Rudolf Van Der Merwe

Experience

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  Polaris Coomera Pty Ltd

  Sept 2013 - Oct 2013

  Undergraduate Intern

  I previously gained some work experience in engineering work while doing vocational work for a property developer, Polaris Coomera Pty Ltd. Polaris is a property development firm engaged in the project management of design and construction work associated with land development and the creation of residential lots. I gained valuable experience in working as part of a team in coordinated situations where paying attention to detail and time management are key performance criteria.I gained experience in the following:• Preparation of a Pricing Reference Document (Bill of Quantities and Schedule of Rates) for the construction of engineering services and roads for 65 residential lots.My duties included the preparation of the schedule of items to be constructed and calculating the quantities from the drawings approved for construction and the relevant construction specifications.I also had to prepare a cost estimate for the proposed project by inserting rates from comparable projects against each item. The cost estimate was used by others in a feasibility analysis and cash flow projections.• Construction supervision on a contract for the construction of civil engineering services and roads for new residential lots. My duties included assisting the project engineer on site to ensure that the works are constructed in accordance with the approved designs and specifications. Show less

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  University of Twente

  Mar 2015 - Jun 2015

  Research Assistant

  I worked at the University of Twente on a project for the public agency Rijkswaterstaat. Rijkswaterstaat is part of the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment and is responsible for the design, construction, management and maintenance of the main infrastructure facilities in the Netherlands. My work was an addition to work already completed by Professional Doctorate in Engineering (PDEng) candidate Tânia Viana da Rocha. Her work included reviewing the risk aspect adopted within a risk-based inspection and maintenance program. I was given the task to take Tânia’s work together with the current inspection documents and create a simple and objectified methodology for risk assessment inspections and an easy to follow inspection guide for bridges.During the course of my work I regularly attended meetings with university personnel, professional engineering companies conducting risk assessment inspections and with Rijkswaterstaat personnel for discussions on the direction of the project.My work was in the form of a thesis which was completed at the University of Twente based on the requirements set out by Rijkswaterstaat. My thesis was titled “Risk Assessment of Bridges, Developing an Objective Methodology for Qualitative Surveyor Inspections”. This was completed on the 16th of June 2015 and submitted to Griffith University for assessment where I received a distinction for my work. Show less

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  TTM Consulting Pty Ltd

  Nov 2015 - Oct 2017

  Consultant - Traffic

  For two years I worked at TTM consulting as part of a small office team which forced me to become familiar with many aspects of working life that will help me in the long run. This includes becoming proficient in setting up projects, drafting up a cost analysis, liaising with clients, undertaking work in research and design, and finally, invoicing.From opening to closing I became familiar with every aspect of delivering timely and cost-efficient projects. I have numerous recommendations from other staff and clients alike. The job taught me to be meticulous in my work but also efficient enough to cater to the client’s timely needs. Show less

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  JHA Australia Group

  Jul 2019 - Oct 2023

  Engineering Leader

  At JHA Australia my job description includes undertaking regular site inspections and drafting reports in relation to these inspections. The inspections and corresponding reports can vary drastically in nature, ranging from dwellings succumbing to fire damage, ground movement or in the drafting of a scope of works for the repair of damage, etc. This breadth of possible job types has forced me to become well acquainted with a large variety of issues and problems within the building industry.To excel within the industry, a regular habit of research and document procurement has become a necessary task. Additionally, the nature of the key performance indicators (KPI) used to measure the success of report writing further enforces good habits. These habits are necessary for all avenues of work and include timeliness and customer satisfaction. Show less

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  BD Solutions Consulting

  Oct 2023 - Dec 2023

  Remedial Engineer

  As a Remedial Engineer at BD Solutions Consulting, I bear diverse responsibilities spanning remedial engineering and comprehensive project management:Project Assessment and Planning: I initiate assessments, define objectives, and craft project plans.Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring code compliance and securing permits.Risk Assessment and Mitigation: Identifying and mitigating risks for safety.Design and Engineering: Collaborating on design, material selection, and safety standards.Procurement and Contract Management: Overseeing procurement, contracts, and budget monitoring.Construction and Implementation: Directing work and ensuring quality and safety.Environmental Considerations: Managing eco-concerns and waste disposal.Communication and Reporting: Stakeholder communication and reporting.Quality Control and Testing: Overseeing tests and addressing issues.Project Completion and Handover: Finalizing projects and documentation.Post-Project Evaluation: Assessing project success and lessons learned.Legal and Expert Witness Services: Offering expert opinions and testimony when required.These responsibilities preserve structural integrity, safety, and project success, combining engineering expertise and project management for effective problem-solving. Show less

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  AUSTRAL CONSTRUCTION

  Feb 2024 - now

  Senior Project Engineer

  As a Senior Project Engineer at Austral Construction, I bring a diverse range of skills and responsibilities to ensure project success. Here's how I tackle key duties:Communicating:I maintain effective communication with clients, subcontractors, and service providers throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring all stakeholders are well-informed and aligned.Planning and Organising:With careful planning, I review tender documents, assess designs, and manage subcontract documentation. I collaborate closely with the Project Manager and oversee material procurement and budget preparation.Managing Information / Administration:I take a proactive approach to managing project information, from resolving construction issues to documenting contract variations. Regular tasks such as managing project closeout are executed with attention to detail.Monitoring and Reporting:I monitor project progress, conduct cost control activities, and prepare construction reports for client review. Attendance at site meetings and invoice reconciliation further contribute to effective project monitoring.Health, Safety, Environment, Quality:As a leader in promoting health, safety, and quality standards, I ensure compliance with regulations and implement our Integrated Management System to exceed best practices.Core Values:Guided by our core values of leadership, safety, integrity, and continuous improvement, I am committed to delivering exceptional results and meeting the diverse needs of our clients and stakeholders. Show less