BlissPoint Analytics

Occupation AtlasCivil Engineering Technologists and Technicians

O*NET · 17-3022.00

Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Apply theory and principles of civil engineering in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of structures and facilities under the direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.

Also called Bridge Construction Inspector · CADD Technician · CADD Technician (Computer-Aided Design and Drafting Technician) · Civil Designer · Civil Engineer Helper · Civil Engineer's Aide · Civil Engineering Assistant · Civil Engineering Technician
27 more

Civil Engineering Technologist · Civil Tech · Civil Technician (Civil Tech) · Concrete Engineering Technician · Construction Engineering Tech · Construction Engineering Technician (Construction Engineering Tech) · Construction Field Assistant · Construction Field Tech · Construction Field Technician (Construction Field Tech) · Design Technician · Drafting Technician · Engineer Assistant · Engineer Technician · Engineering Assistant · Engineering Technician · Engineering Technologist · Field Technician · Fire Protection Engineering Technician · Geotechnical Engineering Technician · Highway Construction Inspector · Highway Engineering Technician · Highway Technician · Parking Analyst · Sprinkler Design Technician · Structural Engineering Technician · Structural Technician · Transportation Engineering Technician

Job Zone 3 — Medium Preparation NeededHolland code RIC35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Social Science Research Assistants

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed

Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RICRealistic · Investigative · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic5.75
  • I Investigative5.37
  • C Conventional5.27
  • A Artistic2.88
  • E Enterprising2.00
  • S Social1.55

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • High School Diploma or the equivalent3%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate30%
  • Some College Courses28%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree21%
  • Bachelor's Degree18%
Related work experience
Over 8 years, up to and including 10 years (31%)
On-site or in-plant training
Up to and including 1 month (43%)
On-the-job training
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (23%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.93.6Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.84.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Active Listeningbasic3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Mathematicsbasic3.63.4Level 4 looks like: Calculate the square footage of a new home under construction
  • Speakingbasic3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Writingbasic3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Monitoringbasic3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Complex Problem Solving3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Coordination3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Active Learningbasic2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Systems Analysis2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
Show the other 23
  • Social Perceptiveness2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Time Management2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Systems Evaluation2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Sciencebasic2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
  • Service Orientation2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Operations Analysis2.63.0Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Negotiation2.52.8Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Persuasion2.52.4Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Instructing2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Operations Monitoring2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.32.6Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.32.3Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Management of Material Resources2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Operation and Control2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Quality Control Analysis2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Management of Financial Resources2.11.6Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Programming1.91.0Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
  • Troubleshooting1.80.9
  • Technology Design1.80.8
  • Equipment Selection1.1—
  • Equipment Maintenance1.0—
  • Installation1.0—
  • Repairing1.0—

Tasks

7 core · 7 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Calculate dimensions, square footage, profile and component specifications, and material quantities, using calculator or computer.4.2
  2. Draft detailed dimensional drawings and design layouts for projects to ensure conformance to specifications.4.1
  3. Read and review project blueprints and structural specifications to determine dimensions of structure or system and material requirements.4.1
  4. Analyze proposed site factors and design maps, graphs, tracings, and diagrams to illustrate findings.3.9
  5. Confer with supervisor to determine project details such as plan preparation, acceptance testing, and evaluation of field conditions.3.9
  6. Prepare reports and document project activities and data.3.8
  7. Report maintenance problems occurring at project site to supervisor and negotiate changes to resolve system conflicts.3.4
Show the other 7
  1. Inspect project site and evaluate contractor work to detect design malfunctions and ensure conformance to design specifications and applicable codes.4.1
  2. Develop plans and estimate costs for installation of systems, utilization of facilities, or construction of structures.4.0
  3. Conduct materials test and analysis, using tools and equipment and applying engineering knowledge.4.0
  4. Develop project budgets by estimating the cost of project activities.3.8
  5. Plan and conduct field surveys to locate new sites and analyze details of project sites.3.7
  6. Respond to public suggestions and complaints.3.6
  7. Negotiate with contractors on prices for new contracts or modifications to existing contracts.3.6

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Engineering and Technology4.55.1Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
  • Building and Construction4.24.7Level 4 looks like: Fix a plumbing leak in the ceiling
  • Design4.24.9Level 4 looks like: Design plans for remodeling a kitchen
  • Mathematics4.24.9Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Administrative3.74.3Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Administration and Management3.63.9Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Computers and Electronics3.54.4Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Customer and Personal Service3.54.3Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
Show all 33
  • English Language3.53.8Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Mechanical3.54.1Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • Transportation3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Drive a semi-truck through a busy city
  • Public Safety and Security3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
  • Education and Training3.03.2Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Physics3.03.5Level 4 looks like: Calculate the speed of a falling object
  • Geography2.93.3Level 4 looks like: Find a specific country on a world map
  • Law and Government2.93.5Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.92.8
  • Chemistry2.72.9
  • Production and Processing2.62.2Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Telecommunications2.51.9Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Economics and Accounting2.41.6Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Communications and Media2.21.8Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Biology2.01.8Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • Psychology2.01.7Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • History and Archeology1.61.3Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
  • Sales and Marketing1.61.0Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Fine Arts1.3—
  • Foreign Language1.30.7Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.30.6Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.3—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.30.8Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Philosophy and Theology1.2—
  • Food Production1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Deductive Reasoning3.94.0Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
  • Mathematical Reasoning3.93.8Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
  • Near Vision3.93.9
  • Oral Comprehension3.94.1Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Written Comprehension3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Oral Expression3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Problem Sensitivity3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Visualization3.64.0Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
Show all 52
  • Written Expression3.64.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Number Facility3.53.4Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Far Vision3.43.3Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Inductive Reasoning3.43.8Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Information Ordering3.43.9Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Speech Clarity3.43.1Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speech Recognition3.43.3Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Category Flexibility3.33.5Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Flexibility of Closure3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Fluency of Ideas3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Originality3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Selective Attention3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Speed of Closure3.02.9Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Perceptual Speed2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Time Sharing2.62.6Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.62.4Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Auditory Attention2.52.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Finger Dexterity2.52.4Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Memorization2.32.5Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Depth Perception2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Control Precision2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Manual Dexterity2.01.9Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Spatial Orientation2.01.1Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Multilimb Coordination1.91.3Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Trunk Strength1.81.1Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Reaction Time1.61.1Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.60.9
  • Night Vision1.50.6
  • Rate Control1.50.6Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Response Orientation1.50.8
  • Dynamic Strength1.40.5
  • Glare Sensitivity1.40.5
  • Peripheral Vision1.40.4
  • Sound Localization1.40.4
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—
  • Explosive Strength1.0—
  • Extent Flexibility1.0—
  • Gross Body Coordination1.0—
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.0—
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.0—
  • Stamina1.0—
  • Static Strength1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Getting Information4.53.6Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Working with Computers4.53.4Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Processing Information4.34.8Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards4.24.2Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.14.5Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.14.3Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work4.04.5Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.84.2Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
Show all 41
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.84.4Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.84.7Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.73.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization3.73.4Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.73.7Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment3.73.7Level 4 looks like: Specify the furniture and equipment for a new school
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.74.5Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.63.9Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.63.2Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.43.9Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others3.33.6Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Thinking Creatively3.33.9Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others3.13.2Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.02.5Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.93.0Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People2.83.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment2.82.0Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others2.72.9
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public2.72.5Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.52.4Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Developing and Building Teams2.52.0Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.42.6
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.42.7
  • Training and Teaching Others2.32.6
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.11.9Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.02.2Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Performing General Physical Activities2.01.8Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.01.6Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Handling and Moving Objects1.81.9Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
  • Controlling Machines and Processes1.71.4Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment1.7—
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.71.2Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment1.6—

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams5.0
  • E-Mail4.8
  • Contact With Others4.5
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.5
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.5
  • Telephone Conversations4.3
  • Frequency of Decision Making4.1
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General4.0
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.0
  • Freedom to Make Decisions3.9

Technology

24 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (8)

  • Autodesk AutoCADhot
  • Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3Dhot
  • Bentley MicroStationhot
  • ESRI ArcGIS softwarehot
  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot
  • Microsoft Outlookhot
  • Geographic information system GIS systems

Hot (5; 7 more marked hot above)

  • Autodesk Revit
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Visual Basic
  • Microsoft Word
  • SAP software
Other tools (11)
  • Autodesk Land Desktop
  • Bentley Systems InRoads Suite
  • Computer aided design and drafting software CADD
  • Coordinate geometry COGO software
  • Digital terrain modeling software
  • Email software
  • Geographic information system GIS software
  • Graphics software
  • IBM Notes
  • National Instruments LabVIEW
  • Web browser software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Architectural and Civil Drafters
  2. Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
  3. Construction Managers
  4. Construction and Building Inspectors
  5. Electrical and Electronics Drafters
  6. Mechanical Drafters
  7. Transportation Engineers
  8. Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
  9. Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians
  10. Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

Closest occupations

Compare any occupation →

Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.

Use this in your own job architecture

BlissPoint Organization Viewer can link a role directly to this occupation and suggest these skills as that role's starting requirements.

Try it free →

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.