Working Life

Site engineers perform a technical, organisational and supervisory role on construction projects, setting out and determining the location for above and underground infrastructural installations involved in construction operations.

Site engineers apply designs and plans to mark out the site and can be involved in projects ranging from small scale to multi-million pound ventures. This may include civil, road, rail and other infrastructure projects.

A site engineer works as part of the site management team liaising with and working alongside architects, engineers, construction managers, supervisors, planners, surveyors and subcontractors. They share responsibility for site security, health and safety, and the organisation and supervision of material and human resources.

Work involves ensuring budgets timescales and specifications are met. The Site Engineer must check and prepare site reports and plans as well as providing technical advice.

Work activities vary depending on the type of employers and nature of the project but typically involve:

• acting as the main technical adviser on a construction site for subcontractors, crafts people and operatives;
• setting out, levelling and surveying the site;
• checking plans, drawings and quantities for accuracy of calculations;
• ensuring that all materials used and work performed are as per specifications;
• overseeing the selection and requisition of materials and plant;
• agreeing a price for materials, and making cost-effective solutions and proposals for the intended project;
• managing, monitoring and interpreting the contract design documents supplied by the client or architect;
• liaising with any consultants, subcontractors, supervisors, planners, quantity surveyors and the general workforce involved in the project;
• liaising with the local authority (where appropriate to the project) to ensure compliance with local construction regulations and by-laws;
• liaising with clients and their representatives (architects, engineers and surveyors), including attending regular meetings to keep them informed of progress;
• day-to-day management of the site, including supervising and monitoring the site labour force and the work of any subcontractors;
• planning the work and efficiently organising the plant and site facilities in order to meet agreed deadlines;
• overseeing quality control and health and safety matters on site;
• preparing reports as required;
• resolving any unexpected technical difficulties and other problems that may arise.

Further Information

• Site engineer- from: GradIreland

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

There are many pathways to develop your skills, experience, and qualifications towards a career in engineering.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: construction skills. manufacturing technician skills, engineering operations, quality management.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: engineering, engineer technology, renewable energy tech.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Engineering.

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: general engineering, applied construction technology, construction management, engineering technology, electrical, sustainable energy engineering.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: engineering, management, health and safety.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

Engineers Ireland

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €30k - €70k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Sigmar / CPL / Brightwater/ Morgan McKinley

Last Updated: July, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Civil engineers, Construction project managers and related professionals, Production managers and directors in construction.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2024).

Employment growth was above average for this occupation with annual increases since 2020, and growing by 2,400 persons employed since 2022. The number of employment permits issued grew on the previous year, with civil/site/structural engineers and construction project managers accounting for most of the permits issued. Online job adverts (Eurostat/CEDEFOP) related mainly to civil engineers; DSP adverts were smaller in quantity but included civil, site and project engineers.

Data from the Recruitment Agency Survey, Skills for Growth and Spotlight on Skills noted issues with filling vacancies for civil/site engineers and/or construction project managers; skills in demand associated with these vacancies included project management, problem solving and critical thinking skills. The number of awards for civil and building engineering subjects has been increasing in recent years, with over 1,000 awards at levels 8-10 in 2022; of these, 266 awards were for civil engineering, the highest number in several years, and a third more than in 2018 (although the numbers have fluctuated in the intervening years).

Although shortages are arising for both roles, civil engineers account for over half of employment in this occupation.

• Engineers Ireland

  • 22 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge Dublin 4
  • (01) 665 1300
  • Click Here

• Construction Industry Federation

  • Construction House, Canal Road, Dublin 6
  • (01) 406 6000
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Wind Energy Ireland

  • Sycamore House Millennium Park Osberstown Naas Co Kildare W91 D627
  • 045 899341
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here