Civil engineering technician
Help to survey sites and draw technical designs for major construction projects. Organise the work and materials for the project and check its progress.
About the job
What it's like
You would help to survey sites and draw technical designs for major construction projects. You’d organise the work and materials for the project and check its progress.
You’d support the civil engineers working in one of these specialist areas:
Structural - dams, buildings, offshore platforms and pipelines
Transportation – roads, railways, canals and airports
Environmental – water supply networks, drainage and flood barriers
Maritime – ports, harbours and sea defences
Geotechnical – mining, earthworks and construction foundations
You would:
Help to survey the construction site
Get samples of soil, rock and materials analysed
Create engineering design plans by hand or using computer aided design (CAD) software
Estimate the labour costs for the project
Estimate the amount and type of materials that will be needed
Organise the timescales for getting supplies, equipment and workers
Negotiate with suppliers to get value for money when buying materials
You’d inspect the projects when they are underway and supervise the progress. You’d report any problems to site managers and civil engineers.
Hours
Typical hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. You could work shifts, including weekends and nights, when on site. You might also be part of an on-call rota to deal with out-of-hours problems.
Environment
You would work in all weather conditions, and would be expected to wear a safety helmet and protective footwear on site.
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Related industries
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Energy Construction and built environment
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- civil engineering
- autocad
- building information modeling
- computer-aided design
- autocad civil 3d
- earthworks
- mechanical engineering
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- time management
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- researching
- observation
- problem solving
- working with technology
- verbal communication
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Design and Manufacture
Design and Technology
Engineering Science
Graphic Communication
Maths (Mathematics)
Physics
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
Foundation Apprenticeship: Civil Engineering
Skills for Work: Building Services Engineering
Applications of Mathematics
Foundation Apprenticeship: Automotive
Foundation Apprenticeship: Construction
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
A National Certificate (SCQF level 7), Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or a Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8).
Or relevant work-based experience and qualifications such as a Modern Apprenticeship leading to a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Construction: Civil Engineering (SVQ level 2/3) or Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7).
Entry requirements for Modern Apprenticeships and college courses vary but most require qualifications at SCQF level 5 to 6. Some employers require up to three Highers (SCQF level 6).
Qualifications that demonstrate an understanding of construction, design and practical skills, such as Skills for Work Construction Crafts (SCQF level 4/5).
A driving licence can be useful.
You must hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent and pass a health and safety test to work and train on construction sites.
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