In Summary - Engineering Technician - Civil
Career Sectors
Engineering Technician - Civils typically work in the following Career Sectors:
Videos & Interviews
Videos on the Web
- Engineering Technician - Civil- from: Youtube Search
Further Information
- Civil Engineering Technician - from: N.C.S. [UK]
- Engineering Construction Technician - from: N.C.S. [UK]
The Work - Engineering Technician - Civil
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.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Draft detailed dimensional drawings and design layouts for projects and to ensure conformance to specifications.
- 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.
- Confer with supervisor to determine project details such as plan preparation, acceptance testing, and evaluation of field conditions.
- 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.
- Prepare reports and document project activities and data.
- Respond to public suggestions and complaints.
- Report maintenance problems occurring at project site to supervisor and negotiate changes to resolve system conflicts.
- Evaluate facility to determine suitability for occupancy and square footage availability.
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- 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.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- 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.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Interests - Engineering Technician - Civil
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Qualities
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 Requirements - Engineering Technician - Civil
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
Pay & Salary - Engineering Technician - Civil
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €21k - €55k
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.
Labour Market Updates - Engineering Technician - Civil
Useful Contacts - Engineering Technician - Civil
-
Engineers Ireland
- 22 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge Dublin 4
- (01) 665 1300
- Click Here
-
Construction Industry Federation
- Construction House, Canal Road, Dublin 6
- (01) 406 6000
- info@cif.ie
- Click Here
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