Careers

>

Architecture & Construction

>

Design/Pre-Construction

>

Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Overview
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Experience

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.

Education

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Job Training

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Examples

These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, travel guides, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters, and medical assistants.

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.

Salary Salary

Salary at 10th Percentile: $34K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $40K
Median Salary: $54K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $68K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $82K

Demand
Career Demand by State Career Demand by State Legend
Core Tasks

Calculate dimensions, square footage, profile and component specifications, and material quantities using calculator or computer.

Inspect project site and evaluate contractor work to detect design malfunctions and ensure conformance to design specifications and applicable codes.

Draft detailed dimensional drawings and design layouts for projects and to ensure conformance to specifications.

Read and review project blueprints and structural specifications to determine dimensions of structure or system and material requirements.

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.

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.

Develop project budgets by estimating the cost of project activities.

Evaluate facility to determine suitability for occupancy and square footage availability.

Prepare reports and document project activities and data.

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.

Report maintenance problems occurring at project site to supervisor and negotiate changes to resolve system conflicts.

Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Analytical or scientific software
Coordinate geometry COGO software
Computer aided design CAD software
Computer aided design CAD software
Development environment software
National Instruments LabVIEW
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
SAP
Graphics or photo imaging software
Graphics software
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Map creation software
Geographic information system GIS software
Office suite software
Microsoft Office
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Communications Devices and Accessories
Two way radios
Computer Equipment and Accessories
Field data collectors
Consumer electronics
Global positioning system GPS receivers
Hand tools
Measuring tapes
Heavy construction machinery and equipment
Tamping rods
Industrial filtering and purification
Filter papers
Laboratory and scientific equipment
Pycnometers
Laboratory supplies and fixtures
Dropping pipettes
Measuring and observing and testing instruments
Analytical balances
Mining and quarrying machinery and equipment
Rotary rock drills
Oil and gas drilling and exploration equipment
Small-gauge surface drilling rigs
Personal safety and protection
Safety gloves
Well drilling and operation equipment
Hand-operated boring machines
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Engineering and Technology
90%
Importance

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
85%
Importance

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Building and Construction
84%
Importance

Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

Design
83%
Importance

Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Clerical
73%
Importance

Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

Administration and Management
72%
Importance

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Computers and Electronics
71%
Importance

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Customer and Personal Service
71%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

English Language
71%
Importance

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Mechanical
69%
Importance

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Top 10 Skills
Critical Thinking
78%
Importance

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Active Listening
75%
Importance

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.

Reading Comprehension
75%
Importance

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Mathematics
73%
Importance

Using mathematics to solve problems.

Speaking
68%
Importance

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Monitoring
65%
Importance

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Writing
65%
Importance

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Complex Problem Solving
63%
Importance

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Judgment and Decision Making
63%
Importance

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Coordination
60%
Importance

Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Top 10 Abilities
Deductive Reasoning
78%
Importance

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Mathematical Reasoning
78%
Importance

The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.

Near Vision
78%
Importance

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Oral Comprehension
78%
Importance

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Written Comprehension
78%
Importance

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Oral Expression
75%
Importance

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Problem Sensitivity
75%
Importance

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

Visualization
73%
Importance

The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

Written Expression
73%
Importance

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

Number Facility
70%
Importance

The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.

Top 10 Work Activities
Getting Information
90%
Importance

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Interacting With Computers
89%
Importance

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Processing Information
86%
Importance

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
84%
Importance

Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
83%
Importance

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
83%
Importance

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
80%
Importance

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems
77%
Importance

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
76%
Importance

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
76%
Importance

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

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.

Inspect facilities or sites to determine if they meet specifications or standards.

Survey land or bodies of water to measure or determine features.

Estimate operational costs.

Prepare detailed work plans.

Confer with other personnel to resolve design or operational problems.

Test characteristics of materials or structures.

Prepare project budgets.

Negotiate prices or other sales terms.

Work Context
Face-to-Face Discussions

How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?

Electronic Mail

How often do you use electronic mail in this job?

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?

Work With Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?

Telephone

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

Frequency of Decision Making

How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or equipment (e.g., car)?

Coordinate or Lead Others

How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?

Deal With External Customers

How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job?

Education
Majors
Major
Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians
Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians
Construction Engineering Technology/Technician
Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection
Interests
Realistic
86%
Importance

Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Conventional
77%
Importance

Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Investigative
72%
Importance

Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Artistic
39%
Importance

Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Enterprising
34%
Importance

Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Social
15%
Importance

Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Top 10 Work Styles
Integrity
93%
Importance

Job requires being honest and ethical.

Attention to Detail
91%
Importance

Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Dependability
90%
Importance

Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Cooperation
88%
Importance

Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Initiative
85%
Importance

Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Adaptability/Flexibility
83%
Importance

Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.

Analytical Thinking
82%
Importance

Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.

Persistence
81%
Importance

Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.

Self Control
81%
Importance

Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

Stress Tolerance
79%
Importance

Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

Work Values
Support
77%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

Independence
67%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

Achievement
62%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

Working Conditions
60%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

Relationships
58%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

Recognition
53%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.