Archives for November 2024

Sustainable design is poised to become one of the most important skills and vital jobs in the near future. This specialization in environmental resource management and construction is continuously evolving in definition and scope. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in sustainable design in California and want to understand what it encompasses, this blog will cover all the essentials.

What is sustainable design? 

In the most basic terms, construction or engineering projects that are “sustainable” fulfill their goals while minimizing harm done to the environment. Sustainable design requires taking the long-term view. In construction and engineering projects, sustainable design focuses on several key areas to achieve environmental goals.

Materials used

Choosing sustainable materials involves selecting those with lower environmental impact, such as recycled or reclaimed materials, and locally sourced options to reduce transportation emissions. This approach reduces the carbon footprint and promotes using renewable resources.

Energy consumption

Energy consumption is controlled by incorporating energy-efficient systems and renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines. Optimizing energy use during construction and throughout the building’s operational life helps reduce energy demand and reliance on fossil fuels.

Local ecosystem preservation

Designing projects to protect and enhance the local ecosystem includes incorporating green spaces such as rooftop gardens and green walls to provide habitats for wildlife and sequester carbon. Additionally, planning projects to avoid disrupting natural habitats and promoting biodiversity is crucial.

Materials consumption and reuse

Resource consumption and reuse are managed by implementing strategies to reduce waste, such as modular construction techniques that minimize offcuts and scraps. Designing buildings with deconstruction in mind allows materials to be reused at the end of the building’s life, extending resource lifecycles and reducing landfill waste.

Pollution reduction

Minimizing pollution is achieved by selecting low-emission building materials and implementing construction practices that reduce air and water pollution. Additionally, incorporating systems to manage stormwater runoff and mitigate urban heat islands improves the overall environmental quality of the project site.

Why is sustainable design important? 

California is home to fragile ecosystems, many tied to the Pacific Ocean. The beauty and diversity of the state have always hung in a delicate balance. With the effects of climate change increasing worldwide, sustainable design has become the only ethical choice in California from government initiatives to private enterprise.

In April 2024, the State Government announced a plan to commit millions of acres to support nature-based solutions for the climate crisis.  This effort will include helping to preserve 33.5 million acres currently at risk of wildfire and 11.9 million acres of managed forest to protect biodiversity, carbon storage, and water supply.  

One of the problems California is facing is how land is being used. Modeling suggests that deliberate work on these issues will turn carbon producers into carbon sinks.

What are the construction and engineering methods of sustainable design?

In California and the rest of the United States, environmental resource management has come a long way, with various strategies for ecological offsets and regulations. The following are some of the most common categories when it comes to sustainable design.

Efficient materials and systems

Electrical, mechanical, and plumbing engineers who know how to design or select the most energy-efficient systems are the future of environmental resource management. For example, incorporating LED lighting into a building design will reduce lighting energy usage by up to 75%, not just now but for the life of the building.

Green materials

Environmental resource management experts know a project is only as sustainable as its materials. Purchasing recycled materials or products made from recycled materials is a great way to help preserve natural resources. 

Choosing natural materials over plastics can also have a huge impact. California’s first mass timber building was completed in 2023. Mass timber is safe, strong, and beautiful but less challenging for the environment.

Landscaping

Landscaping can have a surprising impact on the environmental sustainability of a project location. Native plants and trees will hold water in the soil and encourage native plants and animals to thrive.

Passive design

Passive design incorporates techniques that work with the local climate to maintain a comfortable temperature in a building and make it more sustainable. California is sunny and windy, enjoying prevailing winds on the coast and areas that experience more wind than others, like Point Reyes. 

Designing a building that takes advantage of natural sunlight with well-placed windows or cleverly uses prevailing winds for cooling and ventilation will significantly impact how energy efficient that building will be.

Renewable energy

Incorporating energy-gathering systems like silent wind turbines or solar panels will make a building more energy efficient and even an energy producer at peak production times.

Jobs in sustainable design

California has always been associated with environmental consciousness and an interest in sustainability. However, it’s also a state with a massive population and an ever-growing demand for construction and engineering projects. California is the perfect place for those looking for job opportunities in environmental resources management. If you’re looking for work in sustainable design in California, including as an environmental resources manager, electrical engineer, plumbing engineer, architect, landscape planner, or urban design specialist, check out our job listings.

Professionals looking to be hired as a Project Engineer in California are in luck. The role of “Project Engineer California” is among the most in-demand positions in that state because of a boom in engineering projects. In fact, the average Project Engineer salary California businesses pay is highest in Richmond, which is higher than a Project Engineer salary anywhere else in the United States. But when hunting for Project Engineer jobs in California, what skills will employers be seeking?

Even in a glut market, it’s still essential for candidates to have strong management, communication, and organizational skills to ensure a project will be completed on time and within budget. If this sounds like you, then a wealth of jobs can be found as a Project Engineer in California. What skills can you develop to progress as a Project Engineer?

Skills and certification

Project Engineering is a career field with upward mobility and potential for advancement. There are several skills a professional can foster to raise their Project Engineer salary and improve their chances of getting a job. At a minimum, Project Engineers must have a bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or electrical engineering though some may have degrees in other technical fields or engineering management.

Project Engineering involves a mix of soft skills and hard skills. Soft skills, such as leadership, communication, initiative, time management, and decision-making, are learned in time. Hard skills are taught through training and are tangible, specific, and measurable, such as engineering or computer programming.

Leadership skills

A Project Manager is responsible for the execution of an infrastructure project’s design and implementation. They must be able to effectively lead people in their roles to keep the project running and guide others in implementing the plan.

IT skills

An Engineering Project Manager will be expected to provide technical support and guidance to team members to keep a project running smoothly. 

Collaboration and communication skills

Project Engineers must communicate well with other professionals, such as senior management, project developers, financial analysts, and construction subcontractors. Communicating efficiently and effectively with other engineers and laypeople is critical to running a project smoothly.

Engineering skills

Project Engineers are expected to understand mathematics and engineering principles to analyze, design, and troubleshoot parts of the project.

Project management

A Project Engineer must be able to plan, monitor, and evaluate work on-site as the project progresses.

Decision-making skills

When working on projects at the highest level of design, Project Engineers must evaluate the feasibility of plans regarding financial costs, project safety, and quality concerns.

Problem-solving skills

Using their mathematical, engineering, and project management skills, an engineering project manager must plan large infrastructure projects with high expectations placed upon them. These projects will involve solving problems, such as transportation planning or unexpected design issues. 

Hone your application skills

When seeking Project Engineer jobs, professionals should take the time to identify soft and hard skill keywords relevant to Project Engineering positions and look at their experience to emphasize relevant experiences.

Adjust your resume

Some skills you can add to your resume are the same skills you need to develop to be more attractive to prospective employers:

• Interpersonal and collaborative skills
• Communication
• Project development
• Programming skills
• IT skills
• Decision-making and problem-solving skills

Objective statement

Synthesizing your goals and dreams into an objective statement. This statement will show prospective employers their goals and intentions to ensure the employer and employees are aligned. 

Experience and certifications

Employers value experience, so graduates of cooperative engineering programs in which students earn academic credit for work experience are valued. Be sure to list on your resume any relevant licenses, certifications, awards, or volunteer positions that display your experience and could help you find success as a Project Engineer.

How Certis can help

Project Engineering is an exciting, fulfilling career with new opportunities, people, and experiences. For those seeking Project Engineer jobs in California, Certis Solutions can help lead you to new career opportunities. With 70 years of experience in the industry, Certis Solutions connects its contractors with the AEC industry’s most dynamic, prominent companies and their newest projects.

With Certis working to ensure fair working conditions, AEC Project Engineers can connect with many job opportunities in dynamic, exciting projects across California. Let Certis help you excel. Contact Certis Solutions today.

Though the outlook for urban planner jobs looks rosy, you’ll still be competing for the best opportunities. Preparing for a job interview can be both nerve-racking and stressful for any professional, but proper preparation is the best way for an urban planner to ace a job interview. This article is a guide to how to interview for urban planner jobs, with the five best ways to prepare, from researching the company to strategizing your best interview questions.

Acing the interview

To find urban planner jobs, you need to show them you’re the best candidate for their company. In order to be that candidate, you need to tailor your interview to each opportunity. Here are our five tips for how to interview for an urban planner job.

Research the company

After scheduling an interview, the first thing to do is research the company. Understanding your future responsibilities and what will be expected of you is paramount to succeeding in an interview. 

Take the time to research the company from multiple sources. Reach out to current and former employees through your network, read recent news releases, and even spend some time Googling them. Looking past the company’s public social media presence, you can be prepared to talk specifically about what draws you to the company and why you would be a good fit.

Prepare your portfolio

Every urban planning job is different, with expectations that can change from district to district. Understanding the projects the prospective company is undertaking and the type of work they are focused on can help you tailor your portfolio to the company’s needs. It also means you know what skills to emphasize during the interview. You want to learn as much as you can about the open position.

When preparing your portfolio, emphasize experience relevant to both the position and the company’s needs. An urban planner is a designer and a problem solver. Show in your portfolio that you both understand the problems and challenges you’ll be expected to solve and that you have the experience and skill to tackle them.

Highlight your design skills and strengths

When researching the company and preparing your portfolio, consider how your skills fit the position. Consider what strengths and skills you can discuss in the interview, and prepare your answers to show your relevant experience.

Even if you’re used to interviewing, spend time preparing your selling points for this urban planning position. What skills and experience do you have that make you the best planner for the position? Do you have special experience reading and researching zoning reports or coordinating field surveys that could be relevant to the job? Take a hard look at what is expected of you for this position and how your past experience can be made applicable.

Research the area

A core part of any urban planning job is understanding the region you’ll be working in. The expectations of an urban planner can change from district to district, and zoning laws can be a unique challenge depending on the location.

An urban planner must design entire neighborhoods and districts that are functional, attractive, and sustainable. Knowing the area and its challenges, such as growing population, land use, evolving technology, and environmental regulations, makes the work of an urban planner possible. Making it clear in the interview that you’re already familiar with the area and its unique difficulties and opportunities makes you a more competent, more attractive candidate.

Practice common interview questions

Once you’ve researched the company and position, take time to practice responses to common interview questions to emphasize your strengths. Don’t try to memorize entire answers or you may come off stiff during the interview. Instead, write bullet points or notes to keep them on hand for reference in the interview. 

Remembering to bring up your different strengths, experiences, observations, and skills can make an interview and show the interviewer how hard-working and prepared you are. If you have family or friends willing to help, try doing mock interviews to get comfortable answering interview questions. You can only prepare for some things in an interview, but feeling prepared and confident walking into the room is the best way to interview for any job, including an urban planning position.

How Certis Solutions can help you find your next urban planner job

Certis Solutions is a technical staffing firm that finds the best talent for urban planning jobs and other roles. Taking a role as a Certis AEC consultant means benefitting from close relationships with the industry’s top companies and being able to practice your urban planning skills at the peak of your industry.

Bring your career to a new high and exceed expectations with us. Contact Certis Solutions today.

Geotechnical engineers deal with soil and rock-related work on diverse projects. It’s an arm of civil engineering where professionals deal with tasks such as dam designs, waste containment, and flood protection structures using scientific methods and technology. Geotechnical engineering opportunities are springing up worldwide, especially in cities such as California. These cities need their expertise to assess and interpret soil properties and participate in planning and design to ensure their construction projects’ success. 

What will geotechnical jobs look like?

Geotechnical engineering jobs are vital to the success of every construction project. No structure goes up without approval on the state of the ground. Analysis and approval determines whether the site is ideal for the structure and won’t be affected by floods, droughts, or other environmental factors. Their report also informs what materials are suitable for the foundation and design of the structure to ensure its safety for habitation. 

Some of the job responsibilities of a geotechnical engineer include the following:

• Collecting and organizing data 
• Consulting on construction materials sustainability 
• Designing analytical 3D and 2D models
• Examining sites for sensitive projects such as landfills
• Advising clients on best site selections using maps and aerial photos
• Analyzing geological hazard risks and ensuring they’re identified and managed   
• Drilling for and analysis of bedrock and deposits samples 
• Testing construction materials, such as bricks, gravel, sand, and clay 

What will the market look like?

Geotechnical engineering careers are highly competitive, although numerous companies are hiring. The industry is expected to grow by 6.5 percent by 2027 and continue to expand in the following years. This engineering field relies heavily on technology, and experts project the industry will keep getting stronger as scientists develop new technologies. There’s also a growing need for commercial and residential infrastructure globally using innovative construction materials. 

This is promising news for AEC professionals interested in a career in this field. According to salary.com, as of November 2024, the median salary for geotechnical engineers is $81,871 per annum. Engineers in the ninetieth percentile earn as much as $92,117.

How do you get hired? 

There are several ways to land a job as a geotechnical engineer. You can either gain relevant experience and skills or by getting an education in a related field. Here are three suggestions.

1. Get an undergraduate university or college degree in geotechnical engineering or a related course, such as geophysics, mining engineering, geology, or geo-technology. You can also obtain a postgraduate qualification in soil or rock science, hydrogeology, or geotechnical engineering. 

2. Internships and apprenticeships are also used to gain entry into this field. Completing an internship at a reputable Geotech firm can help you get hired by other companies or move higher in the same company. You’ll gain on-the-job experience and learn from working with seasoned professionals.

3. Getting certifications if you have some experience in a similar field, such as civil engineering, can also help you get hired. Examples include the Geotechnical Engineering Specialist Certificate, taking the Geotechnical Engineering exam and obtaining a license. Find all the information you need for other qualifications, such as the Certified Engineering Geologist, Certified Hydrogeologist, and Professional Geologist here. 

You’ll have the advantage if you’ve worked on projects, such as dikes and dams, and have design knowledge using software such as GeoStudio and Plaxis. You can also work as an assistant to or on a team of geotechnical engineers and learn from them.

Working with an engineering staffing agency such as Certis Solutions can help you find the right geotechnical engineering opportunities. We work with an extensive database of job openings to match our applicants with roles that fit their qualifications and skill set. Contact us today to get started. 

Electrical engineering jobs are a respected career choice worldwide. These professionals are responsible for numerous innovative technological developments so it remains an attractive choice for many. However, it’s not unusual to find yourself wondering just how lucrative a career in electrical engineering is.

Electrical engineering in California is in demand

There’s an increasing need for electrical engineers in California. Statistics from May 2023 show it has the highest demand for electrical engineers, followed by Texas and New York. It’s a great time to be an electrical engineer, especially if you’re interested in entry-level positions as a recent graduate or considering becoming an electrical engineer. 

There will be no shortage of jobs for California’s electrical engineers in the next few years. The state is home to Silicon Valley and other tech communities, such as Santa Clara and Sunnyvale, where electrical engineers thrive. These areas have a high demand for electrical engineers and pay more than the average salary in California.

The job outlook for 2024 and beyond

The electrical engineering industry hasn’t been hit with job loss as hard as others in the last few years. More companies are looking to employ electrical engineers for projects that require their expertise. The number of electrical engineers in California is projected to grow by 13.9 percent by 2030, which translates to 3,900 jobs.

The outlook for the coming years is good for those interested in this industry. The hourly median pay for electrical engineers in California is $72.98 in 2024, significantly higher than the national average.

Electrical engineering jobs: FAQ guide

Is it a good career choice?

Electrical engineering is considered a good career choice since there’s high demand for it. It offers a diverse range of specializations, and you can work in numerous sectors. The average annual pay for an electrical engineer is also good, with decent growth opportunities. 

What skills are essential for electrical engineering jobs?

You need to have various skills to excel as an electrical engineer. Some of the most sought-after skills in this industry include:

• Computer skills: almost all electrical engineers work with computers and use various software. You’re expected to be well versed in applications relevant to your field of engineering to do well on the job. It’s also essential to know programming languages, such as Python and C++.
• Communication skills: working well with others is necessary for every work environment. Communicating effectively will help you collaborate with teammates and deliver your best work.
• Problem-solving skills: you need critical thinking and problem-solving skills to identify, analyze, and solve any problems as you test products you develop.

What basic qualifications are needed?

You need an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering or a related field to qualify for a job in engineering. Some related disciplines are electronics engineering and electrical engineering technology. Lacking a degree in these fields doesn’t mean you can’t get a job as an electrical engineer. 

You can opt to increase your qualifications for an electrical engineering job by furthering your education. One way to do this is by getting an advanced degree like a master’s in electrical engineering. You can also take the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam, although it’s not required in every industry. 

What should I include on my resume?

Your resume is the first contact you’ll make with a potential employer, so it’s essential to make it stand out. Your resume should include your name and contact information at the top of the page. It should also have your work experience, educational background, relevant skills, and licenses or certifications.

Where can I apply for electrical engineering jobs?

There are numerous websites where you can find electrical engineering jobs. Job websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn are popular. There are also job search engines dedicated to posting engineering jobs only. You may also find an excellent electrical engineering job by signing up with an engineering staffing agency like Certis Solutions.

How do I know if the job is the right fit for me?

Deciding whether a job is right depends on what you consider important. You can start by writing down everything you want in a position and seeing if the job description matches it. You may include salary expectations, job responsibilities, growth opportunities, and work hours. You can rank their importance from high to low priorities. Most jobs won’t have all your requirements, so you might have to choose which one that meets most of your high-priority requirements. 

Benefits of working with an engineering staffing agency

Most electrical engineers will find that securing a good position isn’t always easy, although there are many job prospects. You’ll have no trouble finding a good place if you work with the right team. We advise most job seekers to sign up with and receive guidance from a qualified engineering staffing agency. 

The hiring process is often long and time-consuming. Finding a position with an agency will speed up the application process since they have all your information readily available. Their recruiters will match you with jobs available in their database and provide helpful tips for acing interviews. You’ll have no trouble finding work with their extensive resources of job vacancies in the AEC industry. Certis Solutions is a professional staffing agency that helps AEC professionals find their ideal jobs. Our team of skilled recruiters can help if you want to work as an electrical engineer. With an extensive list of contacts and connections with top engineering firms, we have access to jobs other candidates are not privy to. Contact us today to land your next job.

Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) engineers typically work on building projects where they’re in charge of developing the visual computer model for buildings. They’re part of the larger construction team of architects, electricians, and other construction personnel. Regardless of the project size, it’s essential to have these specialists in charge of each critical aspect of the project to ensure things run smoothly. 

Given their work, it’s important to be well versed in all things VDC engineering before getting into the field. You’ll need knowledge, such as familiarity with software applications, acute attention to detail, and practical understanding of essential skills to create value as a VDC engineer. 

Becoming a VDC engineer: What you need to know

AEC professionals looking to become VDC engineers should know what the job involves and what career requirements are needed. It’s a lucrative field, and according to salary.com, the median pay for a VDC engineer was $86,038 as of November 2024. 

The area is experiencing rapid growth as the job outlook shows a growth rate much higher than the average growth in other industries. Several cities like San Jose, Santa Clara, and Fremont in California are among the highest paying cities for VDC engineers who earn as much as $107,978 a year. 

VDC engineer requirements

Specific requirements must be met to qualify as a VDC engineer. Not only do these qualities show your knowledge in the field, but they also make it easier for employers to hire you.

Education

Most VDC engineer jobs require candidates to have at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as civil engineering or architecture. To further your skills and make you stand out from the competition, you’ll need to get higher education, such as a master’s degree or graduate certificate like this one offered at Stanford. You can also take certifications to boost your knowledge in key concepts like Building Information Modeling (BIM). 

Professional skills and qualities

VDC engineers are usually part of a bigger team, so you’ll need various skills and qualifications  to navigate the work environment and efficiently execute your duties. Some of these skills include being flexible and managing many tasks and individuals while putting out high-quality work. A VDC professional should also have an advanced understanding of construction documents, such as technical drawings. A few other skills include: 

• Communication, written and oral 
• Collaboration 
• Time management 
• Technical knowledge in software, such as MS Office, PM tools, AutoCAD, Revit, and more. 
• Ability to work in fast-paced environments
• Teamwork and management  
• Time management and organization 
• Professionalism and ownership of projects

Licenses and certifications

Another requirement for VDC engineers to be successful is licenses and certifications. This training helps engineers become more conversant with VDC principles and practices. They’re great for growing competencies that make you more employable in the industry. 

Examples are management methods that boost productivity and improve business performance. Some of the most common VDC licenses include BCA Academy’s diploma in Virtual Design and Construction Design-Build Institute of America DBIA Certification. Some VDC software, such as Fuzor, also offer training in best practices for their applications. 

Where to look for VDC engineer jobs

Job seekers can effectively search for and apply for VDC engineering jobs in many places. Jobs boards like Glassdoor, LinkedIn, Ziprecruiter, and Indeed are just a few places candidates may look for jobs. Other options are researching AEC companies you’d like to work with and searching their career page for job openings. Then you can go ahead and apply if there are any relevant positions available. 

Looking for jobs in any AEC field, not just VDC engineering, can be time-consuming. One way to lessen the hassle and hasten the process of job searching is by working with a technical staffing agency. Finding a job can be much easier and quicker using their extensive resources.

Preparing for your VDC job interview

Interviewing for a role as a VDC engineer can be nerve-racking. Job seekers may apply the following tips to prepare for a VDC job interview. It’ll ensure you’re ready and show the necessary skills and expertise to land the job. 

Update your resume 

The first step to getting your foot in the door is to have a stand-out resume. The recruiter or hiring manager will refer to your resume throughout the interview, so it needs to be updated with your most recent qualifications and work experience. Only include relevant information so it’s not overpopulated and hard to follow.

Review study materials 

Go over relevant research and study materials to refresh your knowledge of the skills required for the role. Review the job description again to ensure you’re familiar with the job requirements, so you know what to study for. Even if you’re not well-versed with all the technical requirements for the job, having a basic understanding of each area can improve your chances of landing the job. 

Prepare to take an assessment 

Some companies may require candidates to take an assessment test to show their skills. This might require completing a design based on an example brief to allow them to get a feel of your design process. You may be asked to complete it during the interview or as a take-home assignment. Whatever the case, be prepared to show off your design skills in relevant software applications. 

Get started as a VDC engineer with Certis Solutions

Take the hassle of job hunting off your plate by working with an experienced technical staffing agency. Certis Solutions is one of the leading AEC recruitment agencies in California, USA. 

We work with many companies searching for top talent to fill vacant positions in their firms, with an extensive list of industry contacts matching you to your dream role as a VDC engineer. Contact us today to get started.