Coastal Engineer - Working conditions
Mataaro Ākau
Working Conditions
Coastal engineers work in offices and at worksites in all weather conditions. They may travel overseas to work and to attend conferences.
Richard Frankland leaving Majuro with a colleague
Photo courtesy of Richard Frankland
Richard Frankland inspecting a sand spit
Photo courtesy of Richard Frankland
Equipment
Equipment coastal engineers may use includes:
- textbooks
- computers
- computer-aided design (CAD) programs and numerical-modelling software
- surveying equipment including levels (instruments for testing whether things are horizontal), current meters and wave buoys
- dictaphones
- cameras (digital or video)
- cellphones
- notepads
- maps and plans
- hats and sunblock
- raincoats
- diving gear (professional licence required).
Hours
Coastal engineers usually work regular hours, but may be required to work longer hours to meet project deadlines.
Contact with people
Coastal engineers work independently and in teams. They may manage projects and teams of other engineers. They are often required to attend meetings with clients, development partners or stakeholders and the general public.
They interact and consult with a variety of groups including:
- port companies
- marina owners
- property developers
- private landowners
- local iwi
- the Department of Conservation
- surveyors and other engineers
- regional and district councils
- special interest groups and the general public.
Updated
August 2008
