What Does a Civil Engineering Technician Do?

Most employers look for candidates with a two-year associate degree in civil engineering technology or a related field. Other pathways include earning a civil engineering certificate from a technical school or earning a bachelor’s degree. Look for programs accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

Courses will vary but may include engineering, building materials, design, computer aided design (CAD), surveying and cost estimating.

You can gain hands-on training through an internship program, which are sometimes offered by construction companies, city planning offices or civil engineering firms.

It’s also possible to advance to this job from a related role, such as an architectural drafter (CAD operator) or surveying and mapping technician.

You will need a driver’s license to do site visits. 

Certification is not often required, but it may give you a competitive advantage. The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) is one of the main groups that offers certification. To earn it, you need to pass an exam and provide proof of work experience.

Continuing education and certification renewals are typical for this career.

A civil engineer is licensed and can supervise projects and approve designs. Civil engineering technicians and technologists work under the supervision of an engineer and take care of specific tasks. For example, a technician would make sure that a plan conforms to design specifications and applicable codes. 

They work for engineering firms and government agencies. Some of their work takes place in an office and some work is completed on site.

Successful candidates often share these traits: 

• Good at problem-solving
• Strong observational skills
• Excellent math skills
• Confident in decision making
• Excellent reading and writing skills
• Works well on a team
• Possesses advanced computer skills