Profession waterway construction labourer

Waterway maintenance labourers maintain canals, dams and other waterway structures such as coastal or inland water plants. They are responsible for the construction of breakwaters, canals, dikes and embankments as well as other works in and around water.

Personality Type

• Realistic / Conventional

Knowledge

• Types of waterways

  Field of information which distinguishes different types of man-made waterways such as canals and dams.

• Dredging consoles

  The configuration of different types of dredging consoles. How the functions of the dredge are mapped to the console.

• National waterways

  Know the national waterways used for inland navigation, know geographical location of rivers, canals, seaports and inland harbours, and understand the relationship with cargo flows.

• Excavation techniques

  The methods to remove rock and soil, used in an excavation site and the associated risks.

• Water policies

  Have a solid understanding of policies, strategies, institutions, and regulations concerning water.

• Water pressure

  Physical laws, qualities and applications of liquid or water pressure.

Skills

• Follow health and safety procedures in construction

  Apply the relevant health and safety procedures in construction in order to prevent accidents, pollution and other risks.

• Construct dams

  Dewater a suitable area through the construction of a diversion tunnel and use earthmoving equipment to build a coffer dam. Remove rocks and rubble in order to construct a plant, which uses concrete to prevent water leakages by using waterstops.

• Inspect construction sites

  Ensure health and safety during the construction project by inspecting the construction site regularly. Identify risks of putting people in danger or of damaging construction equipment.

• Identify defects in concrete

  Use infrared techniques to discover defects in concrete.

• Inspect concrete structures

  Visually inspect a concrete structure to see if it is structurally sound. Check for different types of cracks, such as those due to reinforcement corrosion, impact damage or high water content.

• Measure water depth

  Measure the depths of a body of water by using depth measuring equipment such as a depth gauge.

• Manage sumps

  Oversee correct operation of sumps; to make sure that the operations for collecting and removing the undesirable or excess liquid runs smoothly.

• Plan surface slope

  Make sure the planned surface has the necessary slope to prevent puddling of water or fluids.

• Install tunnel segments

  Set the reinforced concrete tunnel segments in place after the tunnel boring machine has excavated sufficient space. Base the position of the segments on the plans or calculations for optimal placement.

• Construct canal locks

  Install lock systems in sections of canals for the raising and lowering of vessels from one level to another. These are used for their passage over canals as well as for the control of the water level.

• Perform drainage work

  Dig draining ditches and lay the pipe or gutter installation to allow evacuation of surplus liquid and avoid subsidence or other damage.

• Operate pumps

  Operate industrial pumps used to remove excess liquid.

• Operate sumps

  Operate industrial sumps used to remove excess liquid such as water or chemicals.

• Work in a construction team

  Work as part of a team in a construction project. Communicate efficiently, sharing information with team members and reporting to supervisors. Follow instructions and adapt to changes in a flexible manner.

• Dig soil mechanically

  Use mechanical equipment to dig up and move soil. Form pits according to excavation plans.

• Use rigging equipment

  Set up rolling and lifting equipment required to lift and move objects e.g. with a crane or block and tackle system.

• Maintain dredging equipment

  Keep the dredging equipment in good condition. Regularly inspect suction elements, pumps, cables, cutterheads and other elements and take the necessary steps to repair any damage or wear.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB