Construction Engineering Officer

[chrisf]

Considering upgrading my college electrical diploma into an engineering degree, considering trying to get the forces to pay for the two years of univerity it would take.

Looking for some information on postings for the construction engineering officer trade... specificly interested in power plant management/operation...  is that typically managed/overseen by a officer, or an NCM EGS tech?

Anyone have any experience as construction engineering officer with an electrical engineering degree? Or an EME officer with an electrical engineering degree? Are there any elecricity heavy postings for either of these trades

 

[chrisf]

Anyone?

 

[McG]

Deployed power generation does fall under Const Engr.  However, there is so much going on in a theatre within the Const Engr scope, you should not expect that you will ever get to focus so narrowly as just power generation management (maybe generation & distribution, but even that seems narrow).

The work you are interested in would probably be done on a day-to-day continuos basis by an EGS Sgt or a CE Supt with electrical background.  You could component transfer to EGS or ED tech for a few years to get a sense of the trades and the construction side of the branch.  If you are still interested, later persue UTPNCM or CEOTP.

 

[chrisf]

Deployed power generation does fall under Const Engr.  However, there is so much going on in a theatre within the Const Engr scope, you should not expect that you will ever get to focus so narrowly as just power generation management (maybe generation & distribution, but even that seems narrow).

That's more or less what I was thinking, guessing any plant operations large enough to justify having an engineer would be contracted out, only fixed plant I'm familiar with was the plant in Alert, which prior to being contracted out was run if I remember correcty by a EGS tech WO

Still curious about postings though, even if not plant operations, if there's anything electrical heavy at all, or if it's mostly civil/mechanical heavy postings...

The work you are interested in would probably be done on a day-to-day continuos basis by an EGS Sgt or a CE Supt with electrical background.  You could component transfer to EGS or ED tech for a few years to get a sense of the trades and the construction side of the branch.  If you are still interested, later persue UTPNCM or CEOTP.

Not interested in going reg force as an NCM right now, though if there were an air res unit, I'd probably already transfered as an EGS tech. Honestly, if I had my time back, and more importantly knew what I know now, I would have gone into one of those trades out of high school. Plus I would have bought google stock. Both of those would have been good. Too much time and money invested in school right now to go straight into the reg force now... give me a few years to get fed up with the civillian job market first. It'll come...

For what time I'd owe after two years of university though, it's tempting to go the officer route. (As an avowed NCM that almost feels dirty to say)

 

[McG]

Too much time and money invested in school right now to go straight into the reg force now... give me a few years to get fed up with the civillian job market first. It'll come...

Maybe you would be intrested in a few years as a PRes EGS tech while you are staying in the civilian workforce? 

 

[chrisf]

Maybe you would be intrested in a few years as a PRes EGS tech while you are staying in the civilian workforce?

Very interested, but as I already mentioned, no units locally with EGS tech posistions.

 

[caocao]

As idicated before as a CEO you would not be dedicated your time solely to electrical issues.  Also, there are no longer any static power plant operated by EGS techs,
the only time you would be operating would be on deployments.  Which part of the country are you from?  We have one reserve engineer flight in Aldergrove BC,
1 flight in Gander NL and 2 flights in NS.

 

[chrisf]

The nearest is still far to far away...

 

[chrisf]

Actually, here's a thought, anyone know if there's any precedent for a reserve field engineer unit having an EGS tech? Or a service batallion for that matter?

 

[Dnolte]

Hey,

I am graduating from college in April from a Civil Engineering Program at a good college in Hamilton, ON.  I have some questions about a military option.

After graduation, the Canadian RMC offers a 2-year degree option for a actual civil engineering degree, rather than a diploma.  From what I read, you do two years of (paid?) college, and for every month of free tuition, you give back 2 months back to the CF.  So for 16 months of RMC, 36 months in the military.  The job my discipline is suited for is Construction Engineering Officer.

My question is, as an officer, after school, after basic, what is life like for someone in this discipline?  Do we still do PT every morning? Are there scheduled hours? Will working in the Air Force give good jobs skill if someone chooses to go to civilian life after they serve their required time? Basically, what is a typical day for in this discipline?

If you going to tell me to "refer to older posts" give me a hint, because I've been searching for hours and my clicking finger is tired.

Thanks.

 

[Animatronic Fireman]

I'm pretty sure as a Construction Engineering Officer you would get great project management skills and would be well suited to work for any of the big construction firms after your time in the military. Also certain engineering firms hire construction engineers as well.

 

[kincanucks]

Do we still do PT every morning? Are there scheduled hours?

Nope no PT or scheduled hours.  As an officer you allowed to get really fat and you only work when you want to work.

 

[Dnolte]

lol. I am in great shape and love to work out, but your sarcasm is wonderfully justified.
Thank you, that answers my questions perfectly.

 

[rasputin]

Hi All,

    Considering re-enlisting down the road and am trying to get some info on a few different areas.  Talked to a recruiter about this one and he really couldn't offer me any insight so I figured I'd try here in case there are some recruiters posting who would know or better yet, some people actually IN the aforementioned field.

    First some background on me.  Fresh out of high school I went into ROTP as an Air Navigator and Mechanical Engineer.  I left before the start of my second year of classes as it turned out Mechanical Engineering wasn't what I thought it was and it didn't appear they were going to let me switch degree programs.  I left there and completed a 5 year degree program and ended up with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry and minor in Wildlife Biology.  I have also since done some Masters level courses in geodesy and geomatics.  I am in my thirteenth year with provincial Natural Resources.  One of my jobs is overseeing about 1/4 of the province's geographic information systems.  I have also always been very heavily involved in mapping and navigation.  I am a Chief Air Navigator and Training Officer with the Civil Air Search And Rescue Association (working in conjunction with 413 Greenwood).  While going back in as an Air Navigator would be terrific, I'm fairly certain my eyes are no longer as good as they would need to be.  However, I stumbled across the Construction Engineering Officer and thought it might be interesting depending on the actual day to day work.

In reading the ads, I don't exactly fit what they state but my background covers a lot of what they are seeking. 

"The preferred degree is a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical or Environmental Engineering. Other degrees that may be considered include a Bachelor of Engineering degree in the Chemical, Fire Protection, Physics, Management or Systems field, or a Bachelor of Geology or Applied Science.

full range of engineering support services to CF installations such as facilities management, fire engineering, contract and project management, and construction and environmental engineering as well as mapping, charting and geodesic support to sea, land and air operations."

I'm not sure what constitutes "applied" science?  While Forestry on its own probably doesn't sound like what they are after, we study fire, geology, geodesy and geomatics and enviroment.  Our degree is not an engineering degree but is considered close enough to one that we actually receive an iron ring (symbol of graduation from and engineering field).

I know no one here can probably definitively answer but does anyone with knowledge of the system think I'd have a chance at being accepted?  I also see they list possible bonuses.  Any idea what they may be for that field?

Perhaps more importantly than any of that is I was wondering if anyone could tell me what the day to day work is for someone in the geomatics side of this field or the environmental side?  Any help would be appreciated.  I am going to try to see if I can somehow get in contact with someone in this field as that was about the best the recruiter could offer.

Thanks in advance!

 

[kkellam]

Hey everyone,
Im Currentely a high school student looking to apply for RMC in the new year. Im aiming to do civil engineering at RMC and then become a Construction Engineering Officer. However i have a bad left knee because my knee cap has dislocated twice in the past year. It feels pretty stable most of the time, however after long runs or lots of Physical Activity it can hurt queit a bit. I always wear a brace when doing physical activity just to be safe, and am trying to build up leg muscle to increase stability of my knee cap. Now what i was wondering would be would this affect my application adversely when applying to RMC, even if i am applying for a non-combat arms position.
Thanks,
KKellam

 

[dcs]

There is no such position as truly non-combat arms.  You are a soldier first, officer second and trade third.  I don't see any chance that they would have different or less stringent physical requirements for this trade.  There are other physical requirements for example in regards to eyesight for construction engineer that you should also look into.  Son who wore contacts and had eyesight of - 2.5  did not qualify and had laser surgery to be acceptable and merit listed.

I recommend that you go to a recruiting Office and talk to them and if possible medical staff there and get clarification and know what you are up against.  If a concern and there is an option such as surgery etc be sure to talk to them about how long it has to be post for evaluation. 

GO in and see them now as the timing will not get any better if something can and needs to be done...... or at least if they tell you no way you can move on to your other options.

 

[kkellam]

Hey,
Thanks for responding, yeah i have been into a recruiting office, but i forgot to mention my knee. If all goes well over the next year i should be in full strength for Recruit Camp, where i assume ill be able to wear a brace for my knee? (Just in case).  And as for eyesight i have better then 20/20, for now. Im only 17 so ill see how that goes ahah. Why is their an eye restriction for a Construction Engineer? And thanks for the reply, i just hope during Recruit Camp/ROTP my knee holds up, because other then that i am fit for training.
Thanks,
kkellam

 

[dcs]

I still recommend that you talk to them about it now..  They will most likely want you to see a specialist and get a medical report.  (When and if there will be further or follow up they will let you know)  They can perhaps tell you how long it has to be "stable" for you to be found medically fit.

This being the case you will be found "medically unfit" and your file will be on hold until the report is reviewed in Ottawa by DND medical staff.  If they review and approve, the unfit status will be removed and the file will proceed.

Keep in mind that training is very strenuous and knee problems will be a red flag to them.  Son at RMC currently has indicated 15 K marches with 60 lb ruck sack.... very strenuous training. Take a look on the web in regards to fitness testing etc.

They have the eyesight requirement I assume so that you will be able to function at an acceptable level without glasses or contacts... which could be lost or damaged if deployed or for any other reason.  They clearly do not want to have concerns in regards to your concerns associated potentially with eyesight below a certain standard.  I guess the good news for you if you are Merit listed for consideration is that a lot of others will be found medically unfit due to this.

FInd out the answers now... it can only help you going forward.

 

[kkellam]

Thanks for the info. Will stop into the recruiting office next time i am near.  and 15k marches sound tough, hopefully if everything works out ill be able cope with that. I recentely did a 4km portage, going back and forth for a total of atleast 12 km, with packs/canoes for half of that, and my knee held up fine. Aswell i did a 40km hike in BC. I just hope i dont blow out my knee in training if i get cleared for training. That'd be terrible. just another question about that, lets say hypothetically i am cleared, and and accepted into RMC, but then dislocate my Knee Cap at Recruit Camp, whats happen then? Am i discharged? Or would i continue my schooling at RMC then continue training once my knee has healed?
Thanks,
Kkellam

 

[jwtg]

When you apply to RMC you will go through a medical.  I recommend disclosing everything because, as has been pointed out many times on this forum, dishonesty regarding your health during your enrollment can have serious consequences later, including being released.

There are medical requirements for joining the CF, and some trades have further requirements (Aircrew, for example).  I'm unsure about Construction Engineering Officer specifically.

Getting hurt once you're already in the CF is a whole new ballgame.  Do your paperwork properly (CF98 injury reporting is key...) and make sure you take care of your health.  Depending on how badly you get hurt, you may end up being unemployable, requiring surgery and extended healing, trade reassignment, or a million other things.  The only answers you will get here are guesses, because until something happens and can be evaluated, all we can do is guess at what might happen.  I don't work in medical, but if someone who does comes along here, all they can do is offer you a better guess at what might happen if X and Y happen in your particular situation.

Bottom line: Be honest about your health, for your good and the good of the CF.  That's all that is asked of you.

Also, I noticed you said applying to RMC in the new year- I recommend, and everyone who attends RMC with me will agree, that you apply much earlier.  As soon as they will let your.  By October you want to have all your paperwork in and get the different steps to your application done as quickly as you can.  RMC isn't like Civi U, and the application process is far more extensive.  Get started early!  The deadline is usually some time in January, but you don't want to be running around trying to get your medical and interview done in time to get your file in for selection- especially if there's a chance you may need further steps to get cleared for your knee.  Start early.

Good luck.