Specialist: Structural Engineer

Specialist: Structural Engineer

Introduction

The Specialist: Structural Engineer position (previously known as Bridge Network Manager) manages and oversees the design, construction, maintenance, and rehabilitation of all structures (including bridges, culverts, and hydraulics) on the national road network, including central administration thereof. As a leader in the industry, the Specialist Structural Engineer will provide specialist advisory services on projects across the regions and externally to other government departments, both locally and internationally when required.

Duties & Responsibilities

Project Identification & Planning

• Identify and prioritize projects with structures, with input from regions, as part of the ongoing National Road network planning process
• Support with the development of high-level structural designs, including design criteria, for consideration during design feasibility studies.

Development of policies & procedures for structures

• Accountable for the development and maintenance of the Company's policies, standards, and procedures that govern structures on the National road network and ensure alignment across the Company
• Responsible for the development and maintenance of relevant pro forma procurement documents
• Oversee maintenance of the Company's Bridge and Structures Asset Management Policy aligned to ISO 5500,0, as well as the Asset Management Plan for structures
• Actively participate in relevant COTO committees

Network structures management and technical advisory

• Responsible for national oversight over all projects that have structures
• Provide technical advisory services internally to projects (during planning, design, and construction) across the regions that involve structures, and externally when required
• Provide support to Regional /Provincial Structural Engineers to resolve issues that may arise
• Responsible for reviewing and approving all network structure concept proposals and design reports prepared by consultants
• Responsible for the review and sign-off of all final structure design drawings nationally, considering input from the Regional / Provincial Structures Engineers where appropriate
• Assess and approve structural rehabilitation proposals.
• Perform project management role in the planning and design phase of major structures.
• Conduct site visits in regions to perform quality assurance checks on projects and to inspect conditions of structures if required.
• Conduct research on innovative methods for the design and construction of structures, including the role of technology.
• Conduct workshops with engineers in training and the broader industry to share leading practice and experience on the design and construction of structures.
• Act as the chair for the functional working group for structures within the Company.
• Act as a mentor for candidates and junior engineers with an interest in specialising in structures.
• Take a clear leadership role regarding bridges and other structures, both internally and externally, within the Company and with consultants working for the Company.
• Making sure that once a project involving structures is completed, the to ensure that project managers get the consultants to do the necessary principal inspections and submit them on ITIS.

Data Analysis and reporting, which includes, but is not limited to

• Collection and validation of information related to the condition of network structures
• Verification of inspection of structures (bridges, major culverts and future, retaining walls, high mast, etc.)

Desired Experience & Qualification

• NQF Level 8 Qualification: B Eng or B Sc in Civil Engineering, specializing in Structures or equivalent.
• Must be registered as a Professional Engineer with ECSA.
• Ten (10) years post-first engineering degree experience as a Bridge Engineer, with 5 years of personal experience in designing bridges using TMH7.
• Five (5) years of managerial or three (3) years of leadership experience
• Ability to travel to regional offices and carry out site inspections on projects as required.

ADVANTAGEOUS:

• Prior bridge engineering consulting experience is advantageous.
• Experience in bridges is more than the minimum requirement
• COTO COTO-certified Bridge/ Inspector or Senior Bridge Inspector will be advantageous.

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Advanced knowledge of various design and documentation software
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of the design and construction of various road structures according to TMH7, and established industry credibility
• Geotechnical knowledge relating to bridges and structures.
• Have a good understanding of hydrology and hydraulics relating to bridges and culverts
• Knowledge of COTO TRH/TMH Asset Management Guidelines
• Knowledge and understanding of other civil engineering disciplines, including geometric design, pavements and geotechnical engineering, and the broader road network operations
• Ability to examine information and facts in detail to gain a comprehensive understanding
• Ability to pay close attention to details and complete tasks with a high level of thoroughness, accuracy, and completeness.
• Ability to objectively analyse and evaluate issues and factual evidence in order to form judgements.
• Ability to evaluate available options and select an appropriate course of action to achieve a specific objective or solve a problem.
• Demonstrates foresight and an ability to understand trends in order the shape the future vision and roles of structures in the broader road network