Hydraulic engineer (Waterbouwkundige)
Information on this skill...
A hydraulic engineer is a civil engineer who specializes in designing and building hydraulic engineering designs. An example of this is the design of dikes, just like bridges or tunnels underwater. For example, a hydraulic engineer also designs and builds other types of flood defences. The position falls within the breadth of civil engineering and more specifically under hydraulic engineering. The applied science of hydraulic engineering focuses on the design and maintenance of hydraulic engineering matters. A specific example of the work of a hydraulic engineer is the conception and construction of new canals, or, for example, the protection of rivers. For example, there are also activities to be carried out when it comes to designing structures in the form of ship lifts or water locks. The work of a hydraulic engineer also focuses on the production of water treatment plants. Or to create docks and quays in and along ports. It is also possible that the function is focused on water management, just as a hydraulic engineer is engaged in protection works for the coast or rivers. One of the tasks is also to look for innovative solutions that have to do with water problems. Just think of the rise in sea level, which the Netherlands will have to deal with. In the exercise of the profession, the hydraulic engineer uses, among other things, arithmetic models, as well as advanced technology. When designing and realising structures such as aqueducts or bridges, the hydraulic engineer first clearly maps out the assignment. This is followed by a design in detail. Aspects to be taken into account include the environment, safety and costs. Usually, a hydraulic engineer will work within a team of other engineers.
A hydraulic engineer can therefore be regarded as a civil engineer. It should be noted that a civil engineer can also work as a traffic engineer within traffic engineering. In the Netherlands, hydraulic engineering plays an important role, and this is evident from the fact that there is a special water envoy. A hydraulic engineer takes the environment into account, and in that context there is a link with the profession of ecologist. A hydraulic engineer is a profession that relates to the executive side of a hydraulic engineer's designs. For example, when it comes to water in the broadest sense of the word, there is also a link with the profession of oceanographer. For example, when it comes to issues and constructions that relate to the sea. Incidentally, the management of all waterways falls under the responsibility of the various water boards. In this case, a dike dig is the head of a water board.
A hydraulic engineer also plays a role in prevention in the event of flood prevention. Just think of the Delta Works, as well as the dikes that protect the Netherlands against flooding. With regard to sustainability, the hydraulic engineer also prepares environmental documentation with regard to, for example, compliance with regulations and fieldwork. The field of work within hydraulic engineering is extremely broad. For example, the setting up of oil rigs and dredging also falls under it, but this is rather a specific work area that can be counted as part of offshore technology.
WHAT DOES A HYDRAULIC ENGINEER DO
A hydraulic engineer is, in fact, a researcher and/or a scientist who focuses on designing new waterworks or making improvements to existing waterworks. This can involve all kinds of water works, ranging from water treatment plants to sewers. In addition, a hydraulic engineer is usually also responsible for the management of hydraulic structures. For example, it is important to periodically subject waterworks such as bridges, tunnels and sewerage systems to an inspection. Inspecting the waterworks is necessary to prevent damage and to prevent defects. For example, it is important that bridges remain in a good condition and do not rust. If rust occurs, it is harmful to the bridge and defects can occur. For example, it is also important that tunnels do not have to deal with concrete rot. If there is concrete rot, a concrete repairer must be called in to repair the problem. The inspecting tasks are important for all kinds of things. For example, also when it comes to the safety of dikes, in which the dike supervisor obviously plays an important role.
HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING ACTIVITIES:
- Research;
- Communicating with clients;
- Designing waterworks;
- Building waterworks;
- Improve waterworks;
- Inspection of waterworks;
- Coming up with innovative solutions;
- Use arithmetic models;
- Apply advanced technology.
WHAT DOES A HYDRAULIC ENGINEER DO:
TRAINING TO BECOME A HYDRAULIC ENGINEER
There are various courses available in hydraulic engineering. To be trained as a hydraulic engineer, there are possibilities at different levels. For example, at hbo level with the training to become a civil engineer. At university level, it is possible to follow the civil engineering programme at TU Delft. In the hbo programme, it is possible to choose the specialisation in hydraulic engineering after the second year.
COMPANIES WHERE A HYDRAULIC ENGINEER CAN BE EMPLOYED
A hydraulic engineer usually works at an engineering firm. It is also possible that a hydraulic engineer is employed by Rijkswaterstaat and in that case, can be regarded as a civil servant. Within hydraulic engineering, there are all kinds of functions to be performed in the service of various companies. Just think of the profession of project leader in hydraulic engineering or as a contractor in hydraulic engineering. Incidentally, it is also possible that a hydraulic engineer takes on the role of advisor when it comes to hydraulic engineering constructions.
COMPETENCES HYDRAULIC ENGINEER
Technology plays an important role in the profession of hydraulic engineer. It is therefore important to have an extensive interest in technology. In addition, it is important to have up-to-date knowledge of relevant laws and regulations. In addition to technical knowledge, it is very important to have research skills. Being a hydraulic engineer is an important function, in which you have, among other things, the responsibility for safe waterworks. That is why a sense of responsibility is of great importance. Of course, ocean knowledge also plays a significant role, as does a great interest in innovations. Furthermore, there are things involved such as planning and organizing, and it is important to be able to listen well. This is to clearly map out the wishes of clients. That is why excellent communication skills are also of great importance. In view of the costs, knowledge of budget management is a complementary competence for hydraulic engineers.
LABOUR MARKET PERSPECTIVE AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AS A HYDRAULIC ENGINEER
The Netherlands borders on water, and in the country itself there are also many waters. There is therefore not only a need for hydraulic engineers now, but also in the future. Furthermore, there are opportunities to grow from the position of hydraulic engineer. For example, by becoming a team leader or department manager or perhaps obtaining a PhD if you have completed a university degree in civil engineering.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT AND SALARY HYDRAULIC ENGINEER
The salary of a hydraulic engineer is between the level of 3,500 euros and 5,000 euros gross on a monthly basis. The further employment conditions depend on the company where the hydraulic engineer works. These conditions are different if the hydraulic engineer works for an engineering firm or is employed as a civil servant. In addition, age, experience and education also play a role for the exact height. This also applies to the exact content of the work.
The content on this page has been automatically translated from the Dutch language. For this reason, texts and videos on this page may contain small errors.
Lesen Sie diese Informationen auf Wasserbauingenieur auf Deutsch.
Lea esta información sobre Ingeniero hidraulico en español.
Lees deze informatie over Waterbouwkundige in het Nederlands.
Mijnzzp.nl