Occupational Profile: Civil Engineering Technician

The civil engineering technician is a practical member of the civil engineering team, responsible for planning, costing, building, maintaining and rehabilitating roads, bridges, buildings, dams, sewage and water treatment systems, airports, pipelines, sub

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Civil Engineering Technician – Environmental

Urban Planning Technician

Highway Technician

Transportation Technician

Major DutiesĀ 

Civil engineering technicians are involved in many aspects of the preparation and construction of building projects. Their duties vary according to the type of project they are working on. Most technicians use Computer Aided Design (CAD) software to create drawings of the building, highway or other structure that is being built. Technicians also prepare construction specifications, cost estimates, and work schedules. Some people with civil engineering technician training become building inspectors [Link to home inspector article] , CAD operators, or draftspeople. Others choose to become sales representatives for construction equipment manufacturers.

Civil engineering technicians in the environmental field also test and measure air, water and soil quality; monitor natural resources; predict and protect against natural disasters such as flooding and help in environmental clean ups.

Qualifications and RequirementsĀ 

To become a civil engineering technician in Ontario , one must complete a two-year (four semester) diploma program.

Programs are offered at community colleges. Some of these programs are accredited by the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT).

Although certification is not mandatory, it is available through provincial engineering technology associations. In addition to academic credentials, on-the-job experience is required before certification is granted. Most civil engineering technicians choose to become certified, as this indicates a level of expertise. Certification may be required for some positions.

CompensationĀ 

Starting salaries range from $25,000 to $30,000 a year. By mid-career, most civil engineering technicians make approximately $45,000 a year. Those with managerial responsibilities or special expertise can earn up to $70,000 a year.

Who are the Employers?Ā 

Civil engineering technicians find employment in both the public and private sectors in indoor and outdoor workplaces. For those who wish employment in an office, opportunities exist for technicians, estimators, and project co-ordinators. Outdoor options include preliminary and construction surveying, inspecting civil projects and performing construction in varied capacities. Employers include consulting engineering firms, construction companies, public utilities, municipal engineering and roads departments, and government departments. Careers include: AutoCAD technician; survey technician; materials testing lab; quality control technician; and construction specialist.

Job ProspectsĀ 

Job prospects in most areas of the province are good.

Link for Foreign-trained technician or technologist
http://www.cctt.ca/template.asp?id=CBEDB41D48474597B198576235867FDD

Professional Associations
Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT)
www.cctt.ca/Ā 
Email:Ā ccttadm@cctt.caĀ 

The Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists
www.oacett.org/Ā 
Email:Ā info@oacett.orgĀ 

Other LinksĀ 

EPIC – Educational Program Innovations CenterĀ 

www.epictraining.ca
Email:Ā epic@epic-edu.com
Provide engineering continuing education

CambrianĀ CollegeĀ ( Sudbury area)
Civil Engineering Technician (4 semesters)
http://www.cambrianc.on.ca/_our_programs/Full-time_programs/index.cfmĀ 

La CitĆ© CollĆ©gialeĀ (Francophone – Ottawa area)
Technologie du gĆ©nie civil – construction
http://www.lacitec.on.ca/prog_cours/pdf/ G P0405_44.pdf

Loyalist CollegeĀ ( Belleville area)
Civil Engineering Technician (2 years)
http://www.loyalistc.on.ca/learn/programs/CIVL.htmlĀ 

MohawkĀ CollegeĀ ( Hamilton area)
Civil Engineering Technology (2 years)
http://www.mohawkcollege.ca/engineering-technology-programs/civil-engineering-technology-advanced-diploma.html

Civil Engineering Technician (2 years)
http://www.mohawkcollege.ca/engineering-technology-programs/civil-engineering-technician-diploma.html

NorthernĀ CollegeĀ ( Timmins area)
Civil Engineering Technology (4 semesters)
http://www.northernc.on.ca/civil-engineering-technology/

Sault College (Ā Sault Ste. Marie area)
Civil Engineering Technician (4 semesters)
http://www.saultc.on.ca/Programs/CivilEngTech.htmĀ 

SenecaĀ CollegeĀ ( Toronto area)
Civil Engineering TechnicianĀ Diploma (2 years)
http://www.senecacollege.ca/fulltime/CVL.html