What does a Technical Research Officer in Timber Construction do?
The Technical Research Officer in Timber Construction plays a crucial role in the technical analysis and preparation of timber construction projects. They are responsible for ensuring that each project is technically feasible and complies with current regulations, while guaranteeing the safety and durability of the structures. Working closely with architects, engineers, and project managers, they get involved from the design phase to anticipate and resolve potential technical challenges.
This position requires a deep knowledge of timber construction techniques, skills in structural calculations, and proficiency in design and modelling software. The officer must also be capable of managing multiple aspects of the project, from drawing up plans to preparing cost estimates, and conducting structural sizing calculations.
The responsibilities of the Technical Research Officer in Timber Construction cover several technical and practical areas related to timber construction. Among their main tasks is the technical feasibility analysis: they assess the feasibility of projects, considering technical, regulatory, and environmental constraints. They ensure that the timber materials used, construction techniques, and assembly systems meet strength and durability requirements.
Drafting technical plans: based on client requirements and drawings provided by architects, they produce detailed technical plans for timber structures. These plans must include all necessary information for the manufacturing and assembly of construction elements.
The officer performs the necessary calculations to size the load-bearing elements of timber structures. They ensure that these elements comply with safety standards and can support the specified loads. They also prepare estimates by assessing costs related to materials, manufacturing, and labour, while ensuring the best quality-to-price ratio.
The Technical Research Officer monitors the progress of construction projects to ensure that the work is carried out according to plans and technical specifications. They may be required to make adjustments during the project to address unforeseen technical challenges.
The role of a Technical Studies Officer in Timber Construction requires mastery of computer-aided design (CAD) tools and structural calculation software. Knowledge of construction standards, especially those related to timber structures, is essential. This professional must be meticulous, organised, and able to manage several projects simultaneously. They also need to have strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with other project stakeholders (architects, engineers, clients).
In terms of training, the ENSTIB Professional Bachelor’s Degree, with its timber construction track, meets all the necessary training requirements. This position offers career advancement opportunities towards roles such as project manager or head of a technical office in companies specialising in timber construction.