Consider working as a civil engineering technician if you wish to follow an engineering profession without having to complete a lengthy academic program. You can decide if this career is suited for you by learning about what it entails and exactly how to achieve it. In this post, we describe the duties of a civil engineering technician, outline the processes for pursuing this career, discuss the pay and employment forecast for this position, and provide career development advice.
What exactly is a civil engineering technician?
Civil engineers receive help from civil engineering technicians with a variety of construction projects. They support the processes of planning, engineering, and construction. Civil engineering technicians frequently assist civil engineers and carry out part of their jobs. Since they lack a license, they cannot authorize designs or manage projects as civil engineers do. A civil engineering technician can work on construction projects such as roadways, dams, waste disposal, airports, and telecommunications.
Civil engineering technicians operate on construction projects such as buildings, bridges, roads, dams, and treatment plants for water. You participate in the planning and building of infrastructure projects as a civil engineering technician. Working with engineers, project managers, and other experts to resolve technical problems is part of your job description. Surveying possible building sites, taking readings, calculating prices, and producing design schematics are some of your work responsibilities. Working in teams in civil engineering requires you to have strong communication, math, and analytical abilities.
What exactly are civil engineering technicians responsible for?
The duties of civil engineering technicians are varied. Using computer tools to build projects, collect and analyze data, maintain file systems, and produce reports and correspondence is a frequent aspect of their work. The following are some typical tasks performed by a civil engineering technician:
- Examine the blueprints and drawings for construction projects to determine the sizes of various structures.
- Assisting civil engineers in the creation of plans
- Make use of computer-aided design tools
- Examine project locations and contractor activities to find design issues. Analyze the state of a pre-construction site.
- examine construction locations
- Assemble the plans
- Contribute to making sure that projects adhere to design guidelines and regulations
- Surveying the site
- Collect information and create an analysis
- Calculate the cost of building and produce specifications
- Draft plans and conduct a land survey.
- Install and keep an eye on traffic study equipment
- Supporting civil engineers in the planning, building, and administration of various projects
- Creating comprehensive building plans
- Surveying locations and coordinating the analysis of rock and soil samples
- Ensuring a project adheres to client requirements
- Estimating the type and quantity of supplies required ensuring that the task is completed promptly
- Lowering an undertaking’s environmental impact
- Working in a workplace and on-site.
The tasks that civil technologists perform are determined by the particular project or by their areas of specialty, but according to the job listings we looked at, they all have the following fundamental duties:
Performing site surveys
Civil technologists conduct surveys and compile data regarding potential project sites as part of their preparation for civil engineering projects. When they examine sites, they measure them, assess their suitability for planned projects, and collect data on their elevation and present use. Civil engineers keep an eye on the flow of traffic and the state of the surrounding roads when working on projects involving roads.
Create specifications and designs
By creating drawings and specification papers for complete projects or individual project elements, civil technologists assist civil engineers. This may entail utilizing computer-aided drafting software to create dimensional designs for project components or creating material documents for contractors. Additionally, civil technicians check blueprints and plans created by other colleagues to make sure they are technically proficient and error-free.
Calculate the Costs and Needs of Materials
By calculating material requirements and costs regarding project plans and specifications, civil experts aid in the maintenance of project budgets. To discover the best prices for project materials, analyzing bids and suppliers may also be necessary. Additionally, recommendations regarding vendors and suppliers may be made to civil engineers and managers.
Constructive Site Inspection
Civil technologists evaluate sites regularly and keep an eye on contractor operations throughout a project. These inspections involve confirming that contractors are abiding by regional, national, and/or municipal building codes in addition to project requirements and blueprints. Civil technicians do these inspections and also give contractors guidance or counsel, or they collaborate with civil engineers to assess whether project components can stray from the original plans.
Implement material testing
During the design and building phases, civil engineers examine materials in a lab. This may entail collecting and evaluating soil samples and testing building components and materials, like concrete. This can have an impact on decisions made about the usage of materials and land during the planning stage and guarantees that projects are strong and safe for prolonged use.
Construct project reports
As the project progresses, civil technicians also write progress reports and deliver them to structural engineers and other staff members. They report on anticipated delays or problems that occur during construction and compare project timetables and costs to predictions. Since civil technicians frequently operate on public works initiatives like roads and infrastructure, these papers also have the potential to inform citizens and government officials about the projects.
How to Advance Your Career as a Civil Engineering Technician
You must fulfill several prerequisites to qualify as a civil engineering technician. A degree in civil engineering or a similar discipline is required to begin a profession as a civil engineering technician. Instead of a two-year degree, some firms will take training from a trade or vocational college. You can raise your employment chances by obtaining optional qualifications. Seek out choices from the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies or programs with ABET accreditation. Those with civil design knowledge and expertise in CAD and map-making software may be preferred by employers. Remember that to distinguish yourself from other job seekers, it helps to go above and above the basic requirements for this position.
Follow these procedures to become a technician in civil engineering:
1. Work toward a degree
Consider earning an associate’s degree in civil engineering technology or a related profession since most firms prefer applicants with one. Your coursework can include composing technical reports, cost estimating, surveying, building supplies, and construction techniques. Remember that certain companies favor applicants with associate’s degrees from ABET-accredited programs.
You could also enroll in a program leading to a certificate or certification. These are offered by vocational or technical schools. Construction and project management may be some of the topics covered in these programs.
2. Acquire experience
To assist you to obtain relevant professional experience; think about taking part in an internship training. An internship gives you real-world experience and aids in your preparation for a technician entry-level position.
If you decide to take an internship, ensure it is within one of the several fields where civil engineering technicians are employed. Construction and research and development are a couple of these industries. Think about applying for an internship in a neighborhood building firm or urban planning agency.
3. Obtain a certificate
Although not required, a certification could assist you in finding a better job. Consider obtaining a certification from the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies in one of many specialty areas. Testing of construction supplies and construction projects are a couple of these.
Other steps include:
A civil engineering technician can pursue a variety of career paths. You might complete a course at a university or community college or an apprenticeship.
Investigate these paths toward becoming a civil engineering technician to see which is best for you. Even though a few of these possibilities have educational prerequisites, many companies are more interested in applicants who are passionate, open to learning, and obedient.
To work on a construction site, you might require a CSCS card (Construction Skills Certification Scheme).
University
You could earn a higher national diploma (HND) or foundation degree in civil engineering to work as a technician in the field.
Both of these routes require the following:
- 4 to 5 GCSEs in English, math, and science, with grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent
- 1–2 A levels or an equivalent grade.
College or training facility
To acquire the skills required to work as a civil engineering technician, you may finish a college degree like the Level 2 Certification in Construction and Environmental Design, the Level 3 Diploma in Civil Engineering, or the T level in Architecture, Mapping, and Planning.
Selecting a course that includes courses in computer-aided design (CAD), AutoCAD, PDS, or Civil 3D would be beneficial.
You’ll require:
- 2 GCSEs (grades 9 to 3, or A* to D) minimum, or equivalent (level 2 course)
- 4–5 GCSEs with grades ranging from 9–4 (A*–C), or the equivalent (level 3 course)
- 4 to 5 GCSEs in math and English, with marks ranging from 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent (T level).
Apprenticeship
A construction company will take you through an intensive apprenticeship program for civil engineering technicians.
To achieve this, you’ll need five GCSEs in subjects like math and English with grades of 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent.
Professional apprenticeships for civil engineering technicians are three years long and will give you the skills you need to work in this industry.
Anybody above the age of sixteen is eligible for an apprenticeship. You will have a full-time job with your employer as an apprentice, and you must put in at least 30 hours per week. You’ll spend equal amounts of time in school or a training facility and getting on-the-job training.
Work
After graduating from college, being a trainee technician is one more way to pursue a profession as a civil engineering technician. Here, you can complete the necessary education requirements while working a full-time job and learning the practical skills required for the civil engineering technician position.
Most firms require GCSEs in English, math, and science in grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in to hire trainee technicians.
Professional experience
Gaining a job in the construction business requires work experience. You might learn this while in school, working over the weekends and on vacations for a business or a family who is a civil engineering technician. Any prospective employer will be happy to see employment experience on your resume.
Skills
You’ll also need the following knowledge and abilities to work as a civil engineering technician:
- Understanding of construction and building
- Skills in design, arithmetic, and IT is strong.
- Knowledge of scientific and technological advances in engineering
- Observation of details
- Clear communication skills
Salary
The average yearly wage for civil engineering technologists is $47,564. In this occupation, your pay may differ based on several variables, including your company and geographic area. Depending on your employment, perks like medical insurance and help with career development may be available to you as a civil engineering technician.
Job prospects
Between 2019 and 2029, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a 3% increase in jobs for civil engineering technologists. This growth is roughly in line with the national median for all other occupations. The BLS reports that the requirement to maintain, repair, or improve infrastructure contributes to the continued demand for civil engineering technicians.
Guidelines for career advancement
To help in your professional advancement and growth as a technician in civil engineering, take into account the following advice:
- Develop your skill set. Work on developing your skill set if you’re looking for a job or trying to grow in your career. Skills like critical thinking, math, perception, problem-solving, and decision-making are among those that are helpful in a job as a civil engineering technician.
- Obtain experience in a similar field of work. Think about studying other similar careers to enhance your qualifications for a job as a civil engineering technician. For instance, developing skills as a draftsman or computer-aided layout operator may enable you to eventually work as a civil engineering technician.
- Know the responsibilities of the position. The responsibilities of civil engineering technicians are varied. To expand your skill set and expertise, try to understand some of their methods and procedures. Consider learning different design systems and being familiar with reading blueprints and profiles to increase your likelihood of landing a job or developing your career.
Conclusion
Your position description for the civil engineering technician should include both desired and necessary abilities in the section on requirements and job qualifications. These include degrees of education, work history, training, and other employability qualities. This section’s goal is to reduce the number of applications from unqualified applicants. Options are provided by a wide pool of job seekers, but having too many can make it difficult for you to hire. You can weed out any people who aren’t qualified by setting explicit conditions.
Keep your talents section brief, just like the other components of your job description for a civil engineering technician. Prioritize each item on your two lists of desirable and required talents before crafting your description. The ordering of this list should be discussed with other members of the hiring team. Last but not least, include the final bullet list in the position description using succinct, jumbled sentences.
Frequently Asked Questions on Civil Engineering Technician
To discover information about a profession as a civil engineering technician, go to the following frequently asked questions:
- What jobs fall under this category?
Civil engineers, drafters, surveyors, and mapping and surveying technicians are among the professions that resemble those of civil engineering technicians.
- What is necessary to become certified as a civil engineering technician?
It takes passing a test and submitting the appropriate paperwork to become certified in this field. Some of this material can include recommendations or work history. To aid in your career development in this field, you must go through a recertification procedure if you seek certification through the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies.
- What is it like to work as a civil engineering technician?
Most of the time, civil engineering technicians are employed in an office setting. When not at work, they visit building sites to keep an eye on the work in progress or to gather and test products.
- What distinguishes a civil engineering technician from a civil engineer?
Both responsibilities entail organizing and monitoring construction initiatives. A Civil Engineering Technician works closely with the Civil Engineer in a corporate environment to create building plans. Nevertheless, they also have a lot of on-site responsibilities, such as supervising the work site, managing the workers there, and updating the civil engineer on the project’s status. A civil engineer spends most of their time in an office constructing project plans and inspecting the work that technicians do on the job site.
- Do civil engineering technicians’ duties vary depending on the industry they work in?
In all sectors, a civil engineering technician will play a similar function in supervising the development of a structure and ensuring that everything is done in line with the client’s and the lead civil engineer’s vision. However, Civil Engineering Technicians need to be knowledgeable about the various project designs used by various sectors. Construction designs for a hospital, for instance, have significantly different specifications than those for a sizable business building. An applicant needs to be knowledgeable about both the position’s technical requirements and the industry.
- What can you do to make your job description for a civil engineering technician unique?
Name the sector your organization operates in, like government, healthcare, or banking. An applicant can then have a clearer notion of the kind of work they will be doing and the setting in which they will be working. Additionally, emphasize cost-effective factors like pay, benefits, and vacation time.