CIVIL TECHNICIAN JOB DESCRIPTION

A Civil Technician turns engineer intent into construction-ready drawings. The role owns the preparation, checking, and version control of design documentation, from grading models and drainage layouts to RC detailing and alignment drawings, within multidisciplinary consultancy teams. Standards compliance is non-negotiable - outputs are benchmarked against client CAD protocols, BIM Level 2 requirements, and project quality plans before they leave the team. Few roles demand this combination of spatial precision and document discipline at the same time.

As the Civil Technician, you produce and manage the civil design drawing set across infrastructure projects covering roads, drainage, utilities, and site layouts, working directly alongside Project Engineers and senior design staff to meet project milestones and quality gates. You sit within the civil or infrastructure practice of an engineering consultancy, contributing to both ongoing design development and document control from concept stage through to construction issue.

Career Impact: Sustained exposure to multi-stage infrastructure projects, from conceptual grading through final construction drawings, builds a portfolio that is directly legible to senior engineers and project managers in the civil consultancy market.

Business Impact: Errors in construction drawings translate to costly on-site variations; the Civil Technician's checking and accuracy work is the last line of defence before documents reach contractors.

Growth Opportunity: Proficiency in Civil 3D modelling, BIM execution, and VDC workflows opens progression paths toward Senior Technician, BIM Coordinator, or Associate Engineer roles within consultancy practice.

• Prepare working and final construction drawings for civil infrastructure projects, including roads, drainage, and site grading layouts.
• Check drawings for accuracy against design intent, client CAD standards, and project quality plans before issue.
• Develop and manage 3D design models and DTM surfaces in line with project requirements and VDC workflows.
• Coordinate with Project Engineers and Project Managers to complete design tasks within agreed programme and budget constraints.
• Organise and archive project drawing files and information so they remain accessible and retrievable throughout the project lifecycle.
• Review project submittals for compliance with design checklists and applicable drafting standards.
• Integrate BIM and CAD standards into deliverables, including input into BIM execution plans and model coordination.
• Support the preparation of responses to contractor requests for information or design clarifications.

• Diploma or degree in Civil Engineering Technology, Engineering Drafting, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent work experience.
• 2 or more years of civil design drafting experience, with demonstrated ability to produce construction-ready drawing sets.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD for 2D drafting and plan production across civil and infrastructure project types.
• Working knowledge of site grading, drainage systems, and below-ground utilities as applied in civil design documentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to coordinate effectively across design teams and with external stakeholders.
• Sound time management skills, with demonstrated ability to manage multiple drawing tasks against concurrent project deadlines.
• Understanding of quality assurance procedures as applied to design documentation and drawing checking workflows.

• Practical experience with Autodesk Civil 3D for 3D road modelling, alignment design, or DTM surface generation.
• Familiarity with BIM Level 2 requirements and experience contributing to BIM execution plans or model coordination processes.
• Exposure to rail, highway, or large-scale development infrastructure projects within an engineering consultancy environment.
• Experience with VDC workflows or document management systems used to organise and retrieve project information at scale.

• Drawing issue accuracy rate, measured by the proportion of documents passing internal check without major revision.
• Drawing revision cycle time, tracking days from draft submission to approved-for-construction status.
• Drawing register completeness, reflecting whether all project documents are current, correctly titled, and retrievable.
• Compliance rate against project CAD and BIM standards, assessed during periodic quality audits.
• Volume of RFI responses completed within agreed turnaround windows, indicating responsiveness to contractor queries.
• Typical tools: CAD drafting (commonly AutoCAD, Autodesk Civil 3D); project document management (commonly Bluebeam, Revit for coordination).

• Base Salary Range: $52,000 to $75,000 per year, depending on experience and location
• Bonus: Project-based or annual performance bonus, typically 3% to 8%
• Equity: Generally not offered at this level in consultancy settings
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer contribution varies by firm
• PTO: 10 to 15 days per year, plus public holidays; increases with tenure
• Common Perks: Professional development allowance, continuing education support, licensure exam reimbursement

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Background checks, including verification of employment history and applicable criminal history, are a condition of employment. Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities are available throughout the recruitment and employment process; applicants should request accommodations at any stage. Work authorization to perform employment in the United States is required. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

The Civil Technician delivers engineering, design, and drafting tasks across civil infrastructure projects of all scales, applying CAD, modelling, and analysis software to meet client documentation requirements. Working alongside engineers and designers, this role shapes project outcomes through compliance with design quality procedures and contributes to team capability through ongoing training and project learning.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake engineering, design, and drafting tasks to meet client requirements for civil infrastructure documentation.
• Follow Design Quality procedures to produce drawings that comply with project and company standards.
• Provide progress information to supervisors and colleagues to support accurate reporting.
• Use standard and modified design and drafting methods, including CAD, modelling, and analysis software, to solve problems.
• Grow skills through ongoing training, project learning, and formal courses.

Required Qualifications

• Currently completing or having completed a tertiary qualification in Engineering Drafting at TAFE.
• Strong proficiency in civil, highway, and road design standards, 3D road modelling, and drawing skills.
• Proficient in AutoCAD, with 12D experience highly valued.
• Well-developed communication skills.
• Ability to work with people at all levels internally and externally.
• Motivated, accountable, and committed to inclusive and respectful team environments.

Embedded within a civil construction crew, the Civil Technician leads team members to meet productivity, quality, and goal accomplishment expectations while performing hands-on tasks including underground grounding systems, concrete forming, and site grading. Working closely with Construction Supervisors and the Civil Crew Lead, this role builds team capability through mentoring and career development planning to deliver safe, efficient project completion.

Core Functions

• Install, connect, and test underground and above-ground grounding systems.
• Perform flat-work concrete forming, pouring, and finishing.
• Apply carpentry and miscellaneous trade skills as required.
• Carry out landscaping, grading, and fence building as necessary.
• Analyze job requirements including labor and materials in collaboration with Construction Supervisors and Civil Crew Lead.
• Complete delegated work in a timely and efficient manner while maintaining a safe job site.
• Coach, mentor, and develop team members, including onboarding and career development planning.
• Lead team members to meet productivity, quality, and goal accomplishment expectations.

Qualifications & Experience

• H.S. Diploma or GED preferred.
• 1 or more years of construction experience, or 2 or more years preferably in telecommunications.
• Ability to read blueprints, details, and specifications required.
• Commercial or residential electrical experience preferred.
• Cald-weld or thermo-weld training and AC/DC power systems experience are an asset.
• Willingness to travel domestically and work overtime, including weekends and evenings, as required.
• Valid government-issued driver's license and MDOT Medical Physical required.

Reporting to the Project Manager, the Civil Technician owns the preparation of project models, working design drawings, and final construction drawings across civil infrastructure engagements, applying Autodesk Civil 3D and CAD tools to their full capabilities. Partnering with Project Engineers and team members, this role advances design efficiency by organizing, archiving, and retrieving project information in a repeatable and scalable manner.

Primary Duties

• Develop and review project design calculations, applying experience and judgment to make informed decisions.
• Organize multiple tasks and complete them in an orderly and efficient manner.
• Coordinate effectively with Project Managers, Project Engineers, and team members to complete design tasks.
• Check drawings for accuracy, prepare working and final drawings, and produce clear construction drawings to company standards.
• Organize and archive project information and drawing files for current and future accessibility.
• Review project submittals for compliance with design checklists and drafting standards, and assist in preparing contractor RFI responses.
• Research and apply client CAD and drafting standards to the design process while monitoring budget constraints.

Education & Experience

• Post-secondary certificate or degree in a field providing AutoCAD training, or currently working toward one.
• 2 to 5 years of experience in 2D and 3D design and drafting, preferably with utility and site plan formats.
• Knowledge of site grading, water, and sewer systems.
• Proficient in AutoCAD and Autodesk Civil 3D.
• Experience in Revit and other Autodesk products.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel.
• Able to work with Adobe and Bluebeam PDF software.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with effective time management.

Sitting at the intersection of quality assurance and civil construction, the Civil Technician performs field and laboratory testing of soils and concrete in accordance with documented procedures, acceptance standards, and industry practices. Operating across active construction sites in varying conditions, this role shapes project quality by documenting nonconformances and processing them through corrective action programs, with active certification from bodies such as ACI, NICET, or ICC required.

Duties

• Perform concrete field and lab testing as well as soils field and lab testing activities.
• Assist civil departments by performing examinations in accordance with documented procedures, acceptance standards, and industry practices.
• Document all conditions adverse to quality and process them through the nonconformance or corrective actions program.
• Follow all safety procedures and guidelines at all times.
• Pass written examinations for all civil testing qualifications.

Skills & Qualifications

• 2 to 8 years of experience in construction testing and inspections of soil, concrete, masonry, and asphalt materials required.
• Active certification required from ACI (Field Testing Grade I, Strength Testing Technician, Laboratory Technician, Special Inspector, or Masonry and Aggregate Testing), NICET (Construction Materials Testing), or ICC (Special Inspector for Reinforced Concrete, Masonry, or Soils).
• Knowledge of industry practices and documented procedures for construction materials testing.
• Effective communication skills in English, both spoken and written.
• Ability to routinely lift 40 to 50 lbs. and maneuver equipment on uneven ground around active construction sites.
• Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, travel overnight for short assignments, and work rotating shifts and weekends as needed.

A key member of the engineering team, the Civil Technician leads the design of track and railway infrastructure from conceptual through detailed stages, producing and checking track designs, grading models, and DTM surfaces in compliance with applicable railway standards. Collaborating across disciplines where metro, light rail, or roadway design intersects with rail, this role delivers compliant, survey-accurate design outputs that advance safe and regulation-conforming infrastructure projects.

Accountabilities

• Design track and railway infrastructure in accordance with applicable quality objectives, regulations, and standards including GO Transit, CN, CP, and AREMA.
• Produce and check a wide variety of track designs, grading models, DTM surfaces, and applicable details.
• Work with LIDAR point clouds and manage, verify, and control surveys and geographic data for design needs.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety laws and regulations as they relate to design.
• Apply additional capabilities in metro, light rail, or roadway design where required.

Requirements

• Diploma in Civil Engineering Technology or degree in Civil Engineering as a minimum.
• 3 to 10 years of professional experience in all aspects of track design from conceptual to detailed design.
• Experience in civil infrastructure, DTM surfaces, alignment, grading, drainage design, and construction, with roadway design an asset.
• Experience with railway industry standards and working for an engineering consultancy or railway in the rail sector.
• Proficient in AutoCAD with working knowledge of Civil 3D required.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with excellent attention to detail and ability to manage competing deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work independently and adapt to changing priorities.

Enabling accurate and code-compliant construction delivery depends on the Civil Technician, who supports Design Engineers across civil and structural drafting tasks, including GA layouts, RC detailing, drainage, and utilities for development and commercial sites. Based within a multidisciplinary civil group, this role owns drawing and detailing responsibilities that must be completed on time and in accordance with associated codes and deadlines.

Functions

• Support Design Engineers on all aspects of civil and structural drafting.
• Ensure all drawing and detailing is completed on time and in accordance with associated codes and deadlines.
• Prepare detailing, drafting, and scheduling responsibilities across projects.
• Prepare layouts and detail drawings for construction purposes, including GA layouts, RC detailing, and bending schedules.
• Carry out civil detailing works including drainage and utilities across development and commercial sites.

Professional Experience

• Diploma or degree in civil or structural engineering or equivalent, with a minimum of 2 years post-graduation experience.
• Knowledge of construction techniques.
• Experience preparing drawings and schedules.
• Proficient in AutoCAD and Microsoft Office, with BIM experience desirable.
• Experience working within a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines and work collaboratively.

As the Civil Technician, this role supports Project Managers, Engineers, and Technicians across multi-disciplinary civil, geotechnical, environmental, and soil-related projects by performing field surveys, instrumentation monitoring, and materials testing, including soil compaction, concrete, asphalt, and groundwater sampling. The geotechnical and environmental team relies on this work to produce accurate factual reports, data sheets, and maintained databases that inform supervisor interpretation and project decision-making.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Assist Project Managers, Engineers, and Technicians across multi-disciplinary civil, geotechnical, environmental, and soil-related projects.
• Perform jobsite optical Total Station and GPS surveys for roads, rail tracks, bridges, buildings, and other civil infrastructure, including settlement and control baseline surveys.
• Assist with the installation, commissioning, and monitoring of geotechnical instrumentation sensors and data collection networks.
• Coordinate and perform pre-construction condition surveys as well as vibration and noise monitoring of structures.
• Carry out field geotechnical and environmental materials testing including soil compaction, concrete, asphalt, and groundwater sampling.
• Record test data and prepare factual reports, summaries, and data sheets for supervisor interpretation.
• Maintain databases of pre-condition survey files, calibration certificates, equipment manuals, and applicable standards.

Technical Qualifications

• Understanding of civil engineering and construction principles.
• Experience in geotechnical or environmental field testing and materials sampling.
• Strong technical writing skills with the ability to present information concisely in reports.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English.
• Ability to handle difficult situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to multitask, meet tight deadlines, work under pressure, and occasionally work evenings and weekends.

Civil Technician produces clear, legible drawings and models to company standards using CAD and BIM software, supporting senior staff across urban road design, drainage, and below-ground services within an employee-owned organisation. The work directly supports design team coordination with architects and contractors, ensuring BIM compliance and document control standards are maintained across all civil project deliverables.

Scope of Work

• Produce clear, legible drawings and models to company standards using CAD software.
• Assist senior staff by producing drawings and models that meet company requirements.
• Maintain document control of all information received from external sources to ensure currency and accessibility.
• Integrate Quality Assurance procedures into all deliverables.
• Liaise with design team members, architects, and contractors to coordinate design packages.
• Assist in maintaining BIM and CAD standards for civil projects.

Background & Experience

• Knowledge of BIM levels 1 and 2, compliance requirements, and BIM execution plan input.
• Knowledge of urban road design, cut and fill proposals, and interpretation of topographical and utility surveys.
• Basic understanding of below-ground drainage, attenuation, SuDS features, below-ground services, and building elements.
• Basic understanding of the construction design team, tender, and construction process.
• Proficient in AutoCAD and Autodesk Civil 3D.
• Knowledge of NavisWorks and Revit is advantageous.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Excellent time management, organisational, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.