Civil engineers who shared their experience and advice in “Explore Engineering Careers in Public Agencies” responded to 6 questions we didn’t get to during the live roundtable discussion. Here are their answers to the second question in this series of posts:
Today’s question: What is the outlook for public agency jobs in public transit development? (Answers are based on individual experiences and are not necessarily representative of practices at all public agencies.)
Kristina Swallow, P.E., Pres.18.ASCE
Director, Nevada Department of Transportation
Transit agencies have had a tough year due to the travel reductions and economic impacts of COVID. That said, transit is a necessary component of any healthy transportation system, so barring a major disruption in the way we travel there are lots of opportunities in public transit organizations.
Brian Phan, P.E., M.ASCE
Transportation Engineering Associate, Los Angeles Department of Transportation – California
Based on ASCE’s Infrastructure Report Card, we are falling behind on public transit compared to other nations. I believe the prospects for public transit development are going to increase in the next few years as we are continually developing better technologies to expand our public transit network.
Jarred Jones, P.E., M.ASCE
Executive Director, North Charleston (SC) Sewer District
There is a push to improve public transportation to relieve traffic congestion and there is a lot of federal money to support improvements. Charleston is in the process of developing a 20-mile rapid bus transit line to connect the suburbs to downtown, with a projected cost of $400M.
More information on jobs outlook is available in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and O*Net Online. And, don’t forget to check out ASCE’s annual salary survey at https://www.asce.org/civil-engineering-salaries/.
If you missed our live session watch the recording posted on the Career Discovery web page https://collaborate.asce.org/covid-19/career-discovery. Also register there for future roundtable sessions exploring civil engineering careers in consulting, education, construction, and industry – and bring your questions for our panelists!
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Becky Waldrup P.E., M.ASCE
Senior Manager, Professional Activities
American Society of Civil Engineers
Reston VA
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