Part-time Civil Work
Part-time Civil Work
(OP)
Looking for thoughts/experiences on part-time work with an engineering firm. I have a full-time job that I am happy with, but would like to get something part-time to supplement my income, gain some new experience, and perhaps put my PE to work. All my experience is with county, state, and federal, so I'm not familiar with the inner workings of private firms. Is this something engineering firms are receptive to? I'm thinking I could work stormwater permits, or erosion & sediment control plans as a part-time employee, but maybe there are other areas that are particularly suited for part-timers. What do you all think? Any experiences from those who have done it? Any business owners/managers have opinions on it?
Thanks for your thoughts.
Thanks for your thoughts.





RE: Part-time Civil Work
RE: Part-time Civil Work
RE: Part-time Civil Work
RE: Part-time Civil Work
I've also in the past had a guy work one day per week for me to supplement his income - he worked four days a week for the state DOT and came in to help me on fridays (he got 36 hrs/wk in with the DOT).
And then, for 3 1/2 yrs I had a single mom with 3 kids come in 3-4 days per week whenever she could squeeze time in (averaged about 30 hrs/wk).
All different situations, but they all worked pretty well for all involved.
RE: Part-time Civil Work
I have worked for 2 firms that had PEs on as part-timers.
You may find yourself very busy!!
I think you could take on some of the smaller projects as a one-man operation, then get it QA'd by the firm. On the other hand, you could do QA on small to medium jobs for them, too.
RE: Part-time Civil Work
One just QC'd a proposal for me Fri. Good thing she did! She's a wetlands/permitting expert, and I had some huge mistakes on a wetlands/permitting proposal. I will fix Monday, she will be home with her kids. Win:win, as I see it.
Make sure you negotiate correctly: PT typically get more per hour, but no benefits. You also want to be a sub-contractor, not an employee. That way, you say when you will work and what you will work on.
Signature under construction, sorry about the mess - Steve