Career Overview
Apply theory and principles of civil engineering in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of structures and facilities under the direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.
Also Known As
- Civil Engineering Technician
- Engineer Technician
- Engineering Assistant
- Engineering Technician
Alternate Job Titles
- Bridge Construction Inspector
- CADD Technician (Computer-Aided Design and Drafting Technician)
- Civil Designer
- Civil Engineer Helper
- Civil Engineer's Aide
- Civil Engineering Assistant
- Civil Engineering Technician
- Civil Engineering Technologist
- Civil Technician (Civil Tech)
- Concrete Engineering Technician
- Construction Engineering Technician (Construction Engineering Tech)
- Construction Field Assistant
- Construction Field Technician (Construction Field Tech)
- Design Technician
- Drafting Technician
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Calculate dimensions, square footage, profile and component specifications, and material quantities, using calculator or computer.
- Read and review project blueprints and structural specifications to determine dimensions of structure or system and material requirements.
- Draft detailed dimensional drawings and design layouts for projects to ensure conformance to specifications.
- Confer with supervisor to determine project details such as plan preparation, acceptance testing, and evaluation of field conditions.
- Analyze proposed site factors and design maps, graphs, tracings, and diagrams to illustrate findings.
- Prepare reports and document project activities and data.
- Report maintenance problems occurring at project site to supervisor and negotiate changes to resolve system conflicts.
Emerging Responsibilities
As this field evolves, you may also:
- Operate drones for site surveying and inspection, providing detailed aerial views of project sites.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
- Building and Construction
- Design
- Administrative
- Administration and Management
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Mathematics
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Comprehension
- Deductive Reasoning
- Near Vision
- Written Comprehension
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Oral Expression
- Problem Sensitivity
- Written Expression
- Visualization
- Number Facility
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Integrity
- Achievement Orientation
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Support
- Independence
- Achievement
- Working Conditions
- Relationships
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 8 years, up to and including 10 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
- Autodesk Revit
- Bentley MicroStation
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Visual Basic
Tools & Equipment
- Analytical balances
- Blueprint machines
- Brickmasons' trowels
- Bucket augers
- Compression testing machines
- Computer scanners
- Dessicators
- Dilatometers
- Dropping pipettes
- Drying ovens
- Engineers' transits
- Evaporating dishes
- Field data collectors
- Filter papers
- Glass beakers
Work Environment
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Contact With Others
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $43,550 |
| Median | $64,200 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $97,840 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 62,130
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Architectural and Civil Drafters
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $64,280
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $68,730
Construction Managers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $106,980
Construction and Building Inspectors
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $72,120
Electrical and Electronics Drafters
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $73,720
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.