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
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Major Duties
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 Requirements
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.
Compensation
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?
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 Prospects
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/
Email: ccttadm@cctt.ca
The Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists
www.oacett.org/
Email: info@oacett.org
Other Links
EPIC – Educational Program Innovations Center
www.epictraining.ca
Email: epic@epic-edu.com
Provide engineering continuing education
Cambrian College ( Sudbury area)
Civil Engineering Technician (4 semesters)
http://www.cambrianc.on.ca/_our_programs/Full-time_programs/index.cfm
La Cité Collégiale (Francophone – Ottawa area)
Technologie du génie civil – construction
http://www.lacitec.on.ca/prog_cours/pdf/ G P0405_44.pdf
Loyalist College ( Belleville area)
Civil Engineering Technician (2 years)
http://www.loyalistc.on.ca/learn/programs/CIVL.html
Mohawk College ( 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
Northern College ( Timmins area)
Civil Engineering Technology (4 semesters)
http://www.northernc.on.ca/civil-engineering-technology/
Sault College ( Sault Ste. Marie area)
Civil Engineering Technician (4 semesters)
http://www.saultc.on.ca/Programs/CivilEngTech.htm
Seneca College ( Toronto area)
Civil Engineering Technician Diploma (2 years)
http://www.senecacollege.ca/fulltime/CVL.html