Overview
Civil engineering technologists and technicians provide technical support and services to scientists, engineers and other professionals, or may work independently in fields such as structural engineering, municipal engineering, construction design and supervision, highways and transportation engineering, water resources engineering, geotechnical engineering and environmental protection. They are employed by consulting engineering and construction companies, public works, transportation and other government departments and in many other industries.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Civil engineering technologists
Develop conventional and computer-assisted design (CAD) engineering designs and drawings from preliminary concepts and sketches
Prepare construction specifications, cost and material estimates, project schedules and reports
Supervise or conduct field surveys, inspections or technical investigations of topography, soils, drainage and water supply systems, road and highway systems, buildings and structures to provide data for engineering projects
Conduct or supervise inspection and testing of construction materials
May supervise, monitor and inspect construction projects.
Civil engineering technicians
Assist in developing engineering specifications and drawings
Participate in field surveys, inspections or technical investigations of topography, soils, drainage and water supply systems, road and highway systems, buildings and structures to provide data for engineering projects
Perform other technical functions in support of civil engineering activities.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$43,380
$72,203
$102,194
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
552expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Completion of a two- or three-year college program in civil engineering technology or a closely related discipline is usually required for civil engineering technologists.
Completion of a one- or two-year college program in civil engineering technology is usually required for civil engineering technicians.
Certification in civil engineering technology or in a related field is available through provincial associations of engineering/applied science technologists and technicians and may be required for some positions.
Additional information
There is mobility to related occupations, such as drafting technologists and technicians and construction inspectors and estimators.
Progression to construction supervisors or construction managers is possible with experience.
Certification requirements
Optional: The following certification are optional to practice as Civil engineering technologists and technicians in B.C.
- Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC Registration - Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC Registration - Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification. To practice as a civil engineering technologist or technician in B.C., you may choose to register with Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia. Eligibility is achieved through completion of an accredited diploma program and 24 months of progressive work experience, 12 of which must be at the technologist profile or higher in a Canadian work environment.
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Work experience required
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.