Structures Technician

Roles and responsibilities

• Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.
• Responsible for setting own project deadlines.
• Provides on the job training to new employees.
• Responsible for monitoring conformance to quality, performance, specifications, and/or code requirements by performing inspection duties.
• Performs daily field inspections and maintains inspection records.
• Participates in punch lists, testing, and commissioning.
• Tracks quality assurance progress.
• Provides input to documentation for area and equipment turnovers.
• Experienced in Structures i.e. Bridges and Underpasses
• Aware of Abu Dhabi Regulations

• An Inspector - Structures plays a vital role in ensuring the safety, stability, and integrity of various structures such as buildings, bridges, dams, and other infrastructure projects. They are responsible for inspecting and evaluating the condition of structures during construction, maintenance, or post-construction stages. Their role is crucial in identifying potential structural issues, ensuring compliance with design specifications, and safeguarding public safety by detecting problems before they lead to failures or accidents.

  Typically, an Inspector - Structures works closely with engineers, project managers, contractors, and regulatory authorities. They apply their knowledge of construction standards, material behavior, and structural engineering principles to monitor ongoing work, carry out assessments, and generate reports.

  Key Responsibilities of an Inspector - Structures:

  1. Site Inspections and Assessments

• Conducting Regular Inspections: Performing routine inspections of buildings, bridges, roads, and other infrastructure projects to assess structural integrity. Inspections can be scheduled or arise from specific concerns like damage, wear, or regulatory requirements.
• Verifying Construction Compliance: Ensuring that construction is carried out according to the approved designs, specifications, and building codes. This involves inspecting work at various stages of construction and checking for deviations or discrepancies.
• Condition Surveys: Evaluating the existing condition of structures, identifying signs of damage, deterioration, or unsafe conditions such as cracks, corrosion, settlement, or misalignment.
• Assessing Structural Damage: Inspecting and documenting structural damage from factors like natural disasters (earthquakes, floods, storms), wear and tear, accidents, or other unforeseen events. The inspector recommends repair, strengthening, or rebuilding measures if necessary.
• Testing Materials and Components: Conducting tests on materials (e.g., concrete, steel, or masonry) or structural components to verify their quality, strength, and compliance with standards. This might involve sampling and lab tests for concrete compressive strength, steel corrosion, etc.

• 2. Documentation and Reporting

• Detailed Inspection Reports: Creating comprehensive reports detailing findings from inspections, including photographs, measurements, and sketches to support conclusions. These reports document structural deficiencies, repair recommendations, and compliance with safety regulations.
• Recording Deficiencies: Noting any issues or deviations from plans and specifications, including structural concerns or code violations. The inspector might also suggest temporary measures to make the structure safe until permanent repairs are carried out.
• Maintaining Inspection Records: Keeping accurate and up-to-date records of inspections, findings, corrective actions, and follow-up visits. These records are essential for ensuring regulatory compliance and tracking the long-term performance of structures.

Desired candidate profile

Educational Background:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering: A degree in civil engineering or a related field (e.g., structural engineering) provides the foundational knowledge needed for structural inspections.
• Certification or Training in Structural Inspection: Formal certifications or specialized training in structural inspection can enhance qualifications. Some certifications may be industry-specific or regionally required (e.g., AISC Steel Inspector certification or Bridge Inspector certification).
• Continuing Education: Ongoing education and professional development are essential to stay up-to-date with advancements in building codes, materials, and inspection technologies.

Certifications and Licenses:

• Professional Engineer (PE) License: In some regions, a PE license may be required to sign off on inspections or lead structural assessment teams. This is particularly important for senior roles.
• Certified Structural Inspector (CSI): Some jurisdictions or organizations offer certifications that validate an inspector's ability to assess the integrity of various structures and provide expert analysis.
• Specialized Certifications: Depending on the industry, an inspector might need specific certifications, such as Bridge Inspector certification, High-Rise Building Inspector qualifications, or training in specific materials (e.g., steel, concrete, wood).

Experience:

• 3-5 years of experience in structural engineering or construction, particularly in roles that involve inspections or hands-on work with structures. Experience as a junior engineer, construction site engineer, or inspector in training can be valuable.
• Experience in Site Work and Construction: Hands-on experience on construction sites or with structural analysis is often preferred.

Key Skills:

• Technical Expertise: Knowledge of building codes, construction methods, material properties, and structural systems is essential. The inspector must be able to understand complex engineering drawings, plans, and specifications.
• Attention to Detail: Structural inspections require precise observation and documentation. The ability to spot small, yet critical, issues before they become major problems is a key skill.
• Problem-Solving: Inspectors must be able to evaluate issues and come up with practical solutions to address them. This could involve recommending repairs, advising on temporary measures, or suggesting alternative materials or construction methods.
• Strong Communication Skills: Inspectors need to effectively communicate their findings, both in written reports and verbally during meetings with project managers, engineers, or clients.
• Physical Stamina and Manual Dexterity: Inspecting structures, especially large buildings or bridges, can be physically demanding. Inspectors often work at heights, in confined spaces, or in challenging weather conditions.
• Knowledge of Inspection Tools and Technology: Familiarity with tools like laser scanners, drones, ultrasonic testers, and non-destructive testing (NDT) methods for evaluating material quality and structural integrity.

Tools and Equipment Used:

• Inspection Tools: Including thermometers, moisture meters, laser rangefinders, and ultrasonic thickness gauges to assess material conditions and identify hidden issues such as internal cracks or corrosion.
• Drones: For inspecting hard-to-reach structures, such as tall buildings or bridges, providing high-quality imagery and data.
• Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Tools: Equipment like magnetic particle testing, X-ray, and sonic testing to examine internal flaws in materials without causing damage.
• Surveying Equipment: Total Stations, GPS/GNSS equipment, and leveling tools for accurate measurements of structural alignment, elevation, and condition.
• Inspection Software: Software tools like Fieldwire or Procore for creating and managing inspection reports, scheduling tasks, and sharing findings with project teams.