Civil engineering technicians
help civil engineers plan and design
major construction projects.
From highways and bridges,
to utilities and skyscrapers,
they carry out planning
and design activities, collect data,
and help ensure projects are built correctly
and stay on schedule.
Civil engineering technicians typically work
under the charge of licensed civil engineers.
They sometimes estimate construction costs
and develop specifications for construction.
They also prepare drawings, survey land,
and may set up instruments for traffic studies.
Technicians may work at several sites,
using vehicles as their mobile office.
They may also work in laboratories
to test construction materials,
keeping careful records of their findings.
Civil engineering technicians
frequently work in teams with civil engineers,
surveyors, and construction workers.
These technicians usually work full time.
They may visit jobsites to test materials
and review technical documents
to ensure designs are built correctly.
Their schedules may be affected by
construction project disruptions and deadlines.
An associate’s degree
in civil engineering technology
is preferred for most jobs,
though not always required.