The Analyst

A 360 excavator operator controls a large digging machine which sits on a rotating base, allowing them to pick up large amounts of earth or other materials, and move them anywhere within the vehicle’s radius. 360 excavator operators use these machines to clear ground for new developments such as housing or roads and may also dig foundations.

Construction team leaders work in supervisory roles and are generally in charge of a team working on a construction project. As a construction team leader, you may specialise in overseeing a particular area of construction, relating to your previous skills and experience, such as bricklaying, roofing or another trade.

Accounting and finance staff keep track of the money that comes in and goes out of a business. As an accountant, you could be preparing financial records to present for audit, overseeing tax and VAT submissions, and wages. Many accountants work across a range of different industries, whilst others specialise in a particular sector.

Accounts assistants help keep track of the money that comes in and goes out of a business. As an accounts assistant, you would be providing accounting and administrative support to accounting and finance staff to ensure customer and supplier accounts are accurate; receiving, processing and filing paperwork; and managing petty cash transactions. 

Asbestos surveyors inspect buildings and collect samples to determine the presence of asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral-based fibre which was once widely used for insulation, but is now banned due to health risks. Asbestos surveyors carry out tests and may recommend professional removal of dangerous materials before renovations or demolitions are carried out. 

A bid writer is responsible for preparing and writing the detailed commercial documents, such as pre-qualification questionnaires (PQQs) and tenders, that companies submit to win new contracts. It is a very important position within an organisation as it requires excellent organisational skills and is crucial for companies to win new contracts. 

A clerk of works inspects the workmanship, quality and safety of work on construction sites and reports back to senior managers and clients. As a clerk of work, you’d be conducting regular site inspections and checking that building plans are being followed correctly. You’d check that work is being carried out to the correct specifications and legal, safety and environmental standards.

Document controllers maintain project documents. They ensure that accurate information is distributed throughout an organisation, on time, to the people who need it. In the construction industry, document controllers work with technical documents like blueprints and reports. They sort and store electronic and hard copy documents for designers, surveyors, architects and other colleagues.

Ecologists study the relationship between plants, animals and the environment. They look at how animals and plants inhabit a particular environment, and report on the likely impact of any proposed construction works. Depending on the job in hand, they could spend time working outdoors, at a university, in an office or in a laboratory.

Economists study complex data and statistics and use their findings to provide financial advice to businesses. As an economist, you’d research and monitor economic trends, and create statistical models to predict future developments. Employers depend on economists to advise them on the potential impact of policies and investments.

Energy managers ensure organisations meet their energy, carbon and water reduction responsibilities.

Environmental advisors ensure that construction projects comply with environmental regulations and targets. They strategically plan ways to keep air pollution or water and soil contamination to a minimum, reduce material waste and ensure that any necessary waste is disposed of in the correct manner.

Environmental engineering focuses on protecting the environment by reducing waste and pollution. Environmental engineers optimise the use of natural resources, help to develop renewable energy resources and maximise the use of existing materials. They design technologies and processes that control pollution and clean up contamination.

Estimators calculate how much construction projects will cost, taking into account labour, material and equipment requirements. They will negotiate with suppliers and gain quotes from subcontractors and use this information to compile detailed cost proposals for a client.

A geo-technical engineer has an important job role in analysing soil, rock, groundwater, and other earth materials prior to major construction projects. This analysis can help determine what materials must be used in the structure’s foundation or overall design, or whether the project needs additional measures to ensure it is safe.

Hydrographic surveyors use state-of-the-art technology to produce detailed plans of seabeds, harbours and waterways. They measure and map underwater surfaces and study the construction of the seabed, showing the depth, shape and contours. They specialise in precise positioning, data acquisition and processing in onshore or offshore marine environments.

Land and property valuers give professional advice to individuals and businesses who buy, sell, and rent land and property. They estimate the market value of land, buildings, and real estate, to help their clients maximise their profit from a sale or rental agreement. 

A land buyer is responsible for helping businesses and individuals to purchase land that is suitable for construction. As a land buyer, you’ll identify suitable sites for building projects, determine whether planning permission is required and establish whether there will be any constraints on what can be built. 

A land drilling operative is responsible for investigating land before drilling into it, to install structures such as tunnels or wells for gas or oil. As a land drilling operative, you’ll work closely with surveyors, geologists and geoscientists, and monitor the drilling progress, overseeing safety management and ensuring the surrounding environment is protected.

A plant inspector is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the accounting and financial activities relating to a factory plant. As a plant inspector you’ll analyse data to assess the performance of the plant and deliver your findings to senior managers.

The job of a quality assurance manager is to ensure that all of a company’s services and activities meet and maintain set standards. As a quality assurance manager, you’ll carry out inspections and keep detailed records as evidence that work is of the highest possible quality.

A rail engineering manager is responsible for leading and implementing engineering design work for rail projects. They assess the skills and specifications required, and then oversee business operations to ensure that project briefs are followed and implemented accurately.

A rail systems engineer is responsible for providing insight and technical engineering expertise on railway projects and systems such as traction power, train and traffic signal controls, fare collection, rail vehicles and more.

A regeneration officer delivers programmes designed to improve and renovate local areas and buildings in order to bring them up to date in design, health and safety compliance, and current usage. This may include improving areas of deprivation, and accessing the grants and funding necessary for projects to take place.

Remediation specialists deal with the assessment, treatment and removal of contamination from soil and groundwater. They design and implement remedial action plans to clean up sites affected by fuel, pesticides and heavy metals amongst other substances, so that they are safe for the future.

Renewable energy analysts measure the efficiency of renewable energy sources and develop sustainable energy models for buildings. 

Setting out engineers use sites plans, technology and precision instruments to pinpoint and mark structural features above and below ground before construction work begins. They use clear markers to indicate where structures are going to be installed, including access roads, foundations, gas, electricity and water facilities, and drainage systems. They ensure that workers on the site adhere to these markers.

Site inspectors monitor all work carried out on a construction site to ensure safety and quality standards are upheld. They make sure that building plans and specifications are being followed correctly and manage staff and subcontractors on building sites. They also attend site management meetings and help project managers to plan work.

Surveyors in remedial treatments inspect properties for defects. They visit sites to determine the level of any damage and advise on how best to fix it. They complete detailed reports, specifications and building surveys; identify defects and advise on repair, maintenance and restoration options. 

In the construction industry, sustainability specialists assess the carbon footprint of a project and suggest ways to reduce its environmental impact on the wider world. They help businesses save money and progress with developments, whilst keeping an awareness of the people and ecosystems, and complying with environmental legislation.