Civil engineering technicians help civil engineers to plan, design, and build the highways, bridges, utilities, and other infrastructure projects. They also help to plan, design, and build commercial, industrial, residential, and land development projects.
Civil engineering technicians typically do the following:
- Read and review project drawings and plans
- Confer with engineers about preparing plans
- Use computer aided design software
- Evaluate pre-construction field conditions
- Observe project sites and evaluate contractors’ work
- Test construction materials and soil samples
- Develop plans and estimate costs for construction
- Prepare reports and document project activities
- Collect data and prepare analyses
- Set up and help maintain project records
Civil engineering technicians typically work under the charge of licensed civil engineers. These technicians generally help civil engineers, performing some of the same tasks as the engineers. However, because they are not licensed, civil engineering technicians cannot approve designs or supervise the overall project.