Tech Directions - April 2008 - (Page 20)

career directions PROJECT ENGINEER By Timothy M. Brockman In the Heavy Construction Industry for Renewable Energy With the increased interest in renewable energy, heavy industrial construction firms are taking on the challenge of building processing facilities for emerging technologies, such as ethanol processing plants and wind farms. The construction manager, or project engineer, supervises the construction process of these facilities. The firm that builds a facility is often required to operate it for one year to ensure proper function of all processes before turning it over to the owner. The construction manager is often the logical choice to manage the start-up and operation. The job requires a broad background in construction and technology, learning project-related technical specifications and standards, and the ability to communicate with trade persons, process engineers, and the general public. Personal Skills and Characteristics • Leadership and team-building skills • Good oral and written communication skills • Ability to read, interpret, and explain drawings and technical schematics • Detail oriented • A broad background in technology and construction • An overall concern for safety • Commitment to continuing education The Job The duration of building or installation generally ranges from 12 to 18 months. The project engineer may work on a specific phase of the project for three to six months, or he or she may spend the entire period at one site. Duties may start with pre-construction meetings and site visits to become familiar with the project from the bidding stage, through the construction, to the actual “start-up” time of the facility. Project engineers interpret drawings; schedule and record the activities of trades; lay out facilities and utilities; schedule and test materials; and control each step along the way while ensuring a safe, timely, and quality project. Positions include: • Field Representative • Field Engineer • Project Engineer • Assistant Superintendent • Superintendent Training High School • Computer skills • CAD • Business or accounting courses • English, writing, public speaking courses • Technology education courses (print reading and hands-on skills) • Mathematics (algebra and geometry) • Science (chemistry, physics, or biology) • Summer construction experience Postsecondary Many universities offer a four-year degree in construction management or a broad-based industrial technology program with an emphasis in construction management or manufacturing management. Programs include a technical core of construction and industry-related courses followed by a professional core of management-related courses. A construction management emphasis includes courses such as construction materials and practices, print reading and project documentation, project bidding and estimating, and construction management, along with business courses and culminating in an internship in the construction industry. Those with extensive experience in residential, commercial, or trade work may choose to enroll in an industrial technology program with an emphasis in construction management. With some mentoring from industry, skills are usually transferable to the heavy industrial construction market. Timothy M. Brockman is assistant professor, Department of Technological Studies, Bemidji (MN) State University. 20 techdirections ◆ APRIL 2008

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Tech Directions - April 2008

Tech Directions - April 2008 Technically Speaking Contents Direct from Washington The News Report Technology's Past Technology Today Mastering Computers A Bridge to the Future Aeronautics Study Takes Off! Glider Design for Beginners Project Engineer in the Heavy Construction Industry for Renewable Energy Annual Buyers' Guide More than Fun

Tech Directions - April 2008

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