20-Civil engineering technicians

Job Title: 

Civil engineering technicians

Job Description: 

Civil engineering technicians assist civil engineers plan, design and manage the construction of highways, bridges, utilities, and other major infrastructure projects. They also help with commercial, residential, and land development as well as coordinating maintenance and repair activities.

Summary: 

Civil engineering technicians perform technical tasks in civil engineering research, design, construction, operation, maintenance and repair of buildings and other structures, such as water supply and wastewater treatment systems, bridges, roads, dams and airports.

Tasks: 

Job activities and tasks include:

  • performing or assisting with field and laboratory tests of soils and construction materials
  • providing technical assistance connected with the construction of buildings and other structures, and with surveys or the preparation of survey reports
  • ensuring compliance with design specifications, relevant legislation and regulations, and maintenance of desired standards of materials and work
  • applying technical knowledge of building and civil engineering principles and practices in order to identify and solve problems arising
  • assisting with the preparation of detailed estimates of quantities and costs of materials and labour required for projects, according to the specifications given
  • organizing maintenance and repairs
  • inspecting buildings and structures during and after construction to ensure that they comply with building, grading, zoning and safety laws and approved plans, specifications and standards, as well as with other rules concerning quality and safety of buildings
  • inspecting industrial plant, hotels, cinemas and other buildings and structures to detect fire hazards and advise on how they can be removed
  • advising on the installation of fire detectors and sprinkler systems and the use of materials in the construction of buildings and means of transportation to reduce risk of fire and extent of damage and danger if fire occurs
Knowledge: 

Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications

  • Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology; This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services
  • Construction and Processing - Knowledge of materials, construction processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective construction of structures buildings and facilities
  • Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models
  • Civil Engineering Fundamentals - Knowledge of structures, facilities, building, soils, composites and materials concerned with designing, building, and maintaining public works, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance
  • Coordination of Material Resources - Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work
  • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of oneself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action
  • Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance
  • Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems
  • Physics - Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents
  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience
  • Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences
  • Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
  • Time Management - Managing one?s own time and the time of others
  • Instructing - Teaching others how to do something
  • Learning Strategies - Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things
  • Category Flexibility - The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways
  • Control Precision - The ability to quickly and repeatedly measure and estimate exact positions
  • English (Technical) Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the engineering related technical English terminologies
  • Information Communications Technology - Knowledge and use of relevant engineering applications and programs
  • Team work or individual - job may require him/her to work alone or in conjunction with engineers, building contractors, architects and scientists.
    • Work Context: 

    Work on a range of civil projects. Usually work regular business hours, but may need to work evenings and weekends, shift work or be on call and work from a construction site. It may involve hot, dusty and isolated or remote location work. May also, require regular travel between various locations or sites to conduct work.

    Education: 

    Certificate or Diploma in civil engineering, higher qualification or equivalent.

    Required Work Experience: 

    3 - 4 years and above

    Probable Employers: 

    Manazel , Souroh, Al Daar

    Occupational Size: 
    More than 5,000 and less than 30,000
    Expected Earnings: 

    Higher than the industry average

    Projected Growth: 
    Excellent
    Alternate Titles: 

    Examples of job titles:
    Building inspector - Clerk of Works - Civil engineering technician - Fire inspector - Geotechnical technician - Surveying technician
    Examples of some related occupations:
    Quantity Surveyor - Marine Surveyor - Fire investigator
    Other training in technical areas may be obtained in the Armed Forces. Many military technical training programs are highly regarded by employers. Engineering technicians usually begin by performing routine duties under the close supervision of an experienced technician, technologist, engineer, or scientist. As they gain experience, they are given more difficult assignments with only general supervision. Some engineering technicians eventually become supervisors.

    UAE Industry Groups: 
    Industrial
    International Careers(ISCO): 
    Similar O*NET Careers (USA) : 
    Source Of Info: 
    Occupations and Careers Handbook for UAE Nationals(Copyright NQA ). Referenced from New York University, Abu Dhabhi