Juan, Genrev B.

BSCE 221-F

ACTIVITY 1F: INTRODUCTION TO STAFFING IN ENGINEERING

1. PROJECT ENGINEER

Description: According to Eleni Kourmentza (2022), A Project Engineers is a professional

who is responsible for all technical and engineering aspect of their assigned project.
They’re the one who plans, schedule, and manage all task in the project assuring the
accuracy, efficiency, and quality of work to be done.

The responsibilities of a project engineer are to prepare, schedule, coordinate, and

monitor the assigned engineering project. In terms of monitoring, they’re responsible for
ensuring that everything is complying with the codes, standards, and protocols of the
construction. Project engineers also monitor and control the construction budget, ensuring
that the project stays within the financial limitation. Also, one of the common
responsibilities of a project engineer is that they are the ones who interact with the client
and keep them updated on the current situation of the project.
The required qualifications and skills to become a certified project engineer are first
to have a degree in civil engineering course and a certified license engineer. A project
engineer should have in-depth knowledge of this field, mastering every key point,
principle, and standard in construction. A project engineer must possess proficiency with
engineering software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Revit, as well as project
management tools like Microsoft Project and Primavera. Skills and experience are also
important qualifications for a project engineer; having at least 2–5 years of work experience
in the engineering field and skills such as managing, analytical, statistical, and leadership
skills are all required within this field.

There are many challenges a project engineer might face during a large-scale
infrastructure project. One common issue is delays, which every engineer has likely
encountered. Delays can be caused by emergencies, adverse weather conditions, supply
 chain disruptions, or unforeseen technical difficulties. The best way to address this is by
creating a more flexible schedule, securing alternative suppliers, and closely monitoring
the progress of each section of the project.

According to Partick Hogan (2023), Another significant challenge is budget

overruns. Managing costs on large-scale projects can be difficult, and unexpected
expenses—such as material price fluctuations or equipment failures—can push the project
over budget. To mitigate this, it's crucial to regularly track expenses and plan strategically
to keep the budget within its limits.

2. SITE MANAGER
Description: A site manager, also known as a construction manager, plays a crucial role in
overseeing the daily operations of a construction site. They are responsible for ensuring
that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
This includes coordinating with architects, engineers, subcontractors, and laborers, while
also ensuring compliance with safety regulations and legal requirements.

A site manager in a large-scale project plays a pivotal role in overseeing

construction operations, ensuring that everything runs on time, within budget, and meets
safety standards. They’re responsible for coordinating between different teams—
contractors, engineers, and suppliers—so that the project progresses smoothly. From
managing material deliveries to organizing the workforce, site managers handle all the
logistics on site and keep detailed records to track the project’s progress.

To succeed in this role, a site manager needs strong leadership, excellent

communication skills, and the ability to stay organized. They must also have a solid
understanding of construction methods, be good at problem-solving, and be familiar with
legal regulations and health and safety standards. Being proficient with project
management software can help them monitor progress more efficiently.

However, the role comes with its fair share of challenges. Site managers often have
to work under tight deadlines and strict budget limits, requiring quick thinking and
adaptability under pressure. Unexpected issues, such as bad weather or supply chain
 problems, can cause delays. On top of that, ensuring everyone follows safety regulations
while managing large teams and heavy machinery adds extra layers of complexity. Keeping
clear communication among all stakeholders, who often have competing priorities, is
another constant challenge for site managers working on large-scale projects.

3. ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER

Description: According to Paul Peters (2021), Environmental engineers are problem-solvers

who find innovative solutions to environmental issues. Their primary duties include collecting
and analyzing environmental data, studying human influences on the environment, and
improving environmental conservation management.

According to him, the responsibilities of an environmental engineers including the

designing a technology that will help the control with the pollution and waste management.
They’re responsible in collecting and analyzing environmental data, carrying out site
assessment to determine environmental impact, and in improving environmental conservation
management.

This role requires different qualification that includes bachelor’s degree in

engineering field, certified license engineer, and preferably with master’s degree. Aside from
certification, it also requires outdoor experiences in this field. Also, good problem-solving
skills, analytical mindset, and proficiency to this field is a key factor to success in this industry.

Large-scale environmental engineering projects face several challenges, including

regulatory compliance, budget constraints, and public opposition. Engineers must navigate
complex environmental laws and obtain necessary permits, which can cause delays. Budget
limitations can restrict access to advanced technologies, potentially compromising the
project’s effectiveness. Additionally, public concerns about environmental impacts, such
as deforestation or pollution, can lead to opposition and legal disputes, slowing progress.
Environmental uncertainties, such as climate change or ecosystem responses, add further
complexity, requiring adaptive strategies to mitigate risks. Effective stakeholder
engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration are essential to overcome these hurdles and
ensure project success.
4. SAFETY OFFICER

Description: A Safety Officer is responsible for ensuring compliance with occupational

health and safety (OHS) guidelines. They advise on safety measures, conduct risk
assessments, and enforce preventative measures. Their role involves promoting a safe
workplace, providing training, and investigating incidents to improve overall safety.
(Nikoletta Bika, 2023).

A safety officer is responsible for ensuring the application and compliance of OHS
conditions and guidelines within the working areas. Conducting risk assessment and
enforcing preventative measure on site. They are responsible for supporting, reviewing,
and overseeing the development of OHS programs in identifying hazards, ensuring
compliance with legislation, and promoting a culture of health and safety in the workplace.

This job requires a proven experience as a safety officer having at least 2-3 years
of experience in this field. As a safety officer, having an in-depth knowledge about the
safety regulations, programs, guidelines of OHS or any different safety agency is a required
qualification to this job. Additionally, a safety officer is not only knowledgeable, proficient
in analysis, and good communication skill, but, it should also proficient in different
Microsoft office, detailed reports, and in technical skills needed in this job.

In a large-scale project, a safety officer often faces this kind of challenges that
requires vigilant oversight and effective management. As a safety officer, maintaining
compliance with regulation inside the work area is challenging, many of the workers are
operating under different safety standards that are somehow opposing to the regulation
applied by the safety officer. In this case, communication is also challenging especially in
a larger scale of people, communicating with people that has different beliefs and standards
in work are most often are stubborn and not complying with the safety protocols. The only
solution in this problem is to explain the importance of the implemented regulation.

5. STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
 Description: A structural engineer designs and analyses structures to ensure their safety,
stability, and functionality. It is the responsibility of a structural engineer to ensure
structures can withstand external forces and pressures, including high winds, earthquakes,
or the weight of materials used in construction. Generally, the projects they focus on
include roads, tunnels, bridges, buildings, towers, airports, and dams. (ConsultAnz, 2023)

The responsibility of a structural engineer is conducting detailed analysis and

calculation that assesses the integrity and stability of a building this includes the different
construction materials such as steel, concrete, etc., designing various reinforced concrete
and post-tensioned concrete, and steel structures. A structural engineer prepares accurate
and detailed structural drawings, plans, and specifications that effectively communicate the
design intent and facilitate construction.

A bachelor's degree or equivalent formal education in structural and civil

engineering is required to work as a structural engineer. Structural engineers also need to
be knowledgeable about building codes and regulations, have a keen eye for detail, be able
to process information analytically and critically, be proficient with field-related
technology and software, and be able to collaborate, manage, and communicate with other
professionals with ease. These requirements cover knowledge and skills in science,
mathematics, and technology.

While being knowledgeable in their field, this role may still face challenges when
it comes to adhering to complex building codes and safety restrictions, innovating
approaches to prioritize environmental sustainability and concerns, designing structures
with advanced modeling to withstand extreme circumstances, finding cost-effective
solutions without compromising the quality of the structure, as well as trouble with
communications and contracting errors during inspections.

6. SURVEYOR

Description: A surveyor is a professional who determines property boundaries and

measures land characteristics for various purposes, including construction, mapmaking,
mining, and legal matters. They utilize specialized tools to precisely assess land
 measurements and produce maps and reports based on their findings. (Alexandra Marinaki,
2023).

Surveyors are the one who conduct surveys on land sites and properties, their job is to
examine the previous survey records and compare them with the latest data of survey to ensure
the accuracy of data. They research and design different methods of survey process that are
much efficient and affordable. Additionally, as a surveyor, they are the one who analyze the
finding about the surveyed land site or properties presenting them to the client.

To become a successful surveyor, a person should have a working knowledge about

topography of land, GPS, and GIS. Requires technical skills especially proficiency with
different engineering apps — such as operating CADs and Microsoft Offices. Aptitude with
analytical, statistical, and mathematical skill and problem-solving skills. Additionally, a
person should have a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or other similar field, master’s
degree, and have at least an experience in the same field.

Any large-scale surveying project is bound to face many problems, which can stall its
progress. To begin with, there are logistic demands—time-consuming and inefficient ones
like getting a sizable workforce to work and covering large areas with far more tedious,
potential waylaid maintenance. There is also the issue of weather conditions, notably in
remote or difficult terrains, with this add-on comes possible delays and data quality failures.
This can degrade precision, and may be additionally hindered by technological constraints —
such as malfunctioning equipment or tools becoming outdated. It becomes more complicated
when you include the difficulty of maintaining data integrity with so many susceptible points
for errors in collection or recording. Also, the projects get delayed a tad due to slower
disbursement by financial lenders and tight regulation and environmental norms call for
meticulous observation of statutory compliance.

7. CONSTRUCTION MANAGER

Description: Construction managers are responsible for the practical management and
planning of every stage of a construction project. They ensure building projects are
completed safely, within budget and on time. As a construction manager, you’d oversee
schedules of work and delegate tasks to your team to ensure that each phase of a build goes
to plan. (Go Construct, 2016)

Construction managers coordinate and supervise the building of all types of

residential, commercial, industrial, and civic structures — from roads to bridges, and office
buildings to factories. They are the personnel who collaborates with architects, engineers,
and other specialists; hire full-time and part-time subcontractors and laborers and
coordinate their schedules. A construction manager conducts and document quality
assurance and safety inspections throughout the construction process, ensuring that the
work environment is acceptable and that tools and equipment are in good working
condition.

To become a construction manager a person should a have a bachelor’s degree in

engineering, master’s degree, and licensure passer – these are the preferred qualification
and requirements of many companies. A construction manager must have a deep
understanding of all facets of the building process, from the initial planning and
foundational work through to project completion.

Once you see at the viewpoint of an experienced development director directing a

large-scale extend, numerous challenges could appear as well yearning to be confronted:
from time delays and budget limitations to asset allotment. Adjusting the administration of
different temporary workers and keeping up quality control on beat of strict security
directions includes an additional layer of complexity. And so, at that point with
unforeseeable like climate, or supply chain issues and a extend timeline in put – this
requires compelling problem-solving and communication to guarantee the venture
advances easily.
References:

Alexandra Marinaki (2023), Surveyor Job Description. https://resources.workable.com/surveyor-

job-description

ConsultAnz (2023), Structural Engineer Job Description.

https://www.consultanz.com.au/structural-engineer-job-description/

Eleni Kourmentza (2022), Project Engineer Job Description.

https://resources.workable.com/project-engineer-job-description

Go Construct (2016), How to become Construction Manager.

https://www.goconstruct.org/construction-careers/what-jobs-are-right-for-me/construction-
manager/

Linked-In Co., What does a construction manager do? https://business.linkedin.com/talent-

solutions/resources/how-to-hire-guides/construction-manager/job-description

Nikoletta Bika (2023), Safety Officer Job Description. https://resources.workable.com/safety-

officer-job-description

Patrick Hogan (2024), Challenges for Construction Project Manager.

https://www.fieldwire.com/blog/top-challenges-for-construction-project-managers/

Paul Peters (2021), Environmental Engineer Job Description.

https://www.betterteam.com/environmental-engineer-job-description

Smith, J. (2020), Challenges in Modern Surveying: A Comprehensive Overview. Land Surveying

Review. https://landsurveyorsunited.com/articles/land-surveying-techniques