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  • Louise Mc Donald
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  • Defence Forces
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Louise Mc Donald

Careers rarely develop the way we plan them. Our career path often takes many twists and turns, with particular events, choices and people influencing our direction.

We asked Louise Mc Donald from Defence Forces to give some advice for people considering this job:

I would advise them to get themselves physically fit and to maintain it. I would also say that a sense of humour is very important and the ability to laugh at themselves. They should have self discipline and be prepared to accept imposed discipline. Punctuality is very important as is respect for others. If they had sporting interests that would be a help.

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Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results, and prefer action to talking and discussing.

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Occupation Details

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Engineering Technician - Civil

Job Zone

Education
Most occupations in this zone require job specific training (vocational training) related to the occupation (NFQ Levels 5 and 6 or higher), related on-the-job experience, or a relevant professional award.

Related Experience
Previous work-related skills, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, several years of full or part-time employment in the area may suffice.

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 recognised apprenticeship or training program may be associated with these occupations.

Job Zone Examples
These occupations usually involve using communication and organisational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include restaurant managers, electricians, agricultural technicians, legal secretaries, hairdressers, and web developers.

€21k > 55
Civil/Structural Engineering Technician
Salary Range
(thousands per year)*
€21 - 55
Related Information:
Data Source(s):
Payscale.com

Last Updated: March, 2017
* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.
Shortage Indicator

The National Skills Bulletin 2017 stated that "the demand for engineers, typically for roles in pharmaceutical and medical devices manufacturing, relates largely to those with significant experience (at least five years) in industry specific settings."

Shortages include

Electrical engineers: "safety, tech. specification, mechatronics - development and integration of mechanical, electrical and software systems; power generation and transmission"

Technicians: "quality assurance/control, process (e.g. injection moulding/polymer engineering), extrusion and maintenance."

9%
Occupational Category

Electrical, Electronic & Engineering Technicians
Also included in this category:

Installation engineers (electricity supplier); manufacturing technicians.

Number Employed:

7,800
Part time workers: 8%
Aged over 55: 17%
Male / Female: 91 / 9%
Non-Nationals: 10%
With Third Level: 72%
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Saves this course to your Career File if you are registered.

At a Glance... header image

Helps engineers and architects to organise the construction of structures like bridges, roads and railways.


Videos & Interviews header image

1Total Records:1

Maria O'Neill
Civil Engineer

Maria works as an Assistant Resident Engineer supervising a water supply scheme for the Local Authorities. She did her Leaving Cert in St. David's in Greystones, and went on to UCD to complete a Civil Engineering Degree.
Go to Interview

Follow the links below to watch videos related to this occupation:

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Go..Search YouTube for Engineering Technician - Civil videos

The Work header image

The Civil Engineering Technician's duties include working on the design and construction of projects such as roads, seaports, airports, water supply and drainage systems, bridges, power stations and other structures. They supervise the erection of engineering equipment and structures, prepare engineering drawings, operate and keep records for sanitary plants such as water treatment works, inspect engineering construction and equipment, survey sites and prepare reports for engineers.  
 
They are required to estimate costs and specify materials to be used. Their main role is to support engineers and supervise the production workers. Their work is more limited and practical than the engineers.


Tasks & Activitiesheader image

The following is a list of the most commonly reported tasks and activities for this occupation

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

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

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

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 Confer with supervisor to determine project details such as plan preparation, acceptance testing, and evaluation of field conditions.

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

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

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 Prepare reports and document project activities and data.

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 Respond to public suggestions and complaints.

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

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

Work Activities header image

The following is a list of the most commonly reported work activities in this occupation.

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

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 Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

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

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 Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

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 Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

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 Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment: Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

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 Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

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

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 Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

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 Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.


Knowledge header image

The following is a list of the five most commonly reported knowledge areas for this occupation.

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

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

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 Engineering and Technology: 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.

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

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 Public Safety and Security: Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.


Skillsheader image

The following is a list of the most commonly reported skills used in this occupation.

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 Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

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 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.

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

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 Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

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 Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

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

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

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 Operations Analysis: Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.

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 Time Management: Managing one's own time and the time of others.

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 Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.

Personal Qualitiesheader image

As a civil or structural engineering technician you should enjoy practical tasks and teamwork. You will need good communication skills to work well with other people including management, the workforce and suppliers.  
 
You will need draughting skills to prepare technical drawings and plans. Your work needs to be neat and accurate and you need to pay attention to detail. The work includes a lot of figure work, for example calculating, measuring and estimating, so you need to be good at maths. A good knowledge of construction technology and materials is also important. Some aspects of the work require good organisational and administrative skills. As most engineering drawing is done using computer aided design, computer skills would be beneficial.  
 
You also need to be fit and active. Most technicians will spend some time out on-site; some are outdoors in all weather conditions for much of the time.


Entry Routesheader image

New entrants have typically completed a training programme in Civil Engineering. Relevant courses are available throughout the country. 

The Institutes of Technology offer Higher Certificate and Degree programmes in Civil Engineering. Courses are also available at PLC level in areas such as Construction Technology from many colleges of Further Education and private colleges. Upon completion students reach technician/technician engineer status with Engineers Ireland.  

To apply for the Engineering Technician title, you will need an accredited level 6 qualification and three years post graduate experience. 

A list of Engineering Technician accredited programmes is available here from Engineers Ireland

Last Updated: October, 2014


Further Informationheader image

A detailed description of this occupation can be found on a number of online databases. Follow the link(s) below to access this information:

Note: you will be leaving the CareersPortal Site

Go..Civil Engineering Technician - from: N.C.S. [UK]
Go..Engineering Construction Technician - from: N.C.S. [UK]

Related Occupationsheader image

Contactsheader image

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 Organisation: Engineers Ireland
Address: 22 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge Dublin 4
Tel: (01) 665 1300
Email: Click here
Url Click here

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 Organisation: Construction Industry Federation
Address: Construction House, Canal Road, Dublin 6
Tel: (01) 406 6000
Email: Click here
Url Click here

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Industry Expert


Career Guidance

This occupation is popular with people who have the following Career Interests...


...and for people who like working in the following Career Sectors:

Architecture, Construction & Property

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Further Ed & PLC Course Suggestions
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