Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians

What the job really is

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.

At a glance

• Sector: Architecture & Engineering
• O*NET-SOC code: 17-3022
• O*NET job zone: 3 — medium preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• 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.
• Inspect project site and evaluate contractor work to detect design malfunctions and ensure conformance to design specifications and applicable codes.
• Conduct materials test and analysis, using tools and equipment and applying engineering knowledge.
• Develop plans and estimate costs for installation of systems, utilization of facilities, or construction of structures.
• Develop project budgets by estimating the cost of project activities.
• Plan and conduct field surveys to locate new sites and analyze details of project sites.

Tools and technology

Autodesk AutoCAD, Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D, Autodesk Revit, Bentley MicroStation, ESRI ArcGIS software, Geographic information system GIS systems, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Visual Basic, Microsoft Word

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Architectural and Civil Drafters
• Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
• Construction Managers
• Construction and Building Inspectors
• Electrical and Electronics Drafters
• Mechanical Drafters
• Transportation Engineers
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 3 (medium preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.