Civil Engineering Technician

Overview and Key Facts

What Do They Do?

A civil engineering technician could...

Overview Listen to this section

Do you dream of building big? Civil engineering technicians help build some of the largest structures in the world—from buildings, bridges, and dams to highways, airfields, and wastewater treatment facilities. Many of these construction projects are "public works," meaning they strengthen and benefit a community, state, or the nation.

Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of a Civil Engineering Technician?

1. Critical Thinking: ? Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
2. 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.
3. Reading Comprehension: ? Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
4. Mathematics: ? Using mathematics to solve problems.
5. Speaking: ? Talking to others to convey information effectively.

6. Writing: ? Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
7. Monitoring: ? Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
8. Judgment and Decision Making: ? Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
9. Complex Problem Solving: ? Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
10. Coordination: ? Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Core Tasks

Think about if you'd like the typical tasks a Civil Engineering Technician might do:

• 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.