Occupational Profile: Civil Engineering Technologist
Civil engineering technologists assist civil engineers in the development, design, and construction of roads, bridges, buildings, dams, sewage and water treatment systems, airports, pipelines, subways, and railways.
Related Jobs
Civil Engineering Technologist - Environmental
Urban Planning Technologist
Highway Technologist
Transportation Technologist
Major Duties
Civil engineering technologists are involved in many aspects of the design, construction, maintenance, and rehabilitation of such public facilities as roads, bridges, buildings, dams, sewage and water treatment systems, airports, pipelines, subways, and railways. The duties of the technologist will vary according to the type of project he or she is working on.
The work often combines office projects and field jobs. The technologist may be involved in the design, drafting (using Computer Aided Design [CAD] software) and supervision of projects, interpretation of data, cost estimating and scheduling. Areas of employment include: topographic, location, and construction control surveys; municipal and transportation planning; design drafting and estimating; structural design in steel, concrete, and wood; soils and materials testing/evaluation; concrete and asphalt quality control; and construction supervision. The technologist may also write reports that provide the data engineers need to develop projects.
Civil engineering technologists in the environmental field may work for consulting engineers in sampling air, water or soil at any stage of an engineering project. They may work in an office analysing environmental data using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software or mapping the location of environmental concerns using electronic surveying or Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. A civil engineering technologist - environmental may also work in a manufacturing facility assisting in establishing and monitoring environmental compliance, monitoring municipal water and sewage systems, or assisting with municipal solid waste and recycling.
Qualifications and Requirements
To become a civil engineering technologist in Ontario, one must complete a three-year (six- semester) diploma program.
Programs are offered at community colleges. Some of these programs are accredited by the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT).
Civil Engineering Technology Diploma graduates may also qualify to obtain certification as Civil Engineering Technologists with the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT).
Although certification is not mandatory, it is available through provincial engineering technology associations. In addition to academic credentials, approximately two years of on-the-job experience is required before certification is granted. Most civil engineering technologists choose to become certified, as certification indicates a level of expertise and may be required for some positions.
Compensation
Starting salaries range from $25,000 to $35,000 a year. By mid-career, most civil engineering technologists make about $45,000 to $55,000 a year. Those with managerial responsibilities or special expertise can earn well over $70,000 a year.
Who are the Employers?
Civil engineering technologists and civil engineering technologists - environmental may be employed by consulting engineering firms, private contractors, manufacturing organizations, government agencies, inspection and testing companies, railways, and utilities and telecommunication firms.
Job Prospects
In most areas of the province the job prospects are good.
Link for Foreign-trained technician or technologist
www.cctt.ca/english/foreign/index.html
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.epic-edu.com
Email: epic@epic-edu.com
They provide engineering continuing education.
Algonquin College ( Ottawa area)
Civil Engineering Technology Diploma (3 years)
www.algonquincollege.com/acad_menus / current/0192X1FWO.html
Cambrian College ( Sudbury area)
Civil Engineering Technology Diploma (6 semesters)
www.cambrianc.on.ca/_our_programs/Full-time_programs/index.cfm
Conestoga College (Kitchener-Waterloo area)
Civil Engineering Technology Diploma (3 years)
www.conestogac.on.ca/jsp/programs/schoo l engit/eng/civilengtech.jsp
Civil Engineering Technology Diploma – Environmental Stream (3 years)
www.conestogac.on.ca/jsp/programs/ s cho o len g it/en g /civilengenv.jsp
Confederation College ( Thunder Bay area)
Civil Engineering Technology Diploma (6 semesters)
www.confederationc.on.ca/programs/etlist.asp
Fanshawe College ( London area)
Civil Engineering Technology Diploma (3 years)
www.fanshawec.on.ca/programs/cey2.asp
Humber College (north Toronto)
Civil Engineering Technology Diploma (6 semesters)
http://postsecondary.hu m ber.ca/03351.htm
Civil Engineering Technology Diploma - Environmental Profile (6 semesters)
http://postsecondary.hu m ber.ca/0335e.htm
La Cité Collégiale (Francophone – Ottawa area)
Technologie du génie civil – construction Diploma
www.lacitec.on.ca/prog_cours/pdf/ G P0405_44.pdf
Lakehead University ( Thunder Bay area)
Civil Engineering Technology Diploma (6 semesters)
www.lakeheadu.ca/ ~ engwww/under/civil/index.html
Loyalist College ( Belleville area)
Civil Engineering Technologist Diploma (3 years)
www.loyalistc.on.ca/learn/programs/CIVL.html
Sault College ( Sault Ste. Marie area)
Civil Engineering Technology Diploma (6 semesters)
www.saultc.on.ca/Programs/CivilEngTech.htm
Seneca College ( Toronto area)
Civil Engineering Technology Diploma (3 semesters)
www.senecac.on.ca/fulltime/CVTC.html
St. Lawrence College ( Kingston area)
Civil Engineering Technology Diploma (3 semesters)
www.sl.on.ca/fulltime/f0104.htm