Careers in Infrastructure Building

CAREERS IN

INFRASTRUCTURE BUILDING

Institute Research Number 647 ISBN 1-58511-647-5 DOT Numbers 869.664-014, 869.687-026, 005.061-014 O*Net SOC Codes 17-2051.00, 47-2061.00, 47-3019.99 17-2073.00

CAREERS IN

INFRASTRUCTURE BUILDING ENGINEERS, CONTRACTORS SKILLED HEAVY CONSTRUCTION WORKERS

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BUILDING OUR NATION’S HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES, TUNNELS, AND AIRPORTS ACCORDING TO THE LATEST GOVERNMENT STATISTICS, THE CONSTRUCTION

industry employs 7.7 million workers earning salaries and wages, plus another two million who are self-employed. Construction is reportedly the largest single industry in the United States, accounting for 15 percent of the nation’s Gross National Product. The three major segments of the construction industry are: Building residential, industrial, and commercial structures Specialty work, performing construction-related activities, including carpentry, painting, plumbing, electrical work Heavy civil engineering projects, which brings us to infrastructure What is infrastructure? These days, the term is used to refer to the underlying foundation of just about any system, be it political, corporate, technological, or otherwise. But the classic definition of the term, and the one used in the context of construction, refers to something quite physical: the public works that contribute meaningfully to the functioning of an industrial economy, and to the well-being of the individuals and the communities benefitting from the projects. Foundational structures and systems have been around since man first trod upon the tracks left by a wild animal, creating something like a pathway or road. Elements of infrastructure include: Roads Streets Highways Bridges Tunnels Airports Sewers Viaducts Utilities Levees Piers Pipelines 3

Sewage treatment systems Railroads Waterworks This report will introduce you to the many occupational and professional opportunities in the field of infrastructure building. You’ll find out what’s great about working in the infrastructure industry, and hear from some folks currently employed in it. You’ll also learn some practical info, like the qualifications you should have, education and training requirements, and how much money you can expect to make. Finally, this report will tell you where the jobs are, and how you can kick-start your career. So keep reading!

EXPLORING AND PREPARING FOR THIS CAREER THERE ARE A NUM BER OF WAYS TO ASSESS YOUR INTEREST IN AND APTITUDE FOR

an occupation related to infrastructure building. Any activities you can get involved in that address the nuts-and-bolts of this profession will be enormously helpful in your investigation. Valuable classroom instruction – typically offered on an elective basis in high schools – includes general shop, auto mechanics, mechanical drawing, drafting, welding, and blueprint reading. If you are at least 18 years old and can get a summer job as a laborer on a project like road construction, that would be an ideal way to evaluate this field in terms of your career goals, as well as gaining valuable hands-on experience that will make you more employable in the future. Younger students can contact local contractors or union officials to learn more about infrastructure building. While you may not be permitted on worksites for legal, insurance, and other reasons, you could still conceivably “job shadow” a contractor or engineer and learn a great deal during a day spent in the office or touring construction sites, without actually working on them.

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Facility with mathematics in all its incarnations – the basics, as well as algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus – is necessary in this career. Classes in physics and other sciences and technical subjects are also important. Math, engineering, and science are relevant because infrastructure builders must be able to: Plan accurate layouts Take precise measurements Deliver knowledgeable estimates about quantities of materials required, how much time a job will take, and what it will cost Ensure that structures and installations are built according to the plans depicted in blueprints and in written specifications Computer skills have become essential in virtually every profession. Like other industries, construction is becoming more and more mechanized and computerized. For instance, contractors and construction engineers use computer software to perform functions ranging from the simple and general to the complex and specific: Solve equations Develop project estimates Analyze information to aid decision-making and problem-solving Design hydraulic systems Compute load and grade conditions, measure liquid flow rates, and calculate material stress points Resolve pricing and costing issues that are unique to the laborand equipment-intensive business of infrastructure construction English and communications courses, such as public speaking, are helpful. Throughout your career, you will be interacting with many different people with a great diversity of backgrounds and talents. You may be comparing notes with a fellow laborer, conveying instructions or safety precautions, or negotiating a fee or timetable with a client. In all events, you must be able to relay information with clarity, straightforwardness, and, if circumstances demand, urgency. As you advance in your career to leadership roles, communications skills will become increasingly important elements in your effectiveness and your success. 5

Classes in business administration, finance, economics, accounting, management, and business law can be profitable for many occupations in the field of infrastructure building. Studies in these areas can be undertaken at any time in your career, but may be required for advancement to desirable positions in management. It is an excellent idea for you to learn to speak conversational Spanish, if you don’t already do so. According to the Center for Construction Research and Training, an agency of the US government, construction has a larger share of Hispanic workers than any other industry except agriculture.

HISTORY OF THIS CAREER MANY TYPES AND SYSTEMS OF CONSTRUCTION THAT FORM THE FOUNDATION OF

our nation’s infrastructure have their roots in ancient times, including roads, bridges, tunnels, and dams. Others are based on technology and scientific knowledge that were not available, and needs and demands that had not yet emerged, until the past several centuries (railroads, concrete bridges, the Interstate highway system). The earliest roads were merely trails that had been forged by wild animals cutting swathes through the foliage, perhaps stomping the ground into a flatter, more navigable surface while they were at it. These paths facilitated humans’ movement through difficult terrain, such as forests. Eventually, people began to make these paths easier and more pleasant to use by filling in holes with dirt and placing logs over ditches. Ancient civilizations – Mesopotamians, Egyptians, Indians, Chinese, and Romans – fashioned considerably more sophisticated roadways that were paved with stone and brick. The improved modes of transportation facilitated commercial trade, military maneuvers, and empire-building. Like the first roads, the first bridges were a function of nature – trees that fell across a body of water, or conveniently placed rocks that allowed people to traverse on foot. Again, ancient civilizations improved upon nature by originating the cantilever bridge and the corbeled arch. Roman-built bridges were of such high quality that some are still standing.

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The growth, expansion, and transformation of the United States from an agrarian to an industrial economy, into a powerhouse in the world arena, was made possible by the rapid development of the burgeoning nation’s infrastructural elements. Skilled tradesworkers helped the nascent nation make great strides. For example, the laborers who built the early wooden bridges were craftsmen, not engineers, and the Carpenters’ Company of Philadelphia, the oldest trade guild in the United States, founded in 1724, is credited with “building early America.” The guild’s structure and principles that were developed in Colonial times, including the position of the master builder, and the advancement of legislation to protect laborers, resemble those of contemporary trade associations and practices. The late 18th century and the 19th century saw a bridge-building boom in this country. There were meaningful advances in design and construction, along with the use of materials shifting from timber to iron and steel. Meanwhile, there began the construction of turnpikes (until then, travel and transport took place via waterways), some canals, and, most significantly, railroads. The first railroad charter was issued in 1815, and ground was broken for the legendary Baltimore & Ohio Railroad in 1828. Within 10 years, there were 1,000 miles of operating railway. By 1850, that figure was nearly 9,000, and it reached 30,000 within the decade. Rail travel boasted a number of benefits compared to other types of transportation. It was cheaper and faster than over-the-road conveyances, and it functioned year-round without regard for weather conditions. As the rail system expanded, canal engineers harnessed their creativity to implement innovative designs and ideas to compete as a means of transportation. In the construction of the Erie Canal, which commenced in 1817, small contracting firms were retained for different tasks. Laborers chopped down trees, yanked stumps, waded through muddy ditches with picks and shovels, and blazed the canal trail. Engineers devised equipment, instruments, and techniques on the spot to get the job done. Thanks to the Erie Canal, the amount of time it took a freighter to convey a ton of cargo from Buffalo to New York City plunged from 20 days to around seven. Early in the history of the United States, tunnels were excavated and built to permit canals to go through hills. With the advent of railroads, tunnels served a parallel but more powerful purpose. New explosive materials, methods, and equipment were developed and employed in the construction of tunnels.

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By the early 1900s, the “horseless carriage” was poised to overtake the “iron horse” as the dominant mode of transportation. This trend required the dramatic expansion of the nation’s roadways, propelling improvements to existing roads, as well as the launching of new highway and superhighway construction. One hundred years ago, there were about 200,000 miles of single-lane surfaced roads in the United States, compared to almost four million miles of mostly multi-lane thoroughfares today.

WHERE YOU WILL WORK OF ALL THE CONSTRUCTION WORKERS IN THIS COUNTRY, ABOUT 13 PERCENT OR

one million, are engaged in heavy and civil engineering construction. Utility system construction (425,000 employees), and highway, street, and bridge construction (350,000 employees) are the largest segments in this category. Roughly two-thirds of construction firms employ fewer than five workers, and 11 percent of workers are employed by small companies. Small contractors may sub-contract some of their work or hire temporary or seasonal workers in order to complete their projects. Geographically, the distribution of construction employment mirrors that of the US population. Workers are dispersed throughout the country and may relocate frequently to work on different projects. Heavy and highway contractors typically are retained by government agencies at the national, state, county, or local/municipal level with the aim of serving the public interest. Private companies, though, also engage infrastructure construction firms for undertakings like site grading, storm drainage systems, underground utilities, and water supply systems, for projects ranging from mines to amusement parks. One large private construction firm includes among its clients New Jersey Transit, the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, the New Jersey Highway Authority, the New Jersey Department of Transportation, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the Army Corps of Engineers, Amtrak, the Navy, various county and municipal governments, and The Princeton Forrestal Corporation. Quite a client list!

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THE WORK YOU WILL DO INFRASTRUCTURE BUILDING IS VERY COMPLEX AND EMPLOYS A VAST ARRAY OF

skills. Because the structures or installations are meant to last a long time, and likely involve considerable public funds, planning through completion can take many years. For example, here are some of the steps that must be taken to build a road or highway: Make a preliminary plan of the desired route Decide whether the route will be determined by natural topography or by machinery Finalize the route and number of lanes, entrances, and exits Calculate the necessary strength of the road surface based on expected traffic Evaluate the soil at the site and how it should be prepared to provide a sturdy roadbed Use earth-moving machines to remove obstacles and relocate earth and stones Lay culverts across the roadbed to protect against water damage, such as flooding and freezing Grade and smooth the roadbed in preparation for the road itself Put down the bottom layer of the road, which is composed primarily of larger stones With large, heavy rollers, compact the bottom layer Lay the next course, made up of smaller stones With large, heavy rollers, compact the next layer Lay the top surface of the road Road surface materials include asphalt, tar, heavy oils, or concrete, which can be reinforced with steel rods or wire when it is being poured.

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Engineers The project is launched with the help of an engineer whose professional expertise is related to infrastructure building. The specialty of construction engineering falls within the broad discipline of civil engineering. These professionals are employed on some large private projects, but very often they work in the realm of public works, planning and designing roads, bridges, tunnels, viaducts, dams, water treatment plants, pipelines, reservoirs, railroads, sewage systems, piers, and other installations. Construction engineers make extensive use of their knowledge, based on formal education and experience in construction techniques, tools and machinery, and probable outcomes of various strategies and methodologies. They also draw on their mathematical, scientific, and technological aptitudes in their work. They initiate, coordinate, implement, oversee, and monitor the entire process of building or renovation. In the planning phases, the construction engineer considers such design-related factors as site layout and modifications, including the presence and removal of impediments. Regulatory requirements and restrictions must be adhered to. Environmental protections are taken into consideration, as are environmental threats like earthquakes. In addition, the expected longevity of the project must be factored in. For example, the modern highway is typically planned for two decades worth of traffic. To evaluate the surface on which the structure is to be installed, engineers test the earth and study the solidity and drainage qualities of the soil. Practical and logistical matters also play a role in planning: reconciling budgets with estimated costs; hiring work crews and scheduling tasks for them; selecting and procuring materials, supplies, and equipment; and designing structures to be dismantled at the completion of the project, like scaffolding and ramps. Working with architects, other engineers, and other construction professionals, and armed with crucial calculations of details like load requirements and stress points, construction engineers design the installations and determine the construction methods to be employed in their assembly. Feasibility, efficiency, and safety are important criteria in a successful construction scheme.

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There are business-related matters to attend to, like drafting proposals, preparing bids, estimating costs, and negotiating with contractors and government officials. In the managerial arena, construction engineers supervise, provide direction, and maintain cordial relations with everyone from the media to authorities, clients to contractors, to the helper who mixes the cement. They keep costs and schedules on track and monitor quality assurance.

Contractors Heavy and highway construction contractors may work on other civil-engineering projects, like airports and mass transit systems, as well as roads, streets, railroads, and bridges. As the title implies, they work under contract – which is to say, they don’t typically have a steady employer. The contract is usually with a federal, state, county, or local government. Contractors bid on projects against other contractors. When clients solicit bids, they describe the size and scope of the project, parts of the work that are already completed, completion deadline, and what information the contractors should submit with their proposals. A typical proposal might include: A breakdown of costs (the labor, materials, and machinery needed and how they will be procured) A detailed description of the work methodology, including the transport of materials to the worksite The resolution of logistical matters like the delivery of water, fuel, power, light, air pressure, and ventilation to the worksite A schedule for meeting the due date The names of subcontractors the contractor anticipates hiring The contractor’s experience in the particular type of infrastructure Itemized in the proposal might be such tasks as the mixing and laying of fine and coarse aggregate material for pavements. Infrastructure contractors may also produce and supply their own aggregates, asphalt, and concrete. They may also plan on blasting a quarry to remove rock, leveling and grading surfaces, removing gravel from an embankment, and assembling different machines or pieces of equipment into a designated lineup so that they can complete a particular task efficiently. Most of the typical heavy infrastructure contractor’s job can be categorized as “earthmoving.” 11

Often, the contractor with the lowest estimate is granted the job, but not always, as there are other criteria that may make one contractor more successful than another. Suppliers are an important element in the contractor’s proposal. Materials may account for an estimated one-half of the budget for a construction project, and these provisions (including steel, cement, bituminous materials for paving, and much more) are furnished by building suppliers. Infrastructure building is exceptionally equipment-intensive, so this is another consideration for contractors. Machinery is usually obtained from equipment distributors, where experts make recommendations, arrange for financing, and offer other products and services like replacement parts or on-site repair. One contractor’s competitive advantage may lie in the use of more powerful, more efficient, state-of-the-art equipment. To get the work done, contractors hire skilled, reliable subcontractors – often ones they have successfully worked with in the past – like stone and concrete masons, bricklayers, cement finishers, and equipment operators. The contractor also supervises all the work undertaken on the construction site.

Laborers and Skilled Workers A large portion of the physical tasks itemized in the contractor’s proposal are performed by construction laborers, who use tools like pickaxes, shovels, drills, and air hammers to perform a wide range of tasks, often with the assistance of entry-level helpers. They may pack supplies and materials for transport to the worksite, participate in demolition, excavate tunnels, remove debris and hazardous waste, and pour asphalt. Their work may be administered and overseen by skilled craftsworkers, construction managers, project managers, or worksite superintendents. Carpenters, brick masons, block masons, stone masons, cement masons, concrete finishers, ironworkers, and metalworkers are among the tradespeople who have received special training. Cement masons and concrete finishers fashion roadways, sidewalks, and curbs. Ironworkers and metalworkers install girders to form the framework of bridges. Dam building requires vast quantities of concrete, and measures must be taken to prevent it from cracking. To construct a concrete dam, waterways must be diverted, then temporary watertight enclosures are built to facilitate the work, and cranes or cable tracks are utilized to install the concrete. 12

Underground construction workers engaged primarily in tunneling and excavation (they are sometimes nicknamed “sandhogs”) use special shields as they dig, move forward, and seal or line their work behind them. Precautions are taken to prevent the structure from caving in. Underwater conduits are often built using the immersed-tube technique, in which prefabricated tunnel sections are floated into position at the site and submerged into a trench dredged for this purpose.

Helpers Construction trade helpers provide assistance to more experienced craftsworkers who often have more difficult and complex tasks to attend to. Helpers are usually paying their dues on their way to a more skilled and satisfying occupation – such as those held by the people they are helping. Helpers may erect ladders or scaffolding, cart away materials, dig ditches, mix materials for pavements, and clean up when the day is over.

Operating Engineers Operating engineers manipulate levers, pedals, switches, dials, and handwheels to control and maneuver power-driven construction equipment, machinery, and vehicles, and related apparatus like blades and scrapers. They are likely to be skilled in the operation of several types of equipment. The moving, transporting, and repositioning of large quantities of earth are the most important tasks in this particular type of construction. To this end, a variety of dredgers may be used. Infrastructure specialists also operate cranes, bulldozers, tractors, pile drivers, concrete mixers, derricks, compressors, pumps, hoists, road graders, motorized scrapers, trench excavators, and forklifts. Tasks performed by operating engineers include compressing and grading the earth, moving construction materials, excavating, digging trenches, erecting structures, and applying and leveling asphalt and concrete. Operating engineers may also be responsible for inspecting, maintaining, adjusting, and repairing their own equipment.

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PROFESSIONALS TELL YOU ABOUT THEIR CAREERS I Work in Business Development for an International Consulting Firm “I received my Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from the University of Arizona. My career began in public service working as a civil engineer with the City of Tucson. My career advanced on a continuous track to the position of Director of Transportation for both the City of Tucson and Pima County. I retired from the City of Tucson after 27 years and began my own consulting business. I then became employed by my present company in business development. My company designs, delivers, and supports infrastructure by supplying services such as consulting, engineering, and project management. My job is to market our firm and participate on projects as necessary. My past work and responsibilities have involved the design of transportation infrastructure, floodplain, and transit facilities; infrastructure maintenance and operations; and management and administration in all these areas. Meeting the needs of the general public in the field of transportation infrastructure and systems has been very rewarding. Passing by (and riding on) infrastructure projects that you designed or played a role in is very satisfying. Transportation infrastructure projects last for many decades and are used on a daily basis by thousands of people. My advice to young people is to continue your education until you successfully achieve your degrees in engineering. Don’t put it off for a future time. In addition, enter into internships with companies to get hands on experience in the field you are pursuing. This will better prepare you for your career and provide better opportunities to obtain employment after graduation.”

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I Own a Contracting and Consulting Firm That Specializes in the Installation of Underground Utilities “I have a master’s degree in Business Administration and spent 23 years in the financial services industry. My father started this company when I was a boy, and when he decided to retire, I took over. As such, this is a second career. As with many small business owners, my day is usually divided into three main efforts: finding new business opportunities, managing the completion of business in progress, and collecting payment for the work we have performed. What I like best is visiting a completed project where we participated in the construction, and seeing the results. This is especially rewarding on projects like schools, that provide opportunity for young people. To be successful in the construction industry you need to be a strong financial manager. All too often people who enter the industry have strong construction and technical experience, but no financial background. I recommend business and financial courses, such as finance, economics, financial accounting and business law.”

I Am the Vice President of a Construction Firm “I was working in a welding shop as an apprentice. When I married, my new father-in-law was a mechanic in heavy highway construction and was able to get me a job as a laborer/welder, which doubled my income. In my present occupation, I manage all project field operations. I manage the superintendents, track our schedules and production, and then make adjustments as needed. I also spend time in long-range planning, as well as estimating the cost of new projects for our company. I train our foremen in safety and management techniques. 15

Setting goals and meeting those goals through planning, working with people, and solving problems that arise every day give me a great since of accomplishment. Also, to be able to take my children to the numerous sites and say I helped build that bridge, road, or structure is very cool. The greatest challenges today involve our workforce. It is getting smaller and smaller, and those who enter seem to have weak work ethics. They are lacking in the desire to be present every day, on time, with no drugs or alcohol abuse. I would advise young people to look at the big picture regarding construction. Most students I talk to think of construction as digging ditches with a pick and shovel. While this is a part of it, there is so much more. We need architects for design. We need engineers in HVAC (heating/ventilation/air conditioning), as well as electrical, mechanical, geological, civil, and professional engineers. We need finance and business professionals in this field, and men and women to put together all the information on a particular project and get it ready for a contractor to bid on. Then the contractor has to be the low bidder, and assemble many trades to build the job. The contractor will need laborers, carpenters, operators, teamsters, and other skilled workers. So the construction industry needs a wide variety of talents from the workforce, from the highly educated person with a master’s degree, to capable people who learn through a trade school or on-the-job training. Without these two groups and everyone in between, no project can be brought to its completion. There are many avenues available for any person seeking a career in one of the many facets of infrastructure construction. This profession has been very good for my family and me. It has been very rewarding and has provided all that we have needed over the last 30 years. I started as a laborer and have advanced to vice president, all through hard work and the love of seeing a structure come out of the ground to completion.”

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I am the Vice President of Sales and Estimating for a Company With 85 Years of Experience in Underground Infrastructure “From the time I was 12 years old, I knew I would work in construction. Underground work in the sewer system was not my first choice, but when I completed my undergraduate civil engineering degree and started job-hunting it was during a recession. I am responsible for securing work for the company, including annual growth. I review new markets for viability and fit with our company. I am part of the team that runs the entire company. There is often quick evidence of the success of the work you are doing. Our work in sewer rehabilitation has drawbacks, however, just by the nature of where we are working. I recommend the following to students, regardless of the occupation they pursue: Be persistent. Be fair. Be honest with yourself. Find a part of the industry that you enjoy and pursue it. Find a balance between your personal and your professional life.”

I Am the Vice President of an Insurance Brokerage Specializing in Road Work and Other Contractors “My degree was in business administration and finance. Working as a surety bond underwriter allowed me the opportunity to put my education to use evaluating the management of construction firms. I then became a broker to be more consultative. In my current position, I negotiate surety bond credit and arrange insurance for contractors on a blanket and project-specific basis. Bonding and insurance are required by law on all public projects and by contract on many private projects.

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I enjoy the opportunity to meet, work with, learn from, and advise some very intelligent, dynamic people and play a part in their success. The most frustrating situation I deal with is when someone does not agree with my advice or will not follow my recommendations, and then they do not perform to their expectations, or even fail. It takes a while to acquire the knowledge required to be truly effective. Experience counts. Pay attention and be patient. I learn something new and important every day.”

I Am a General Contractor on Underground Construction and Other Public Works Projects “I decided to pursue this career because of its many advantages, such as the satisfaction of building things that will last beyond my time, the opportunity to work outdoors, and excellent growth and economic potential. As president of the company, I have many responsibilities, including communicating with many different people, estimating for future projects, managing office personnel, supervising construction activities, and even operating heavy equipment. I enjoy all the daily challenges, but it is quite a time commitment to be in charge of running a company. I would tell young people just getting started in this field that dedication is a crucial quality for success. Always perform to the best of your ability. Challenge yourself in all areas. Look for the good qualities of your colleagues that make them successful, as that can be a valuable resource.”

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I Work for a Supplier of Paving, Road Construction, Trucking, and Transportation Logistics “I have not spent my entire career in the construction field. I worked for nearly 25 years in industrial marketing and sales in a completely different industry. I joined the construction industry about 12 years ago. I was looking for an opportunity to use my marketing, sales, and business management skills. My current employer was looking for a professional in marketing and sales whose credentials had been developed in a large organization, so I was recruited into the position. It was an opportunity to use my training and background in a challenging environment. I have served for 10 years as vice president of marketing and sales for the firm. My work entails: Managing sales and marketing staff Developing and implementing marketing strategies and plans Establishing pricing strategies Meeting customers Negotiating contracts Resolving customer complaints Engaging in community activities Working with other members of industry to improve transportation funding

My favorite part of the job is my involvement with people: customers, employees, and others in the industry. I suppose my least favorite task is disciplining an employee. I belong to several industry associations and professional societies. They only help or enhance your career if you get involved. This involvement should lead to leadership roles. These activities allow you to interact with others within the industry and provide a great deal of personal satisfaction. It is a great way to expand your network.” 19

I Am Employed by a Construction Firm That Contracts for Construction of Roads, Bridges, Landfills, Railroads, Airport Runways, and Pipelines “My field actually found me rather than my finding it. My father was very mechanically inclined and had training as a tool and die maker after World War II. If he had had the finances, he would have gone to college and pursued a degree in mechanical engineering. I was always a natural in math and almost pursued a higher degree in mathematics, but started in engineering and then specialized in mechanical engineering. Since graduating, I became more involved in management rather then hands-on engineering. I’ve always felt that an engineering degree is an excellent springboard to almost anything because it teaches a very methodical way of thinking. The obvious attraction to occupations in the field of infrastructure building is the satisfaction and the fulfillment of seeing completed structures in which you had a direct hand. Another attraction to the direction I went in management is the opportunity to interact with so many different and distinct personalities. There are unlimited opportunities in this field. The unattractive aspects might include the outdoor work, to some people anyway. Also, there can be stress if you are on the contractor’s side of things with time schedules and long hours. It can be rewarding, though, if you are willing to put in the time and effort.”

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PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS YOU WILL NEED CONSTRUCTION WORKERS ENGAGE IN STRENUOUS AND DEMANDING PHYSICAL

labor, so they must be fit, capable of lifting and carrying heavy objects, and agile. A good sense of balance is critical for people who will be spending time on ladders or in high places. For finer, more detailed work, as well as for equipment operation, construction workers need manual dexterity, and good hand-eye coordination in order to manipulate machines, and hand and power tools. They may be required to make careful measurements or solve mathematical problems as part of the job. Because construction is a collaborative effort and successful completion depends on everybody performing his/her job effectively and on time, a strong work ethic is important. Laborers must be hard working and reliable. They also have to be able to work independently without constant supervision, as well as able to follow instructions. They must be willing to execute all safety precautions, from protective clothing to various protocols, meticulously. These are desirable traits for most construction workers. Those working on infrastructure building should also enjoy working out of doors and be able to accept the inevitability of changing and even extreme weather conditions as well as other situations and hazards associated with being outside (traffic, exhaust fumes, sunburn, insect bites). Because work schedules may be interrupted by the elements or by cutbacks in government funding, infrastructure laborers must possess a tolerance for uncertainty. Contractors must exercise excellent judgment when making hiring decisions. Their subcontractors must be proficient in their respective specialties, as well as efficient and dependable. Because the contractor’s career and future prospects depend heavily upon reputation, contractors conduct business in a scrupulously ethical manner, complete with fair and reasonable budget estimates and realistic timetables. Referrals are an important source of new work, as are new projects from previous clients. Those engaged in managerial, supervisory, and executive positions, must have a working knowledge of construction as a skilled trade and as a for-profit business venture, plus familiarity with each of the specific jobs it entails. They must also exhibit strong interpersonal and communications skills as well as leadership qualities. They are critical thinkers who can analyze situations to troubleshoot, solve 21

problems, and devise alternate solutions, whether for immediate implementation or for the long term. They must be organized and a stickler for quality in order to ensure that the work gets done properly, within budget, and according to schedule. Engineers are inquisitive and curious. They ask, “Why?” and “What if...?” They then call upon their creativity and imaginative powers to brainstorm solutions. Finally, engineers use their considerable problem-solving, analytical, and forecasting skills to come up with viable answers. Because infrastructure construction has tangible, real-world applications, engineers in this field must be exceedingly practical and detail-oriented. On the premise that whatever can go wrong, will, they must exercise both persistence and flexibility. In order to interact effectively with workers, technicians, and other professionals without expertise in engineering, they must be able to communicate their ideas verbally, in writing (reports), and visually (presentations).

ATTRACTIVE FEATURES OF THIS CAREER PERHAPS THE MOST MEANINGFUL AND REWARDING ASPECT OF A CAREER IN

infrastructure building is the knowledge that you have contributed to a better quality of life for hundreds or thousands of people for years to come. The construction, maintenance, and improvement of roads, highways, tunnels, and bridges, enable people to get to work, shopping centers, friends’ homes, entertainment venues, and vacation destinations more easily and efficiently – which, in turn, can save resources ranging from time to fuel. Construction professionals also facilitate the commercial transport of products to a broader consumer base. Airport engineering serves the same purpose, as well as making air travel safer and more pleasant for passengers. Infrastructure builders also work to ensure the delivery of services we take entirely for granted, but without which we would be lost, such as water, sewage management, and telecommunications. It is also gratifying to know that your work may help to avert disaster in the case of an “Act of God” such as a hurricane or earthquake or other emergency, by creating contingency plans for evacuation or the provision of critical services.

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When you are employed in infrastructure building, you are rewarded with visible and tangible evidence of your hard work. The planning and execution of the project are manifested in a material, physical fashion before your very eyes. When it’s completed, it can be fun to point it out with pride to friends and loved ones. The sense of accomplishment derived from this occupation imparts great professional and personal satisfaction. Some careerists are also inspired by the possibility that their structures may outlast them. A range of opportunities exist in infrastructure construction, and, if you are interested in the field in general, you can likely find a specific occupation to suit your skills, interests, and career goals. The industry requires architects, engineers, and draftsmen to plan, design, and prepare sketches and diagrams of the proposed structure. Contractors provide materials and services for the venture. Project and construction managers, superintendents, and foremen oversee the proceedings, and direct the work of trade laborers and skilled workers like truck drivers, masons, ironworkers, carpenters, and bricklayers. There is also mobility in this industry. Moving from one type of work to another allows you to take advantage of various opportunities in order to advance more rapidly in your career. It can also add dynamism and vitality to your working life, which need never become stale or routine. As examples, consider the careerists whose stories you just read. One spent nearly a quarter of a century in financial services before going into construction contracting. An apprentice welder ultimately advanced to a management position. After 25 years in an unrelated industry, a marketing executive switched to transportation construction. The outlook for this industry is good, as deteriorating highways and bridges will require the launch of new construction projects as well as the upgrading, maintenance, and refurbishing of existing structures.

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UNATTRACTIVE FEATURES TO THIS CAREER WEATHER CONDITIONS CAN AFFECT EMPLOYMENT. FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKERS

who work for general contractors, employment opportunities are usually seasonal, peaking in the summer months and plummeting in the winter. In addition, inclement weather can impede the progress of work being performed outdoors. Sometimes this means workers’ schedules are disrupted because they must make up the time lost to Mother Nature. Highway maintenance workers may be called upon to perform emergency repairs due to damage caused by the forces of nature, at any time of the day or night. High-traffic areas may require work to be done during the graveyard shift (typically from around midnight to 8 a.m.). Anyone who works out of doors – from construction workers to transportation engineers – is liable to be subjected from time to time to heat and cold; blazing sun, driving rain, and blustery wind; dirt and dust; noise from drilling, blasting, and equipment operation; exhaust and other fumes and disagreeable odors; and other unpleasant surroundings. Engineers and other professionals may endure long hours at times, tight schedules, and, depending on the company or project, considerable travel. However, the travel issue may be attractive to someone who is not married or who enjoys moving around on a regular basis. Laborers may be required to perform tasks that are potentially dangerous or that involve activities that might be physically uncomfortable or awkward, such as hoisting heavy objects, squatting, and crawling through small spaces. Most of the challenges in this field deal with funding limitations. When funding is available, the challenges involve the public and the political system, to plan, design, and construct projects that best meet the needs and acceptance of the majority of the general public. The overall construction industry is vulnerable to volatility in the economy, particularly increases and decreases in spending by the federal government and state and local budgetary concerns, as government is the primary client of infrastructure builders. Legislative and regulatory changes can also interrupt the flow of work and new projects.

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EDUCATION AND TRAINING YOU WILL NEED Construction and Skilled Trades BEYOND GRADUATING FROM HIGH SCHOOL, ONE WAY FOR CONSTRUCTION

laborers, trades workers, and helpers to enhance their knowledge and hone their skills is through formal classroom instruction at a technical institute, a trade or vocational school, or a community college. Classroom study will provide you with the fundamental principles in the construction field, with basics like an introduction to tools and materials and blueprint reading, as well as the latest technologies. You can take specialized instruction in particular trades like carpentry, masonry, bricklaying, or heavy equipment operation, but your training in actual infrastructure building will take place primarily on the job. Some employers may require formal instruction, but even if yours doesn’t, it’s a good way to get your career started and to demonstrate your interest and commitment. In many cases, construction workers are required to take specialized courses administered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and sponsored by employers or trade unions. Construction Industry Safety and Health Outreach programs cover such topics as fall protection; material handling, storage, use, and disposal; toxic and hazardous substances; concrete and masonry construction; steel erection; and excavations. On-the-job training is a critical element of skill development. Workers may start out as helpers by performing routine functions that could be as mundane as setting up and cleaning up under the supervision of an experienced worker. Helpers are given more responsibility and more complex tasks as they gain more experience. Formal apprenticeship training programs are the ideal way to learn a trade. Non-residential construction contractors are among the employers most likely to offer apprenticeships. Nevertheless, there are more workers seeking apprenticeships than available slots in the program. Apprentice programs comprise between two and five years of on-the-job training combined with classroom instruction. For example, an operating engineer’s apprenticeship lasts three to four years, on average. Skills training in heavy and highway construction is traditionally included in the curriculum.

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Some construction workers (for example, crane operators in certain states) must be licensed in order to practice their trade. Others may choose to demonstrate their expertise by obtaining certification in a skill like scaffold erecting or concrete finishing. Business Roundtable, an association of 160 CEOs from America’s most prominent companies, recently launched an interesting initiative to recruit and train as many as 20,000 new construction workers to help rebuild the Gulf Coast region. Initially, the Gulf Coast Workforce Development Initiative is offering four-week courses to prepare participants for entry-level construction jobs, and advanced workshops and apprenticeships are anticipated for the future.

Management Aspiring contractors can prepare for their careers by combining formal training with hands-on experience, but it is advisable to earn a degree in a discipline that emphasizes the supervisory, administrative, and executive aspects of the business, such as construction management. The University of Washington’s Department of Construction Management (website at www. depts.washington.edu/cmweb) offers something for just about everyone: Certificate program (available both on-site and online) that covers topics like cost estimating, project planning and control, accident prevention, computer applications, and principles of project management Undergraduate program that emphasizes technical, managerial, and communications skills Graduate programs, including what the university says is the only online master’s degree in the country focused on the heavy construction industry Contractors must be licensed and insured. To apply for a license, candidates may have to take a written exam, provide evidence of their experience, demonstrate their ability to run a business, and submit letters of reference.

Engineering There are a number of engineering degrees that are particularly relevant to careers in infrastructure building, including civil engineering and its sub-specialties structural, construction, and transportation engineering. All of these lines of work require, at minimum, an undergraduate degree.

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Here is a typical undergraduate curriculum at a highly ranked institution, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, Indiana. The school offers in its civil engineering department a number of classes of interest to aspiring infrastructure engineers: Bridge Engineering Types of bridges, materials of their construction, and how loads are transmitted to the foundation Analysis and design of bridge structures Standards and procedures for bridge inspections and ratings Increasing load capacity Construction Engineering Techniques for planning and scheduling Resource allocation Balancing time and cost Pavement Design and Highway Construction Analysis and design of pavement systems and surfaces Material testing Soil stabilization Construction of flexible and rigid pavements Evaluation, maintenance, and reconstruction of pavements Construction Methods and Equipment Economics, concepts, and applications of construction equipment Equipment for heavy and highway construction projects Transportation Engineering Functions and elements of land, air, and marine transportation systems Geometric design of highways Here is the website for more information www.rose-hulman.edu/ce Graduating with a degree in engineering, or even becoming employed in the field, is not the end of your education. To realize fully a career in engineering, you must pass the Engineer-in-Training (EIT) and Professional Engineer (PE) exams. Continuing education is a must to keep up with ever-changing technology. 27

WHAT YOU WILL EARN AVERAGE ANNUAL EARNINGS FOR ALL EMPLOYEES IN HIGHWAY, BRIDGE, AND

street construction are about $45,000. However, wages and income vary considerably by level of education and occupation. The following is a list of average annual earnings in the infrastructure building industry, from highest to lowest. Management occupations $100,000 Sales and related occupations $65,000 Architecture and engineering occupations $65,000 Computer and mathematical science occupations $60,000 Business and financial operations occupations $60,000 Technical occupations $55,000 Installation, maintenance, and repair occupations $40,000 Construction and extraction occupations $40,000 Transportation and material moving occupations $35,000 Production occupations $35,000 Protective service occupations $30,000 Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations $25,000 At the top are chief executives, earning $150,000, followed by general managers at $100,000. Lower-ranked managers earn from $60,000 to $90,000. Engineers engaged in the building of highways, bridges, and streets, command salaries ranging from $65,000 to $75,000, depending on the specialty. Engineering technicians earn around $50,000. Construction trades that require higher levels of education and training offer higher pay. Among construction workers, those who have higher earnings include structural iron and steel workers ($55,000), operating engineers ($45,000), masons ($42,500), and carpenters ($42,500). Lower than average wage earners include cement masons and concrete finishers ($40,000), laborers ($35,000), pipefitters ($35,000), and highway maintenance workers ($30,000). 28

Construction trades workers who belong to unions, such as the Laborers’ International Union of North America or the International Union of Operating Engineers, usually earn higher hourly wages than non-union workers. Unions also protect their members in other ways, such as securing safe working environments. It should be noted, though, that higher hourly wages don’t necessarily translate into higher annual earnings, since not all construction workers are employed year-round. Benefits for corporate employees and those covered by union contracts may include paid vacations and sick days, pension or retirement plans, and health insurance, financial support for continuing education, and job-related mileage reimbursement. The monetary value of benefits can add considerably to the overall compensation package.

OUTLOOK FOR THIS CAREER OF THE ALMOST 900,000 CONSTRUCTION FIRMS IN THE US, ABOUT 65,000, A

relatively small number, are heavy and civil engineering construction, or highway contractors. By comparison, 550,000 are specialty trade contractors and almost 300,000 are building construction contractors. Employment in the construction industry overall is projected to increase by over 10 percent over the coming decade, from 7.7 million workers to 8.5 million. Growth in heavy construction and civil engineering will benefit from an acceleration in the building of new roads, highways, and bridges, as well as continued maintenance and repair of present structures. Voters and lawmakers in states and municipalities are expected to continue to sanction spending on infrastructure building and improvements, particularly road construction. Employment of civil engineers is expected to grow even faster, almost 20 percent in the next decade. Population growth alone will generate a need for engineers to plan, design, and rehabilitate transportation systems, water supply mechanisms, and pollution controls. On the downside, a stagnant economy and high interest rates typically stall infrastructure construction activity, since these projects are customarily funded by tax revenues. Adverse weather conditions can also curtail the progress of construction projects in the affected geographical area. 29

An Occupational Director for Carolinas AGC, a construction trade association, is bullish on the future of this career. He remarks: “The outlook for infrastructure building is very good, in my opinion. Population growth and general demand for new infrastructure are on the rise. Couple that with the need to replace or remodel existing facilities, and these factors are creating an almost limitless outlook for work. “The overriding question will be how these facilities will be paid for. As more issues surface that attract national attention, I believe a renewed national focus will occur on infrastructure building and the funds will be allocated to meet the needs we have as a nation. “The issue facing the construction industry won’t be whether there will be enough work; the issue will be whether we can fill all the positions with highly qualified people to meet the challenges.” For another point of view, here are the thoughts of a management executive with a private construction firm specializing in heavy civil and infrastructure projects: “The major factor in our business is the public funding, or lack thereof. Unfortunately, the public sentiment is such that politicians are not good stewards of the funds that we send to our state capitals and to Washington. So, it is hard to get support for user fees (tolls and taxes). We have been pushing for strict constitutional dedication of these fees so that they are not used for unintended purposes. For the future, I’d like to think that opportunities are plentiful, mainly because we have no choice but to improve our infrastructure or just whither away as a culture. Our young people are our future!”

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GETTING STARTED TO GET A JOB IN THE PHYSICAL BUILDING ASPECT OF INFRASTRUCTURE BUILDING,

candidates typically submit applications directly to contractors. Try looking in the Yellow Pages under “Road Building Contractors.” Other options are to contact the local Laborers’ International Union or to sign up with a temporary employment agency that can find you short-term work on construction sites. Skilled tradespeople, trained craftsworkers, and laborers who have completed apprenticeships have an advantage when it comes to finding employment, given their preparation as well as the possibility that they have made contacts along the way. As you increase your experience and perfect your skills, you will be in a position to advance in your career (if you choose to) to jobs at the supervisory, managerial, and even executive levels. This may well require additional training in business administration or other areas not directly related to construction. Or you may decide to go in a different direction and become, for instance, a highway inspector. You may also choose to launch your own business as a contractor. The Associated General Contractors of America is one trade organization that actively promotes careers in construction contracting. New graduate engineers seeking to enter the field of infrastructure building should start with the career assistance and placement office at their college or university. They can also apply for work directly with government agencies, which post employment vacancies on their websites. Professional societies such as the Institute of Transportation Engineers can also be of help.

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A clear career path with ample opportunity for

advancement, a changing industry which now requires high-tech skills, the satisfaction of working in a team environment, and producing a tangible product of a high quality and visibility are among the many attractive features to this career. If you would like these satisfactions and opportunities to be a part of your working life, and want to participate in the United States’ largest single industry, consider one of the many occupations in the field of infrastructure building. Good luck! ASSOCIATIONS  American Association of State Highway and

Transportation Officials www.transportation.org  American Council for Construction Education

www.acce-hq.org  American Public Works Association

www.apwa.net  American Road & Transportation Builders Association

www.artba.org  American Society of Civil Engineers

www.asce.org  The Associated General Contractors of America

www.agc.org  Association of American Railroads

www.aar.org  Business Roundtable

www.businessroundtable.org  Construction Management Association of America

http://cmaanet.org/ 32

 Engineering & Utility Contractors Association

www.euca.com  Florida Transportation Builders Association

www.ftba.com  Georgia Highway Contractors Association

http://ghca.home.mindspring.com/  Heavy Construction Contractors Association

www.hcca.net  Institute of Transportation Engineers

www.ite.org  International Union of Operating Engineers

www.iuoe.org  Laborers’ International Union

www.liuna.org  Maryland Highway Contractors Association

www.mdhighways.org/mhca_sos.htm  Metropolitan Washington Road & Transportation Builders

Association www.mwrtba.org  Michigan Infrastructure & Transportation Association

www.mi-ita.com  National Center for Construction Education and Research

www.nccer.org  Tucson Utility Contractors Association

www.tuca-az.org

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PERIODICALS  Civil Engineering

http://pubs.asce.org/magazines/CEMag/  Construction Digest

Engineering and Construction World  HCCA Newsletter

www.hcca.net/Pages/Newsletters.htm  Transportation Builder Magazine

www.artba.org/artba_publications_advertising /tb_index.htm  Tunnel Business Magazine

www.tunnelingonline.com

COPYRIGHT Institute For Career Research 2009 CAREER INTERNET DATABASE www.careers-internet.org

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