Job specialisms within the built environment
Building Engineers work across the life cycle of a building, in roles that incorporate the design, construction, conservation and reclaiming of the areas and places where we live, work and function.
Working within the built environment offers a broad range of rewarding career paths. Below is a list of some of the key specialisms across the construction industry, to help you gain a greater understanding of different professional job roles available.
Architects – Architects design new buildings, extensions or alterations to existing structures. They provide guidance on renovations and conservation of historic properties.
Building Control Inspector / Surveyor – Building Control Inspectors guarantee that the design and construction of buildings comply with building regulations and other legislation. Building Control Inspectors work on new and existing buildings, focusing on areas including fire safety, energy conservation and structural stability.
Building Services Engineer – Building Services Engineers design, install and maintain building services including the acoustics, heating, lighting and power, to enable them to work efficiently and effectively.
Building Surveyor/Residential property surveyor – Building Surveyors provide advice on property and construction projects producing reports that highlight defects and options for maintenance and repair.
Civil Engineer – Civil Engineering covers a wide range of roles and can include the roles of:
- Consulting Civil Engineers – Plan, design and manage [typically] large construction projects, including bridges, buildings, transport links and other major infrastructures projects.
- Contracting Civil Engineers – Take the plans from the consultants and make them come to life, overseeing the actual construction of the project.
Construction Manager/Site Manager – Construction Managers works on site and are responsible for ensuring that day-to-day workflow of a building project is safely completed within the agreed time frame and budget.
Design Engineer – Design Engineer prepare and modifying designs for construction projects. They design manufacturing processes and products with various criteria in mind, including cost-effectiveness, sustainability and environmental standards. The role of a design engineer is also to analyse data from tests on prototypes and craft progress reports, using CAD and other technical software.
Environmental Surveyor – Environmental Surveyors provide knowledge on sustainability and expertise across projects in real estate, land and construction. The role involves providing expert advisory and assessment services to clients with the aim of minimising or eliminating environmental damage.
Fire Safety Officer – Fire Safety Officers provide guidance on the fire safety design of new and existing buildings, undertaking risk assessments and creating fire strategies they ensure buildings comply with the Building Regulations and maintain the life safety for users of the building.
Historic Conservation Specialist – Historic Building Conservation is a branch of building surveying. Professionals in this area work with heritage buildings, covering everything from day-to-day maintenance to the delivery of multi-million-pound redevelopment projects that preserve the historic and culture integrity of the structure.
Operations Manager – Operations Managers design and control business operations to ensure the efficient production of goods and services. Their duties include overseeing high-level HR duties, conserving quality control, implementing safety measures and analysing and improving organisational processes.
Project Manager – Project Managers are essential to ensuring the successful completion of construction and development projects. They plan, develop and project manage works from commencement to completion ensuring that projects are delivered on time and on budget. They are often responsible for multiple projects.
Maintenance Manager – Maintenance Managers ensure that buildings and other assets retain in good working order, free of defects, and operate at optimum efficiency.
Quantity Surveyor – Quantity Surveyors manage all costs relating to building and civil engineering projects, from the initial calculations to the final figures.
Safety, Health, Environment and Quality (SHEQ) Manager – SHEQ specialists focus on the safety, health, environment and quality assurance side of the business. They are responsible for ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, environmental regulations, and quality control, on-site and in construction firms.
Structural Engineer – Structural Engineers ensure structures can withstand the stresses and pressures imposed by use and the environment. They calculate stability, strength and rigidity and make sure the right materials are used for each project, whether it is a new-build, conversion or renovation.
Sustainability Consultant – Sustainability Consultants will work closely with clients to help them measure and then improve their sustainability performance. This could involve looking at materials used, waste produced including pollutants and noise, and management of energy, water, air and land.
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