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Civil/Structural Engineering Technician | |
Salary Range (thousands per year)* |
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21 - 55
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Related Information: | |
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Data Source(s): | |
Payscale.com
Last Updated: March, 2017 |
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* 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. |
Helps engineers and architects to organise the construction of structures like bridges, roads and railways.
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.
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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.
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
A detailed description of this occupation can be found on a number of online databases. Follow the link(s) below to access this information:
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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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Ian Comerford – Civil Engineer |
This occupation is popular with people who have the following Career Interests... |
...and for people who like working in the following Career Sectors: |
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Architecture, Construction & Property |
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Engineering & Manufacturing |
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