Civil supervisor jobs include positions supervising projects such as the construction of public bridges, roads, and tunnels. Sewer maintenance, dam construction, and power generation are among the other civil supervisor jobs available. Civil supervisor jobs cover a wide range of civil construction projects, including the construction of airports, jails, and shipping ports. Other civil supervisors are in charge of overseeing the construction of railroads, overpasses, and railway terminals, among other things.
The majority of civil supervisor jobs are designed to keep a close eye on private contractors and civil engineers as they carry out their contracted duties, as well as to ensure that all required health, safety, and building codes are strictly followed. Many civil supervisor jobs are held by seasoned construction veterans who are well-versed in the local and federal building and construction codes that apply to specific project types. On projects involving multiple local jurisdictions, the civil authority frequently has the authority to override local authorities in code matters. The civil supervisor, in most cases, sets the schedule, ensures that all deadlines are met, and motivates work crews to meet them.
Overseeing bridge construction projects is one of the most technically demanding jobs for civil supervisors. Bridges must not only meet the requirements for road traffic, but also those for maritime traffic and safety. Civil supervisors are responsible for overseeing the construction of bridge pilings and supports, as well as meeting project deadlines and adhering to federal laws governing wetlands, waterways, and migratory fish and wildlife. Because many rivers serve as dividing lines between government jurisdictions, the roadways on either side of the bridges may be subject to different regulations.
Civil supervisors face unique challenges when it comes to airport planning and construction. For aircraft using the airport, the layout must allow for smooth flow both on the ground and in the air. Noise issues for residents in the surrounding area must be considered, as well as power lines and other above-ground structures that could pose a threat to low-flying aircraft. Supervisory officials for both the tunneling and road-building crews are frequently required to ensure that the job runs smoothly. Because some tunnels provide a mix of vehicle, pedestrian, and train traffic, tunneling through a mountain can often involve a tunneling crew, a road building crew, and a railroad building crew.