What Do Civil Engineering Technicians Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

Job Description

Civil Engineering Technicians 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. They also calculate dimensions, square footage, profile and component specifications, and material quantities using calculator or computer.

Other tasks include:

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

We asked Civil Engineering Technicians how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

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63% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 63% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.

Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Civil Engineering Technicians prepare reports and document project activities and data. They conduct materials test and analysis using tools and equipment and applying engineering knowledge.

A typical day for a Civil Engineering Technician will also include:

• Confer with supervisor to determine project details such as plan preparation, acceptance testing, and evaluation of field conditions.
• 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.
• Inspect project site and evaluate contractor work to detect design malfunctions and ensure conformance to design specifications and applicable codes.
• Develop plans and estimate costs for installation of systems, utilization of facilities, or construction of structures.

We asked some Civil Engineering Technicians a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

	Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job?	44% said yes
	How important is it to work in a team in this job?	64% said very important
	Do you have group discussions everyday in this job?	89% said yes
	Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job?	28% said yes
	Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job?	1% said yes
	Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job?	34% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Civil Engineering Technicians also respond to public suggestions and complaints. They may also confer with supervisor to determine project details such as plan preparation, acceptance testing, and evaluation of field conditions.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Civil Engineering Technicians Analyze proposed site factors and design maps, graphs, tracings, and diagrams to illustrate findings. They might also Negotiate prices for new contracts or for modifications to existing contracts with contractors.

In addition, they Develop plans and estimate costs for installation of systems, utilization of facilities, or construction of structures.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Plan and conduct field surveys to locate new sites and analyze details of project sites.

To some Civil Engineering Technicians, it is also their responsibility to Develop project budgets by estimating the cost of project activities.

Working life

Standard 40 hour work week

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as a Civil Engineering Technician, you can expect to work 40 hour work week.

Is this right for me

People who are suitable for this job tends to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery..

They also like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

Explore other careers

http://www.bls.gov/OOH/architecture-and-engineering/civil-engineering-technicians.htm

http://www.pathwaystoscience.org/

http://www.abet.org/

http://www.nicet.org/become-certified/what-certifications-are-available/