadership: Having the knowledge is not enough, passing and coordinating that knowledge is also important. He must be able to pass on the information received from higher levels to contractors and laborers.