Advantages of a Career in Construction
There are many advantages to taking a job in highway design and construction but a key advantage is that many construction jobs do NOT require a college degree. You get your training on the job. Earning and learning at the same time! A high school diploma or GED is required by many employers to get an initial job and it will help you get pay raises, advance in your chosen field of work and whenever you change jobs.

Obviously there are jobs in highway design and construction that require a college degree (architects, civil engineers, geologists, etc.). If you didn't think your business degree would get you a high paying job in construction, think again. The following table will provide you with a sample of the types of professional positions available for those with college degrees.

Professional Jobs Available in Highway Construction

Still in High School
If you're still in school and considering a career in highway design and construction there are some classes that will definitely help you on the job. These courses include:

• Math: geometry, algebra
• General science and physics
• English: reading, writing

Vocational and Technical Schools
Many graduates of vocational and technical schools may already have the skills needed to advance in the highway construction industry. If you didn't attend one of these types of schools you can take evening courses to prepare yourself or improve your skills.

Community Colleges and Universities
Graduates of community colleges and universities can find a job in the highway design and construction industry before they even graduate. Many construction companies and state agencies actively recruit graduates with degrees.

Military Personnel
Military personnel are uniquely qualified for the highway design and construction industry. The skills you've obtained from your military service are easily transferred to positions within highway construction.

Professional Positions and Job Descriptions

Payroll and Timekeeping Clerk
Compute wages and post wage data to payroll records. Keep daily records showing time of arrival and departure from work of employees. Compute earnings from time sheets and work tickets using calculator. Operate posting machine to compute and subtract payroll deductions. Enter net wages on earnings record card, check stub, and payroll sheet.

Compiles employee time, production, and payroll data from time sheets and other records. Verifies attendance, hours worked, and pay adjustments and posts information onto designated records. Calculates or computes wages and deductions and enters data into computer. Reviews time sheets, work charts, timecards, and union agreements for completeness and to determine payroll factors and pay rates. Compares wage computations, logs, and time sheets to detect and reconcile payroll discrepancies. Records employee information, such as exemptions, transfers, leave pay, and insurance coverage to maintain and update payroll records. Compiles and submits payroll status and other reports to designated departments. Processes and issues paychecks to employees.

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Bookkeeping and Accounting Clerks
Compute, classify, record, and summarize financial data to keep and maintain fiscal records according to established bookkeeping and accounting procedures and systems.

Records financial transactions and other account information to update and maintain accounting records. Compiles reports and tables to show statistics related to cash receipts, expenditures, accounts payable and receivable, and profit and loss. Verifies balances and entries, calculations, and postings recorded by other workers. Performs financial calculations such as amounts due, balances, discounts, equity, and principal. Debits or credits accounts. Complies with federal, state, and company policies, procedures, and regulations. Processes negotiable instruments such as checks and vouchers. Evaluates records for accuracy of balances, postings, calculations, and other records pertaining to business or operating transactions and reconciles, or notes discrepancies.

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Auditor
Examines and analyzes accounting records to determine financial status of establishment and prepares financial reports concerning operating procedures: Reviews data regarding material assets, net worth, liabilities, capital stock, surplus, income, and expenditures. Inspects items in books of original entry to determine if accepted accounting procedure was followed in recording transactions. Counts cash on hand, inspects notes receivable and payable, negotiable securities, and cancelled checks. Verifies journal and ledger entries of cash and check payments, purchases, expenses, and trial balances by examining and authenticating inventory items. Prepares reports for management concerning scope of audit, financial conditions found, and source and application of funds. May make recommendations regarding improving operations and financial position of company. May supervise and coordinate activities of auditors specializing in specific operations of establishments undergoing audit. May examine company payroll and personnel records to determine worker's compensation coverage and be designated Payroll Auditor (insurance).

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Operations Manager
Directs and coordinates activities of operations department of air, motor, railroad, or water transportation organization: Confers and cooperates with management personnel in formulating administrative and operational policies and procedures. Directs and coordinates, through subordinate managerial personnel, activities of operations department to obtain optimum use of equipment, facilities, and personnel. Reviews and analyzes expenditure, financial, and operations reports to determine requirements for increasing profits, such as need for increase in fares or tariffs, expansion of existing schedules, or extension of routes or new routes. Prepares recommendations on findings for management evaluation. Recommends capital expenditures for acquisition of new equipment which would increase efficiency and services of operations department. Approves requisitions for equipment, materials, and supplies within limits of operations department budget. Enforces compliance of operations personnel with administrative policies, procedures, safety rules, and governmental regulations. Directs investigations into causes of customer or shipper complaints relating to operations department. May negotiate contracts with equipment and materials suppliers. May act as representative of transportation organization before government commissions or regulatory bodies during hearings for increased fares or tariffs and on extensions of or new routes.

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Transportation Manager
Plan, direct, and coordinate the transportation operations within an organization or the activities of organizations that provide transportation services. Directs and coordinates, through subordinates, activities of operations department to obtain use of equipment, facilities, and human resources. Confers and cooperates with management and other in formulating and implementing administrative, operational and customer relations, policies and procedures. Analyzes expenditures, and other financial reports to develop plans, policies, and budgets for increasing profits and improving services. Enforces compliance of operations personnel with administrative policies, procedures, safety rules, and government regulations. Reviews transportation schedules, worker assignments and routes to ensure compliance with standards for personnel selection, safety, and union contract terms. Conducts investigations in cooperation with government agencies to determine causes of transportation accidents and to improve safety procedures. Oversees activities relating to dispatching, routing, and tracking transportation vehicles, such as aircraft and railroad cars. Prepares management recommendations, such as need for increasing fares, tariffs, or expansion or changes to existing schedules. Recommends or authorizes capital expenditures for acquisition of new equipment or property to increase efficiency and services of operations department. Oversees process of investigation and response to customer or shipper complaints relating to operations department. Oversees workers assigning tariff classifications, and preparing billing according to mode of transportation and destination of shipment. Acts as organization representative before commissions or regulatory bodies during hearings, such as to increase rates and change routes and schedules. Inspects or oversees repairs and maintenance to equipment, vehicles, and facilities to enforce standards for safety, efficiency, cleanliness, and appearance. Oversees procurement process, including research and testing of equipment, vendor contacts, and approval of requisitions. Negotiates and authorizes contracts with equipment and materials suppliers. Participates in union contract negotiations and settlement of grievances.

Cost Estimator
Prepare cost estimates for product manufacturing, construction projects, or services, to aid management in bidding on or determining price of product or service. May specialize according to particular service performed or type of product manufactured.

Analyzes blueprints, specifications, proposals, and other documentation, to prepare time, cost, and labor estimates. Prepares estimates for selecting vendors or subcontractors, and determining cost effectiveness. Reviews data to determine material and labor requirements, and prepares itemized list. Prepares estimates used for management purposes, such as planning, organizing, and scheduling work. Prepares time, cost, and labor estimates for products, projects, or services, applying specialized methodologies, techniques, or processes. Computes cost factors used for preparing estimates for management and determining cost effectiveness. Conducts special studies to develop and establish standard hour and related cost data or to effect cost reduction. Consults with clients, vendors, or other individuals to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.

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First Line Supervisor
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of production and operating workers, such as testers, precision workers, machine setters and operators, assemblers, fabricators, or plant and system operators. Manager/Supervisors are generally found in smaller establishments where they perform both supervisory and management functions, such as accounting, marketing, and personnel work, and may also engage in the same production work as the workers they supervise. Exclude work leaders who spend 20 percent or more of their time at tasks similar to those of employees under their supervision and include them in the occupations that are most closely related to their specific work duties.

Direct and coordinate the activities of employees engaged in production or processing of goods. Plans and establishes work schedules, assignments, and production sequences, to meet production goals. Calculates labor and equipment requirements and production specifications, using standard formulas. Determines standards, production and rates based on company policy, equipment and labor availability, and workload. Reviews operations and accounting records or reports to determine the feasibility of production estimates and evaluate current production. Confers with management or subordinates to resolve worker problems, complaints, or grievances. Confers with other supervisors to coordinate operations and activities within departments or between departments. Reads and analyzes charts, work orders, or production schedules to determine production requirements. Maintains operations data, such as time, production, and cost records and prepares management reports. Recommends or implements measures to motivate employees and improve production methods, equipment performance, product quality, or efficiency. Requisitions materials, supplies, equipment parts, or repair services. Interprets specifications, blueprints, job orders, and company policies and procedures for workers. Inspects materials, products, or equipment to detect defects or malfunctions. Demonstrates equipment operations or work procedures to new employees or assigns employees to experienced workers for training. Monitors or patrols work area and enforces safety or sanitation regulations. Monitor gauges, dials, and other indicators to ensure operators conform to production or processing standards. Sets up and adjusts machines and equipment.

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Insurance and Risk Manager
Plans, directs, and coordinates risk and insurance programs of establishment to control risks and losses: Analyzes and classifies risks as to frequency and potential severity, and measures financial impact of risk on company. Selects appropriate technique to minimize loss, such as avoidance (reducing chance of loss to zero), loss prevention and reduction (reducing frequency and severity of loss), retention (including self-insurance and planned noninsurance), grouping of exposure units (to increase predictability of loss), and transfer (placement of property, activity, or risk with other establishment or insurers). Directs insurance negotiations, selects insurance brokers and carriers, and places insurance. Appoints claims and self-insurance administrators, and allocates program costs. Prepares operational and risk reports for management analysis. Manages insurance programs, such as fidelity, surety, liability, property, group life, medical, pension plans, and workers' compensation. Prepares operational and risk reports for management analysis. May direct loss prevention and safety programs. May select and direct activities of safety, engineering, and loss prevention experts. May negotiate with unions for employee benefits.

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Environmental Analyst
Conducts research studies to develop theories or methods of abating or controlling sources of environmental pollutants, utilizing knowledge of principles and concepts of various scientific and engineering disciplines: Determines data collection methods to be employed in research projects and surveys. Plans and develops research models, using knowledge of mathematical, statistical, and physical science concepts and approaches. Identifies and analyzes sources of pollution to determine their effects. Collects and synthesizes data derived from pollution emission measurements, atmospheric monitoring, meteorological and mineralogical information, and soil or water samples. Prepares graphs, charts, and statistical models from synthesized data, using knowledge of mathematical, statistical, and engineering analysis techniques. Analyzes data to assess pollution problems, establish standards, and develop approaches for control of pollution.

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Geologist
Studies composition, structure, and history of earth's crust: Examines rocks, minerals, and fossil remains to identify and determine sequence of processes affecting development of earth. Applies knowledge of chemistry, physics, biology, and mathematics to explain these phenomena and to help locate mineral, geothermal, and petroleum deposits and underground water resources. Studies ocean bottom. Applies geological knowledge to engineering problems encountered in construction projects, such as dams, tunnels, and large buildings. Studies fossil plants and animals to determine their evolutionary sequence and age. Prepares geologic reports and maps, interprets research data, and recommends further study or action. May conduct or participate in environmental studies and prepare environmental reports. Workers applying principles of rock and soil mechanics for engineering projects may be designated Geological Engineer (profess. & kin.). Workers applying all branches of geologic knowledge to conditions that affect planning, design, construction, operation and safety to engineering projects may be designated Engineering Geologist (profess. & kin.).

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Mine Engineer
Conducts research to determine location and methods of extracting minerals, such as metallic ores and nonmetallic substances, such as coal, stone, and gravel: Conducts or collaborates in geological exploration, and reviews maps and drilling logs to determine location, size, accessibility, and estimated value of mineral deposit. Determines methods to extract minerals, considering factors such as safety, operational costs, deposit characteristics, overburden depth, and surrounding strata. Plans, recommends, and coordinates mining process, type and capacity of haulage equipment, such as power shovels and trucks, and labor utilization. Lays out and directs mine construction operations, such as location and development of shafts, tunnels, chambers, position of excavation benches (levels), and access roads. Designs, implements, and monitors facility projects, such as water and power supply, ventilation system, rock-dust and radon gas control, drainage, rail and conveyor systems, and material cleaning, grading, and reduction systems. May devise methods and locations to store and replace excavated soil to reclaim mine sites. May analyze labor requirements, equipment needs, and operational costs to compute and prepare annual budget reports. May apply knowledge of mining engineering to solve problems concerned with environment.

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Mineralogist
Examines, analyzes, and classifies minerals, gems, and precious stones: Isolates specimen from ore, rocks, or matrices. Makes microscopic examination to determine shape, surface markings, and other physical characteristics. Performs physical and chemical tests and makes x-ray examinations to determine composition of specimen and type of crystalline structure. Identifies and classifies samples. Develops data and theories on mode of origin, occurrence, and possible uses of minerals.

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Materials Engineer
Evaluate properties of materials used to manufacture products that must meet specialized design and performance criteria. May develop machinery and processes to manufacture materials, such as polymers, plastics, and alloys. Exclude ceramic engineers, metallurgists, and welding engineers.

Reviews new product plans and makes recommendations for material selection based on design objectives and cost. Plans and implements laboratory operations to develop material and fabrication procedures that maintain cost and performance standards. Evaluates technical and economic factors relating to process or product design objectives. Reviews product failure data and interprets laboratory test results to determine material or process causes. Confers with producers of material during investigation and evaluation of material for product applications.

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Civil Engineer
Plans, designs, and directs civil engineering projects, such as roads, railroads, airports, bridges, harbors, channels, dams, irrigation systems, pipelines, and powerplants: Analyzes reports, maps, drawings, blueprints, tests, and aerial photographs on soil composition, terrain, hydrological characteristics, and other topographical and geologic data to plan and design project. Calculates cost and determines feasibility of project based on analysis of collected data, applying knowledge and techniques of engineering, and advanced mathematics. Prepares or directs preparation and modification of reports, specifications, plans, construction schedules, environmental impact studies, and designs for project. Inspects construction site to monitor progress and ensure conformance to engineering plans, specifications, and construction and safety standards. May direct construction and maintenance activities at project site. May use computer-assisted engineering and design software and equipment to prepare engineering and design documents. May be designated according to specialty or product.

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Mechanical Engineer
Researches, plans, and designs mechanical and electromechanical products and systems, and directs and coordinates activities involved in fabrication, operation, application, installation, and repair of mechanical or electromechanical products and systems: Researches and analyzes data, such as customer design proposal, specifications, and manuals to determine feasibility of design or application. Designs products or systems, such as instruments, controls, robots, engines, machines, and mechanical, thermal, hydraulic, or heat transfer systems, applying knowledge of engineering principles. Plans and directs engineering personnel in fabrication of test control apparatus and equipment, and development of methods and procedures for testing products or systems. Directs and coordinates fabrication and installation activities to ensure products and systems conform to engineering design and customer specifications. Coordinates operation, maintenance, and repair activities to obtain optimum utilization of machines and equipment. May design products and systems to interface machines, hardware, and software. May evaluate field installations and recommend design modifications to eliminate machine or system malfunctions. May specialize in specific field of mechanical engineering, such as heat transfer, hydraulics, electromechanics, controls and instrumentation, robotics, nuclear systems, tooling, air-conditioning and refrigeration; or in type of product, such as propulsion systems or machinery and mechanical equipment; or in type of work, such as steam or gas generation and distribution, steam plant engineering, or system planning.

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Chemical Engineer
Designs equipment and develops processes for manufacturing chemicals and related products utilizing principles and technology of chemistry, physics, mathematics, engineering and related physical and natural sciences: Conducts research to develop new and improved chemical manufacturing processes. Designs, plans layout, and oversees workers engaged in constructing, controlling, and improving equipment to carry out chemical processes on commercial scale. Analyzes operating procedures and equipment and machinery functions to reduce processing time and cost. Designs equipment to control movement, storage, and packaging of solids, liquids, and gases. Designs and plans measurement and control systems for chemical plants based on data collected in laboratory experiments and pilot plant operations. Determines most effective arrangement of unit operations such as mixing, grinding, crushing, heat transfer, size reduction, hydrogenation, distillation, purification, oxidation, polymerization, evaporation, and fermentation, exercising judgment to compromise between process requirements, economic evaluation, operator effectiveness, and physical and health hazards. Directs activities of workers who operate and control such equipment as condensers, absorption and evaporation towers, kilns, pumps, stills, valves, tanks, boilers, compressors, grinders, pipelines, electro-magnets, and centrifuges to effect required chemical or physical change. Performs tests and takes measurements throughout stages of production to determine degree of control over variables such as temperature, density, specific gravity, and pressure. May apply principles of chemical engineering to solve environmental problems. May apply principles of chemical engineering to solve bio-medical problems. May develop electro-chemical processes to generate electric currents, using controlled chemical reactions or to produce chemical changes, using electric currents. May specialize in heat transfer and energy conversion, petrochemicals and fuels, materials handling, pharmaceuticals, foods, forest products, or products such as plastics, detergents, rubber, or synthetic textiles. May be designated according to area of specialization.

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Architectural Engineer
Researches, plans, designs, and administers construction projects for clients, applying knowledge of design, construction procedures, zoning and building codes, and building materials: Consults with client to determine functional and spatial requirements of project, and prepares information regarding design, specifications, materials, color, equipment, estimated costs, and construction time. Plans layout of project and integrates engineering elements into unified design for client review and approval. Prepares scale drawings and contract documents for contractors. Participates in obtaining bids and awarding contracts. Administers construction contracts and conducts periodic on-site observation of work during construction to monitor compliance with plans. May prepare operating and maintenance manuals, studies, and reports. May use computer-assisted design software and equipment to prepare project designs and plans. May direct activities of workers engaged in preparing drawings and specification documents.

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Electrical Engineer
Researches, develops, designs, and tests electrical components, equipment, and systems, applying principles and techniques of electrical engineering: Designs electrical equipment, facilities, components, products, and systems for commercial, industrial, and domestic purposes. Designs and directs engineering personnel in fabrication of test control apparatus and equipment, and determines methods, procedures, and conditions for testing. Develops applications of controls, instruments, and systems for new commercial, domestic, and industrial uses. Directs activities to ensure that manufacturing, construction, installation, and operational testing conform to functional specifications and customer requirements. May direct and coordinate operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment and systems in field installations. May specialize in specific area of discipline, such as electrical energy generation, transmission, and distribution systems; products, such as appliances, generators, transformers, control devices, and relays; or area of work, such as manufacturing, applications, or installation. May use computer-assisted engineering and design software and equipment to perform engineering tasks.

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Computer Systems Support
Analyzes data processing requirements to plan data processing system that will provide system capabilities required for projected work loads, and plans layout and installation of new system or modification of existing system: Confers with data processing and project managers to obtain information on limitations and capabilities of existing system and capabilities required for data processing projects and projected work load. Evaluates factors such as number of departments serviced by data processing equipment, reporting formats required, volume of transactions, time requirements and cost constraints, and need for security and access restrictions to determine hardware configurations. Analyzes information to determine, recommend, and plan layout for type of computers and peripheral equipment, or modifications to existing equipment and system, that will provide capability for proposed project or work load, efficient operation, and effective use of allotted space. May enter data into computer terminal to store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements. May specify power supply requirements and configuration. May recommend purchase of equipment to control dust, temperature, and humidity in area of system installation. May specialize in one area of system application or in one type or make of equipment. May train users to use new or modified equipment. May monitor functioning of equipment to ensure system operates in conformance with specifications.

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Proposal Writer
Develops, writes, and edits material for reports, manuals, briefs, proposals, instruction books, catalogs, and related technical and administrative publications concerned with work methods and procedures, and installation, operation, and maintenance of machinery and other equipment: Receives assignment from supervisor. Observes production, developmental, and experimental activities to determine operating procedure and detail. Interviews production and engineering personnel and reads journals, reports, and other material to become familiar with product technologies and production methods. Reviews manufacturer's and trade catalogs, drawings and other data relative to operation, maintenance, and service of equipment. Studies blueprints, sketches, drawings, parts lists, specifications, mock ups, and product samples to integrate and delineate technology, operating procedure, and production sequence and detail. Organizes material and completes writing assignment according to set standards regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology. Reviews published materials and recommends revisions or changes in scope, format, content, and methods of reproduction and binding. May maintain records and files of work and revisions. May select photographs, drawings, sketches, diagrams, and charts to illustrate material. May assist in laying out material for publication. May arrange for typing, duplication, and distribution of material. May write speeches, articles, and public or employee relations releases. May edit, standardize, or make changes to material prepared by other writers or plant personnel and be designated Standard-Practice Analyst (profess. & kin.). May specialize in writing material regarding work methods and procedures and be designated Process-Description Writer (profess. & kin.).

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Specification Writer
Interprets architectural or engineering plans and prepares material lists and specifications to be used as standards by plant employees or contracting personnel in material processing or in manufacturing or construction activities: Analyzes plans and diagrams, or observes and makes notes on material processing, to determine material and material processing specifications, or specifications for manufacturing or construction activities. Writes technical descriptions specifying material qualities and properties, utilizing knowledge of material standards, industrial processes, and manufacturing procedures. May draw rough sketches or arrange for finished drawings or photographs to illustrate specified materials or assembly sequence. Workers usually specialize and are designated according to engineering specialization, product, or process.

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Marketing, Advertising, Public Relations
Plan and direct advertising policies and programs to create or promote interest in a product or service for a department, an entire organization, or on an account basis. Directs activities of workers engaged in developing and producing advertisements. Plans and executes advertising policies of organization. Plans and prepares advertising and promotional material. Confers with department heads and/or staff to discuss topics such as contracts, selection of advertising media, or product to be advertised. Formulates plans to extend business with established accounts and transacts business as agent for advertising accounts. Coordinates activities of departments, such as sales, graphic arts, media, finance, and research. Confers with clients to provide marketing or technical advice. Monitors and analyzes sales promotion results to determine cost effectiveness of promotion campaign. Inspects layouts and advertising copy and edits scripts, audio and video tapes, and other promotional material for adherence to specifications. Supervises and trains service representatives. Reads trade journals and professional literature to stay informed on trends, innovations, and changes that affect media planning. Consults publications to learn about conventions and social functions and organizes prospect files for promotional purposes. Represents company at trade association meetings to promote products. Directs product research and development. Contacts organizations to explain services and facilities offered or to secure props, audio visual materials, and sound effects. Adjusts broadcasting schedules due to program cancellation. Directs conversion of products from USA to foreign standards. Inspects premises of assigned stores for adequate security and compliance with safety codes and ordinances.

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"A wide variety of business and engineering related positions are available now for college graduates"