Job Duties Custom List 17-2051.00 — Civil Engineers
- Test soils or materials to determine the adequacy and strength of foundations, concrete, asphalt, or steel.
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- Identify defects in solid materials, using ultrasonic testing techniques.
- Identify defects in concrete or other building materials, using thermal or infrared testing.
- Interpret the results of all methods of non-destructive testing (NDT), such as acoustic emission, electromagnetic, leak, liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, neutron radiographic, radiographic, thermal or infrared, ultrasonic, vibration analysis, and visual testing.
- Interpret or evaluate test results in accordance with applicable codes, standards, specifications, or procedures.
- Make radiographic images to detect flaws in objects while leaving objects intact.
- Prepare reports on non-destructive testing results.
- Select, calibrate, or operate equipment used in the non-destructive testing of products or materials.
- Visually examine materials, structures, or components for signs of corrosion, metal fatigue, cracks, or other flaws, using tools and equipment such as endoscopes, closed-circuit television systems, and fiber optics.
- Examine structures or vehicles such as aircraft, trains, nuclear reactors, bridges, dams, and pipelines, using non-destructive testing techniques.
- Document non-destructive testing methods, processes, or results.
- Produce images of objects on film, using radiographic techniques.
- Supervise or direct the work of non-destructive testing trainees or staff.
- Conduct liquid penetrant tests to locate surface cracks by coating objects with fluorescent dyes, cleaning excess penetrant, and applying developer.
- Map the presence of imperfections within objects, using sonic measurements.
- Develop or use new non-destructive testing methods, such as acoustic emission testing, leak testing, and thermal or infrared testing.
- Evaluate material properties, using radio astronomy, voltage and amperage measurement, or rheometric flow measurement.
- Identify defects in solid materials, using ultrasonic testing techniques.
- Identify defects in concrete or other building materials, using thermal or infrared testing.
- Test machines, components, materials, or products to determine characteristics such as performance, strength, or response to stress.
- Assist engineers to design, develop, test, or manufacture industrial machinery, consumer products, or other equipment.
- Set up prototype and test apparatus and operate test controlling equipment to observe and record prototype test results.
- Assemble or disassemble complex mechanical systems.
- Interpret engineering sketches, specifications, or drawings.
- Calculate required capacities for equipment of proposed system to obtain specified performance and submit data to engineering personnel for approval.
- Review project instructions and blueprints to ascertain test specifications, procedures, and objectives, and test nature of technical problems such as redesign.
- Provide technical support to other employees regarding mechanical design, fabrication, testing, or documentation.
- Draft detail drawing or sketch for drafting room completion or to request parts fabrication by machine, sheet or wood shops.
- Analyze test results in relation to design or rated specifications and test objectives, and modify or adjust equipment to meet specifications.
- Record test procedures and results, numerical and graphical data, and recommendations for changes in product or test methods.
- Prepare specifications, designs, or sketches for machines, components, or systems related to the generation, transmission, or use of mechanical or fluid energy.
- Read dials and meters to determine amperage, voltage, electrical output and input at specific operating temperature to analyze parts performance.
- Design molds, tools, dies, jigs, or fixtures for use in manufacturing processes.
- Review project instructions and specifications to identify, modify and plan requirements fabrication, assembly and testing.
- Design specialized or customized equipment, machines, or structures.
- Conduct failure analyses, document results, and recommend corrective actions.
- Set up and conduct tests of complete units and components under operational conditions to investigate proposals for improving equipment performance.
- Prepare layouts of machinery, tools, plants, or equipment.
- Prepare equipment inspection schedules, reliability schedules, work plans, or other records.
- Evaluate tool drawing designs by measuring drawing dimensions and comparing with original specifications for form and function using engineering skills.
- Analyze energy requirements and distribution systems to maximize the use of intermittent or inflexible renewable energy sources, such as wind or nuclear.
- Prepare parts sketches and write work orders and purchase requests to be furnished by outside contractors.
- Estimate cost factors including labor and material for purchased and fabricated parts and costs for assembly, testing, or installing.
- Assist mechanical engineers in product testing through activities such as setting up instrumentation for automobile crash tests.
- Conduct statistical studies to analyze or compare production costs for sustainable and nonsustainable designs.
- Analyze or estimate production costs, such as labor, equipment, and plant space.
- Devise, fabricate, or assemble new or modified mechanical components for products such as industrial machinery or equipment, and measuring instruments.
- Discuss changes in design, method of manufacture and assembly, or drafting techniques and procedures with staff and coordinate corrections.
- Monitor, inspect, or test mechanical equipment.
- Test machines, components, materials, or products to determine characteristics such as performance, strength, or response to stress.
- Assist engineers to design, develop, test, or manufacture industrial machinery, consumer products, or other equipment.
- Set up prototype and test apparatus and operate test controlling equipment to observe and record prototype test results.
- Determine amount of air leakage in buildings, using a blower door machine.
- Test combustible appliances, such as gas appliances.
- Test and diagnose air flow systems, using furnace efficiency analysis equipment.
- Install and seal air ducts, combustion air openings, or ventilation openings to improve heating and cooling efficiency.
- Inspect buildings to identify required weatherization measures, including repair work, modification, or replacement.
- Recommend weatherization techniques to clients in accordance with needs and applicable energy regulations, codes, policies, or statutes.
- Apply insulation materials, such as loose, blanket, board, and foam insulation to attics, crawl spaces, basements, or walls.
- Make minor repairs using basic hand or power tools and materials, such as glass, lumber, and drywall.
- Prepare cost estimates or specifications for rehabilitation or weatherization services.
- Contact residents or building owners to schedule appointments.
- Wrap air ducts and water lines with insulating materials, such as duct wrap and pipe insulation.
- Prepare and apply weather-stripping, glazing, caulking, or door sweeps to reduce energy losses.
- Clean and maintain tools and equipment.
- Apply spackling, compounding, or other materials to repair holes in walls.
- Explain recommendations, policies, procedures, requirements, or other related information to residents or building owners.
- Maintain activity logs, financial transaction logs, or other records of weatherization work performed.
- Explain energy conservation measures, such as the use of low flow showerheads and energy-efficient lighting.
- Prepare or assist in the preparation of bids, contracts, or written reports related to weatherization work.
- Install storm windows or storm doors and verify proper fit.
- Wrap water heaters with water heater blankets.
- Determine amount of air leakage in buildings, using a blower door machine.
- Test combustible appliances, such as gas appliances.
- Conduct materials test and analysis, using tools and equipment and applying engineering knowledge.
- Calculate dimensions, square footage, profile and component specifications, and material quantities, using calculator or computer.
- Read and review project blueprints and structural specifications to determine dimensions of structure or system and material requirements.
- Draft detailed dimensional drawings and design layouts for projects to ensure conformance to specifications.
- Confer with supervisor to determine project details such as plan preparation, acceptance testing, and evaluation of field conditions.
- Analyze proposed site factors and design maps, graphs, tracings, and diagrams to illustrate findings.
- Prepare reports and document project activities and data.
- Report maintenance problems occurring at project site to supervisor and negotiate changes to resolve system conflicts.
- Inspect project site and evaluate contractor work to detect design malfunctions and ensure conformance to design specifications and applicable codes.
- Develop plans and estimate costs for installation of systems, utilization of facilities, or construction of structures.
- Develop project budgets by estimating the cost of project activities.
- Evaluate facility to determine suitability for occupancy and square footage availability.
- Plan and conduct field surveys to locate new sites and analyze details of project sites.
- Negotiate with contractors on prices for new contracts or modifications to existing contracts.
- Respond to public suggestions and complaints.
- Conduct materials test and analysis, using tools and equipment and applying engineering knowledge.
- Perform tests such as blower-door tests to locate air leaks.
- Identify and prioritize energy-saving measures.
- Prepare audit reports containing energy analysis results or recommendations for energy cost savings.
- Identify any health or safety issues related to planned weatherization projects.
- Identify opportunities to improve the operation, maintenance, or energy efficiency of building or process systems.
- Calculate potential for energy savings.
- Inspect or evaluate building envelopes, mechanical systems, electrical systems, or process systems to determine the energy consumption of each system.
- Analyze technical feasibility of energy-saving measures, using knowledge of engineering, energy production, energy use, construction, maintenance, system operation, or process systems.
- Examine commercial sites to determine the feasibility of installing equipment that allows building management systems to reduce electricity consumption during peak demand periods.
- Recommend energy-efficient technologies or alternate energy sources.
- Collect and analyze field data related to energy usage.
- Measure energy usage with devices such as data loggers, universal data recorders, light meters, sling psychrometers, psychrometric charts, flue gas analyzers, amp probes, watt meters, volt meters, thermometers, or utility meters.
- Educate customers on energy efficiency or answer questions on topics such as the costs of running household appliances or the selection of energy-efficient appliances.
- Prepare job specification sheets for home energy improvements, such as attic insulation, window retrofits, or heating system upgrades.
- Inspect newly installed energy-efficient equipment to ensure that it was installed properly and is performing according to specifications.
- Analyze energy bills, including utility rates or tariffs, to gather historical energy usage data.
- Quantify energy consumption to establish baselines for energy use or need.
- Determine patterns of building use to show annual or monthly needs for heating, cooling, lighting, or other energy needs.
- Compare existing energy consumption levels to normative data.
- Oversee installation of equipment such as water heater wraps, pipe insulation, weatherstripping, door sweeps, or low-flow showerheads to improve energy efficiency.
- Verify income eligibility of participants in publicly financed weatherization programs.
- Perform tests such as blower-door tests to locate air leaks.
- Conduct or supervise tests on raw materials or finished products to ensure their quality.
- Analyze product failure data and laboratory test results to determine causes of problems and develop solutions.
- Design and direct the testing or control of processing procedures.
- Monitor material performance, and evaluate its deterioration.
- Evaluate technical specifications and economic factors relating to process or product design objectives.
- Modify properties of metal alloys, using thermal and mechanical treatments.
- Determine appropriate methods for fabricating and joining materials.
- Guide technical staff in developing materials for specific uses in projected products or devices.
- Review new product plans, and make recommendations for material selection, based on design objectives such as strength, weight, heat resistance, electrical conductivity, and cost.
- Supervise the work of technologists, technicians, and other engineers and scientists.
- Plan and implement laboratory operations to develop material and fabrication procedures that meet cost, product specification, and performance standards.
- Plan and evaluate new projects, consulting with other engineers and corporate executives, as necessary.
- Supervise production and testing processes in industrial settings, such as metal refining facilities, smelting or foundry operations, or nonmetallic materials production operations.
- Solve problems in a number of engineering fields, such as mechanical, chemical, electrical, civil, nuclear, and aerospace.
- Conduct training sessions on new material products, applications, or manufacturing methods for customers and their employees.
- Perform managerial functions, such as preparing proposals and budgets, analyzing labor costs, and writing reports.
- Present technical information at conferences.
- Replicate the characteristics of materials and their components, using computers.
- Design processing plants and equipment.
- Write for technical magazines, journals, and trade association publications.
- Teach in colleges and universities.
- Conduct or supervise tests on raw materials or finished products to ensure their quality.
- Investigate or test specific construction project materials to determine compliance to specifications or standards.
- Design or prepare plans for new transportation systems or parts of systems, such as airports, commuter trains, highways, streets, bridges, drainage structures, or roadway lighting.
- Check construction plans, design calculations, or cost estimations to ensure completeness, accuracy, or conformity to engineering standards or practices.
- Prepare administrative, technical, or statistical reports on traffic-operation matters, such as accidents, safety measures, or pedestrian volume or practices.
- Plan alteration or modification of existing transportation structures to improve safety or function.
- Confer with contractors, utility companies, or government agencies to discuss plans, specifications, or work schedules.
- Present data, maps, or other information at construction-related public hearings or meetings.
- Prepare final project layout drawings that include details such as stress calculations.
- Investigate traffic problems and recommend methods to improve traffic flow or safety.
- Estimate transportation project costs.
- Design or engineer drainage, erosion, or sedimentation control systems for transportation projects.
- Evaluate traffic control devices or lighting systems to determine need for modification or expansion.
- Prepare project budgets, schedules, or specifications for labor or materials.
- Inspect completed transportation projects to ensure safety or compliance with applicable standards or regulations.
- Review development plans to determine potential traffic impact.
- Evaluate transportation systems or traffic control devices or lighting systems to determine need for modification or expansion.
- Analyze environmental impact statements for transportation projects.
- Supervise the maintenance or repair of transportation systems or system components.
- Model transportation scenarios to evaluate the impacts of activities such as new development or to identify possible solutions to transportation problems.
- Inspect completed transportation projects to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
- Evaluate construction project materials for compliance with environmental standards.
- Direct the surveying, staking, or laying-out of construction projects.
- Design transportation systems or structures with sustainable materials or products, such as porous pavement or bioretention structures.
- Develop or assist in the development of transportation-related computer software or computer processes.
- Develop plans to deconstruct damaged or obsolete roadways or other transportation structures in a manner that is environmentally sound or prepares the land for sustainable development.
- Participate in contract bidding, negotiation, or administration.
- Investigate or test specific construction project materials to determine compliance to specifications or standards.
- Assess, sort, characterize, or pack known or unknown materials.
- Provide technical support for environmental remediation or litigation projects, including remediation system design or determination of regulatory applicability.
- Collaborate with environmental scientists, planners, hazardous waste technicians, engineers, experts in law or business, or other specialists to address environmental problems.
- Assess the existing or potential environmental impact of land use projects on air, water, or land.
- Advise corporations or government agencies of procedures to follow in cleaning up contaminated sites to protect people and the environment.
- Inspect industrial or municipal facilities or programs to evaluate operational effectiveness or ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
- Design, or supervise the design of, systems, processes, or equipment for control, management, or remediation of water, air, or soil quality.
- Direct installation or operation of environmental monitoring devices or supervise related data collection programs.
- Prepare, review, or update environmental investigation or recommendation reports.
- Develop site-specific health and safety protocols, such as spill contingency plans or methods for loading or transporting waste.
- Obtain, update, or maintain plans, permits, or standard operating procedures.
- Prepare or present public briefings on the status of environmental engineering projects.
- Provide administrative support for projects by collecting data, providing project documentation, training staff, or performing other general administrative duties.
- Coordinate or manage environmental protection programs or projects, assigning or evaluating work.
- Request bids from suppliers or consultants.
- Monitor progress of environmental improvement programs.
- Serve as liaison with federal, state, or local agencies or officials on issues pertaining to solid or hazardous waste program requirements.
- Provide assistance with planning, quality assurance, safety inspection protocols, or sampling as part of a team conducting multimedia inspections at complex facilities.
- Develop, implement, or manage plans or programs related to conservation or management of natural resources.
- Inform company employees or other interested parties of environmental issues.
- Advise industries or government agencies about environmental policies and standards.
- Provide environmental engineering assistance in network analysis, regulatory analysis, or planning or reviewing database development.
- Assist in budget implementation, forecasts, or administration.
- Prepare, maintain, or revise quality assurance documentation or procedures.
- Develop proposed project objectives and targets and report to management on progress in attaining them.
- Prepare hazardous waste manifests or land disposal restriction notifications.
- Develop or present environmental compliance training or orientation sessions.
- Write reports or articles for Web sites or newsletters related to environmental engineering issues.
- Assess, sort, characterize, or pack known or unknown materials.
