Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Civil Engineering Technician
What civil engineering technicians actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Drive to a bridge construction site. From there, the day usually includes draft plans and drawings, estimate quantities and costs, and test soil, concrete and asphalt. Most work full-time; construction season can bring early starts and overtime.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a civil engineering technician working full time.
- Drive to a bridge construction site.
- Test fresh concrete for slump and air content.
- Cast concrete cylinders for strength tests.
- Check soil compaction with a nuclear gauge.
- Return to the office and update CAD drawings.
- Calculate quantities for a road project.
- Write daily test reports.
Where civil engineering technicians work
Technicians split time between offices and construction sites, in all weather.
Hours and schedule
Most work full-time; construction season can bring early starts and overtime.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Draft plans and drawings
- Estimate quantities and costs
- Test soil, concrete and asphalt
- Inspect construction sites
- Collect and analyze field data
- Help engineers check designs
- Write reports
Tools you’ll use every day
- AutoCAD and Civil 3D
- Concrete testing equipment
- Nuclear density gauges
- GPS units
- Spreadsheets
- Field tablets
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Two-year path into engineering
- Mix of office and field work
- Build lasting infrastructure
- Infrastructure funding supports demand
What’s hard
- Weather and site conditions
- Early starts in construction season
- Pay lower than engineers
- Repetitive testing
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like construction and design
- I enjoy math
- I want field and office work
- I want a two-year degree
- I’m detail-oriented
- I might become an engineer
Not sure? Take the free Civil Engineering Technician fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Wear PPE on sites
- Follow nuclear gauge safety
- Watch for traffic and equipment
- Stay out of unprotected trenches