Energy

Many civil engineers specialise in structural engineering and their role focuses on the materials used to construct load-bearing infrastructure. Structural engineers determine whether the materials are safe and can provide stability for the design. They apply maths and physics to determine the ability of materials to withstand different climates and scenarios.

Responsibilities include:

• investigating development sites to determine suitability for proposed infrastructure
• designing new and existing infrastructure
• inspecting infrastructure during construction and once complete to assess stability.

Mechanical engineers use their knowledge of physics to design, develop and test tools, machines and other mechanical products. These products are developed to overcome challenges across a diverse range of industries. In South Australia, mechanical engineers are highly sought after across the energy industry – but particularly our booming renewable energy industry, to support development of new clean energy farms and related infrastructure!

Responsibilities include:

• analysing problems
• designing and building mechanical tools and equipment to solve problems
• developing and testing prototypes
• modifying designs as needed and overseeing the manufacturing process.

Electrical engineers design, build and maintain electric tools, devices, systems and equipment; from electric motors to power generation equipment. In the energy industry, electrical engineers play a vital role in developing and maintaining power systems and renewable energy farms.

Responsibilities include:

• analysing problems and designing electronic solutions
• building and testing electronic systems
• overseeing the manufacturing and installation process for electrical equipment.

Instrumentation engineers plan, install, monitor and maintain control systems and machinery. Their work typically involves using sensors which provide feedback. In South Australia there are growing opportunities for instrumentation engineers in the renewable energy industry, which seeks expertise to develop systems that monitor the generation of renewable energy.

Responsibilities include:

• analysing problems and designing control systems and machinery
• building and testing control systems and machinery
• monitoring control systems and machinery and adapting systems as needed.

Electricians design, assemble, install, test and commission electrical and electronic equipment and systems. Electricians can work in industrial, commercial and domestic environments. In South Australia, there’s forecast demand for electricians working in our energy industry.

Responsibilities include:

• examining plans and diagrams to determine how systems operate
• measuring and laying out installation and connecting wires to power supply
• using test instruments to trace and diagnose faults
• repairing and replacing faulty wiring and defective parts.

Electrical Trades Assistants help identify problems and repair equipment and systems, supporting the work of Electricians.

Responsibilities include:

• supporting with general labour, by operating power tools and cleaning and preparing worksites
• keeping the worksite and equipment organised
• completing tasks under minimal supervision and in compliance with health and safety regulations.

Average wage information is based on positions advertised with Seek across Australia.

Project Managers who specialise in engineering coordinate and oversee the delivery of major projects. This usually involves responsibility for budget and timelines, cost, quality, contracts, engineering, integration, health and safety, construction, commissioning and stakeholder management.

Responsibilities include:

• providing project and contract management services
• controlling project budgets and reporting on project progress
• leading and overseeing administration and delivery of professional services and contracts
• developing and implementing procedures and guidelines that promote best practice.

Quality Health and Safety Officers are responsible for programs that uphold occupational health and safety in workplaces and on work sites.

Responsibilities include:

• supporting compliance with legislation to provide safe and healthy working conditions
• developing, implementing and reviewing health and safety plans
• identifying hazards, and assessing and controlling risks
• training employees in safe working procedures
• recording and investigating incidents and injuries
• assisting injured staff through the workers' compensation and rehabilitation.

Average wage information is based on positions advertised with Seek across Australia.

Site Construction Managers plan, organise, direct, control and coordinate major construction projects and their skills are in demand across the energy industry.

Responsibilities include:

• interpreting architectural drawings and specifications
• coordinating labour resources and procuring materials and plant
• consulting architects, engineering and other professionals
• negotiating with stakeholders and coordinating tradespeople
• complying with building legislation and standards.

Average wage information is based on positions advertised with Seek across Australia.

As the name would suggest, Contract Managers administer contracts – which means they are involved in planning how they will be delivered. They are usually skilled in business and management, project management, engineering, ICT or accounting and have experience related to the industry in which they work.

Responsibilities include:

• developing, reviewing and negotiating variations to contracts
• engaging with stakeholders to resolve problems concerning contracts
• working with the project team to meet contract objectives
• collecting data and reporting on variations.