Civil engineering technologists and technicians provide technical support and services to scientists, engineers and other professionals.
People in this occupation:
The ability to manage projects in a team environment is also important.
Civil engineering technologists and technicians also:
Source: Estimated median employment income based on 2021 Job Bank median hourly wage rate (median annual salary = hourly wage rate x 40 (hours per week) x 52.14 (weeks per year))
Note:Estimated median employment income based on 2021 Job Bank median hourly wage rate (median annual salary = hourly wage rate x 40 (hours per week) x 52.14 (weeks per year))
Source: 2021 Job Bank Wage Report
Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook
10 year expected job openings: 1,140
Civil engineering technologists:
Civil engineering technicians:
The majority of civil engineering technologists and technicians work regular hours in laboratories, offices and industrial plants and working conditions may include a combination of indoor and outdoor work.
Outdoor work includes conducting field inspections or investigating topography, soil, drainage and water supply systems, road and highway systems, or buildings and structures. Individuals may also work from an office where they incorporate field findings into their designs or in virtual teams communicating with telephone conference calls or videoconferencing. Opportunities for international work may be available for some workers.
Technological advances in surveying, environmental monitoring, data management and civil design has allowed for work to be completed more quickly than in the past. Workers may be exposed to hazards from equipment, chemicals or toxic materials when performing field work.
Source: 2016 Census
Civil engineering technologists are required to complete a two-year technology diploma in civil engineering or a closely related discipline. Civil engineering technicians are usually required to complete a one or two-year technician certificate in civil engineering technology or a closely related discipline.
The Civil Engineering Technology Diploma is nationally accredited by the Canadian Council of Engineering Technicians and Technologists (CTAB) and the Applied Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC). Full-time students in this or another accredited program in the field may apply for student membership in ASTTBC.
Diploma graduates are eligible for graduate technologists (ASTTBC) membership, and may apply for registration as an applied science technologist after completing a minimum of two years of relevant work experience. This certification may be required for some positions.
For more information, see the ASTTBC website at www.asttbc.org.
Civil engineering technologists and technicians who are certified for that occupation by a regulator elsewhere in Canada can apply for the same certification from the regulator in B.C. Under the terms of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), most applicants who are transferring their credentials from elsewhere in Canada will not be required to complete additional training or testing. However, the B.C. regulator may ask applicants to provide further information such as a letter of good standing, references, or criminal record check. For those who trained outside of Canada and never received certification from any Canadian jurisdiction, a full assessment is likely needed. Most occupational regulators have a process for assessment and recognize internationally trained applicants. Contact the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC for details on how to apply for certification in B.C. For information about labour mobility in Canada, visit www.workersmobility.ca. View a list of B.C. occupational regulators.
For more information about programs offered specifically for this career, visit EducationPlannerBC.
Every job calls for a certain set of skills. Knowing those skills is the first step in finding a good career fit.
Here, you will find the 35 most relevant workplace skills. Some are more important to achieving success in a certain career than others. These skills may come naturally to you or you may need to gain them through education, training and experience.
See the list of work-related skills below, ranked in order of importance for this career. You’ll also find the skill strength needed, letting you know how capable you must be in that skill.
Check out the list and see if this career matches your skills—take that first step!
Expansion in construction and municipal and resource based infrastructure drives the demand for civil technologists and technicians. As such, areas of urban growth or industrial activity will likely see the most demand for these occupations in upcoming years. Growth in research and development areas may also result in increased employment opportunities.
More of the new opportunities for qualified civil technologists and technicians are opening in the private sector. However, upcoming retirements will increase demand for new technologists and technicians in both private industry and government.
While most civil technology jobs are found in mid- to large-size cities, jobs in rural areas are available in government departments, transportation, and with consulting firms.
Sustained competitiveness in a knowledge-based global economy requires vigorous and ongoing commitment to scientific and technological innovation. For this reason, workers should keep abreast of developments within their area of expertise. The trend of green building construction, for example, will require workers in this occupation group to be familiar with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System (LEED).
Periods of retraining and professional development are common, and those with updated skills and knowledge will have an advantage over others when competing for employment.
Career paths
Those who complete the two-year diploma in Civil Engineering Technology can work as a junior design engineer, civil technician, or technologist. With experience, civil engineering technologists can progress to construction supervisors, project engineers or managers, construction estimators, or construction managers.
Students who complete the four year Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) Degree in Civil Engineering can go on to practice professionally as a civil engineer.
Additional resources