Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Also called: Bridge Construction Inspector, CADD Technician (Computer-Aided Design and Drafting Technician), Civil Designer, Civil Engineer Helper, Civil Engineer's Aide

Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Varies

estimated salary

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.

  • 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 and 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.
  • Evaluate facility to determine suitability for occupancy and square footage availability.
  • Plan and conduct field surveys to locate new sites and analyze details of project sites.
  • Respond to public suggestions and complaints.
  • Negotiate prices for new contracts or for modifications to existing contracts with contractors.
Work Context
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 96% responded "Every day".
  • Electronic Mail — 84% responded "Every day".
  • Contact With Others — 84% responded "Constant contact with others".
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 67% responded "Every day".
  • Work With Work Group or Team — 58% responded "Extremely important".
  • Telephone — 57% responded "Every day".
  • Frequency of Decision Making — 53% responded "Every day".
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Work Activities
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Estimate technical or resource requirements for development or production projects.
  • Create graphical representations of civil structures.
  • Create maps.
  • Review technical documents to plan work.
  • Prepare operational reports.
  • Confer with technical personnel to prepare designs or operational plans.
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Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
  • Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Mathematics
  • Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Building and Construction
  • Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
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Skills

Critical Thinking
  • Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening
  • Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Mathematics
  • Using mathematics to solve problems.
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Abilities

Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Near Vision
  • The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Deductive Reasoning
  • The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Mathematical Reasoning
  • The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Computer aided design CAD software
  • Autodesk AutoCAD Hot Technology
  • Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D Hot Technology
  • Autodesk Land Desktop Hot Technology
  • Computer aided design CAD software Hot Technology
  • Computer aided design and drafting software CADD Hot Technology
  • Autodesk Revit Hot Technology
  • Bentley Microstation Hot Technology
Electronic mail software
  • IBM Notes Hot Technology
  • Microsoft Outlook Hot Technology
  • Email software
Spreadsheet software
  • Microsoft Excel Hot Technology
  • Spreadsheet software
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