Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Overview
SaveJob 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, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, 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.
Yearly Salary
| High: | $82K |
| Median: | $54K |
| Low: | $34K |
Demand
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 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.
- 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 with contractors on prices for new contracts or modifications to existing contracts.
- Report maintenance problems occurring at project site to supervisor and negotiate changes to resolve system conflicts.
Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Engineering and Technology
90%
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%
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Building and Construction
84%
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%
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Administrative
73%
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Administration and Management
72%
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%
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Customer and Personal Service
71%
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%
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Mechanical
69%
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Top 10 Skills
Critical Thinking
78%
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Active Listening
75%
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%
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Mathematics
73%
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Speaking
68%
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Monitoring
65%
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Writing
65%
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Complex Problem Solving
63%
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Judgment and Decision Making
63%
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Coordination
60%
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Top 10 Abilities
Deductive Reasoning
78%
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Mathematical Reasoning
78%
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Near Vision
78%
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Comprehension
78%
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Written Comprehension
78%
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Oral Expression
75%
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Problem Sensitivity
75%
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Visualization
73%
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Written Expression
73%
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Number Facility
70%
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Top 10 Work Activities
Getting Information
90%
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Working with Computers
89%
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Processing Information
86%
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
84%
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%
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
83%
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
80%
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
77%
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
76%
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
76%
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.
- Review technical documents to plan work.
- Create graphical representations of civil structures.
- Confer with technical personnel to prepare designs or operational plans.
- Create maps.
- Prepare operational reports.
- Confer with other personnel to resolve design or operational problems.
- Inspect facilities or sites to determine if they meet specifications or standards.
- Test characteristics of materials or structures.
- Estimate operational costs.
- Prepare detailed work plans.
- Prepare project budgets.
- Survey land or bodies of water to measure or determine features.
- Respond to customer problems or complaints.
- Correspond with customers to answer questions or resolve complaints.
- Negotiate prices or other sales terms.
Education
Interests
Realistic
84%
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Investigative
78%
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Conventional
77%
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Artistic
38%
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
Enterprising
28%
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Social
23%
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Work Values
Support
77%
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%
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%
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%
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%
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%
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.
Majors
Colleges
SAGE Scholars Member Schools that offer majors leading to this career.
Check out the College Search to see the full list of schools with majors for this career.