Site engineer: Job description

Site engineers perform a technical, organisational and supervisory role on construction projects, setting out and determining the location for above and underground infrastructural installations involved in construction operations.

Site engineers apply designs and plans to mark out the site and can be involved in projects ranging from small scale to multi-million pound ventures. This may include civil, road, rail and other infrastructure projects.

A site engineer works as part of the site management team liaising with and working alongside architects, engineers, construction managers, supervisors, planners, surveyors and subcontractors. They share responsibility for site security, health and safety, and the organisation and supervision of material and human resources.

Typical work activities

Work activities vary depending on the type of employers and nature of the project but typically involve:

• acting as the main technical adviser on a construction site for subcontractors, crafts people and operatives;
• setting out, levelling and surveying the site;
• checking plans, drawings and quantities for accuracy of calculations;
• ensuring that all materials used and work performed are as per specifications;
• overseeing the selection and requisition of materials and plant;
• agreeing a price for materials, and making cost-effective solutions and proposals for the intended project;
• managing, monitoring and interpreting the contract design documents supplied by the client/architect;
• liaising with any consultants, subcontractors, supervisors, planners, quantity surveyors and the general workforce involved in the project;
• liaising with the local authority (where appropriate to the project) to ensure compliance with local construction regulations and by-laws;
• liaising with clients and their representatives (architects, engineers and surveyors), including attending regular meetings to keep them informed of progress;
• day-to-day management of the site, including supervising and monitoring the site labour force and the work of any subcontractors;
• planning the work and efficiently organising the plant and site facilities in order to meet agreed deadlines;
• overseeing quality control, health and safety matters on site;
• preparing reports as required;
• resolving any unexpected technical difficulties and other problems that may arise.