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Civil Engineering Technologist

Civil engineering technologists provide support to engineers, architects, surveyors, and contractors. They help with the design, development, and construction of civil engineering projects. They ensure projects are economical, functional, and meet relevant standards and building codes.

Also Known As

CAD Technician / Technologist, Construction Coordinator, Engineering Technologist, Materials Technician / Technologist, Field Technician / Technologist

NOC Codes

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

  • 2231.1: Civil Engineering Technologists

2006 NOC-S

  • C131: Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians

2011 NOC

  • 2231: Civil engineering technologists and technicians

2016 NOC

  • 2231: Civil engineering technologists and technicians

2021 NOC

  • 22300: Civil engineering technologists and technicians

2023 OaSIS

  • 22300.01: Civil engineering technologists
Duties
Updated Apr 06, 2022

Civil engineering projects include:

  • Roadways and highways
  • Water and wastewater treatment and distribution systems
  • Stormwater drainage systems
  • Bridges
  • Buildings
  • Dams
  • Canals and drainage channels
  • Reservoirs
  • Railroads
  • Recreational facilities and parks
  • Landfills (solid waste facilities)
  • Landslide repairs
  • Erosion controls

Civil engineering technologists design and prepare drawings for:

  • Wood, concrete, or steel structures
  • Highways, streets, urban subdivisions
  • Water, sewer, and stormwater systems
  • Large or small commercial developments

They may also:

  • Help plan and schedule projects
  • Prepare cost estimates and monitor project costs
  • Review shop drawings (to ensure they conform to design concepts)
  • Carry out surveying tasks (during various phases of design and construction)
  • Inspect and supervise work at construction sites (to make sure safety and design specifications are followed and costs contained)
  • Monitor construction and prepare “as built” drawings
  • Analyze results of traffic surveys and prepare statistics, tables, and drawings
  • Program traffic signals
  • Inspect water and wastewater treatment systems to meet pollution-control standards
  • Inspect buildings, roads, bridges, dams, power plants, and other structures to assess the need for maintenance and repair
  • Design culverts and open flow channels to allow water run-off
  • Conduct field and lab tests on soils, asphalt, and concrete to see if they meet specifications and set standards
  • Install, read, and interpret instruments (such as slope indicators and thermistors)
  • Develop concrete or asphalt mixes designed for specific uses and conditions
  • Interpret quality control tests and prepare technical reports
  • Manage projects (including tracking progress, writing reports, and preparing invoices)
  • Attend progress meetings or site meetings (to ensure deadlines are met and understand project scope)
  • Prepare and revise meeting minutes

Civil engineering technologists have job titles based on their area of civil engineering, such as:

  • Building inspector
  • Civil engineering design technologist
  • Materials testing technologist
  • Traffic technologist
  • Construction coordinator, foreperson, or superintendent
  • Estimator
  • Technical representative
  • Project manager
  • Surveyor
Working Conditions
Updated Apr 06, 2022
  • Strength Required Lift up to 10 kg

Civil engineering technologists work in offices and at construction sites. In the office, they often work at computers. At construction sites, they are on their feet inspecting the work. They may also work at onsite offices for part of the day. They sometimes work in poor weather.

Civil engineering technologists often work regular office hours. They may need to work overtime to meet deadlines. They may work away from home on construction projects. Projects may take them to remote locations.

Interests & Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Civil Engineering Technologists

2006 NOC: 2231.1

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
INNOVATIVE

Interest in precision working to develop designs and drawings from preliminary concepts and sketches

METHODICAL

Interest in analyzing information to inspect and test construction materials; and in providing data for engineering projects

directive

Interest in supervising field surveys, inspections and technical investigations; may supervise, monitor and inspect construction projects

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. 

It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.

Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.

A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.

A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

A Quick Guide

You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Apr 06, 2022

Civil engineering technologists need:

  • Math and science skills (physics in particular)
  • Writing and speaking skills
  • Organizational abilities
  • Analytical skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • The ability to work alone
  • The flexibility and commitment to work overtime (when required to meet deadlines)
  • The ability to communicate effectively with project managers and contractors

They should enjoy:

  • Taking a methodical approach to their work
  • Finding innovative solutions to problems
  • Directing others’ work

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Civil engineering technologists and technicians

2016 NOC: 2231

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 102 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Oct 10, 2022 and Apr 25, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Tasks: Participate in field surveys, inspections or technical investigations
Tasks: Supervise or conduct field surveys, inspections, technical investigations and testing of construction materials
Construction Specialization: Organized
Attention to detail
Tasks: Prepare project schedules
Construction Specialization: Team player
Tasks: Prepare engineering designs and drawings
Tasks: Assist in developing engineering specifications and drawings
Tasks: Prepare construction specifications, costs and material estimates
Construction Specialization: Effective interpersonal skills
Educational Requirements
Updated Apr 06, 2022
  • Minimum Education 2 years post-secondary

The basic requirement for working in this field is a diploma in civil engineering technology.


Required Education

The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.


Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
University of Alberta

To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated Apr 06, 2022
  • Certification Provincially Regulated

Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.

The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.

Certified Engineering Technologist

Certified engineering technologists (CETs) use industry-recognized codes, standards, procedures, and practices to solve problems within their areas of expertise. Depending on their duties, they may need to be supervised by a Professional Engineer, Professional Geoscientist, or Professional Technologist (Engineering / Geoscience).

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and ASET Regulation [pdf], Certified Engineering Technologist (CET) is a protected title. This means that to call yourself a Certified Engineering Technologist (CET), you must register with the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET).

You do not have to register if you do not call yourself a Certified Engineering Technologist.

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Certified Engineering Technologist.

Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience)

Professional Technologists (Engineering) and Professional Technologists (Geoscience) are currently unique to Alberta. They practice independently according to established methodologies and specifications in engineering and geoscience. They have the authority to sign off and stamp work within a prescribed scope of practice.

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and Professional Technologists Regulation [pdf], you must register as a Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience) with the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) to:

  • Practise engineering or geoscience within a prescribed scope of practice
  • Use the titles Professional Technologist (Engineering) or Professional Technologist (Geoscience)
  • Use the abbreviations P.Tech. (Eng.) or P.Tech. (Geo.)

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience).

Employment & Advancement
Updated Apr 06, 2022

Civil engineering technologists work for:

  • Construction companies
  • Engineering consulting firms
  • Manufacturing companies
  • Contractors
  • Land developers
  • Local and provincial public works, environment, and transportation departments

Civil engineering technologists may work full time or on a contract basis. They may work in rural or urban locations. Some work is seasonal.

Some technologists work in construction as estimators, inspectors, supervisors, or project managers. Some work in labs where they test construction materials and building products. Some work as sales reps who sell construction materials.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

In the 2231: Civil engineering technologists and technicians occupational group, 78.5% of people work in:

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, the 2231: Civil engineering technologists and technicians occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.6% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 58 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.

Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Apr 06, 2022

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Civil engineering technologists and technicians

2016 NOC: 2231
Average Wage
$40.42
Per Hour
Average Salary
$79,905.00
Per Year
Average Hours
39
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
11.9
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 2231 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.

A: High Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.


Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $19.00 $43.00 $29.55 $28.00
Overall $25.78 $56.23 $40.42 $38.14
Top $30.90 $97.97 $54.24 $50.98

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Construction
Manufacturing
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
Public Administration

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
33%
33%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
4%
4%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
3%
3%
Vacancy Rate
2%
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Engineering and Science Technologies
Other Sources of Information
Updated Apr 06, 2022

Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) website: www.aset.ab.ca

BuildForce Canada website: www.buildforce.ca

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 31, 2022. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.

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