Civil Engineering Technologist

Civil engineering technologists work closely with engineers in the process of designing solutions for different engineering challenges, such as bridges, dams, and highways. The projects go from the survey stage, which is completed by the survey crew, to determine the nature and scope of the problem or the land survey for the structure to be built. Then the project moves to the design stage, which is what I do. This involves creating sketches and solutions to fix the problem or build the structure. These designs are then sent to the engineers for final approval.

We are often working on several projects at any one time, and the variety of engineering work we do keeps my job not only interesting, but challenging as well. Of course, one of the challenges is to create a solution to an engineering problem that meets the budget set by the company who hires us! This requires us to continually be creative and innovative in our solutions. Once a solution to the problem has been completed, then we give the recommendations to the company who has hired us to do the job and then they contract another company to actually build whatever it is we have designed.

Originally I wanted to be an architect and ended up working at an architectural firm and found I didn't really enjoy the work. Their focus was on creating medical facilities which left little room for imagination. The drawings were endless and it was very boring. So, I decided to attend a program called "Engineering Design and Drafting Technologies", or EDDT, which has opened more doors for me. It was a good move for me professionally.

I attended Lethbridge College. The Engineering Design and Drafting Technologies program is a 2-year program, but when I enrolled, I ended up completing the work in about a year and a half. Most cities across Canada likely have a similar program which might be offered at the local college or technical schools.

My favourite course was 3-D drafting. It is funny, but now, I seldom use it! 3-D drafting involves creating drawings from perspectives, so they look like they are three dimensional. Most of the drawing I do in my job today is in two dimensions, but is done using auto-cad drafting. With this technology, the modeling of the image is three dimensional, but the format is in two dimensions.

If you can get a drafting course, that would be a great idea to take it. Also, if there are any auto-cad courses, that would be useful. As far as math goes, an algebra course would be useful.

Working as a civil engineering technologist has been a very satisfying job. I have learned that it is important to keep a balance between work and home life. I have a philosophy that is a sort of "work to live, not live to work" approach. This means I keep the job in perspective and keep a balance in my life between times spent at work, and time spent at home. One of the things I like about this profession is that the hours are very regular and the work conditions are good. This lets me enjoy my job while at the same time it gives me time to spend with my family and friends.

My main job is to create drawings and solutions as part of the engineering team, but somehow that has morphed into including the IT (information technology) troubleshooting for the company. That means keeping the internal computer systems up and running, which is a challenge. My training did not include this, and often I feel I am out of my element and don't really enjoy this aspect of my job. I would prefer to spend all of my time with the engineering design aspects, not troubleshooting why our server has gone down (or something similar). So, I think I have learned that the part of my job I enjoy the least is the responsibility of keeping the internal computer systems of the business going, but I do enjoy the engineering design work.

When I was first starting out, I would go out to various sites to see how the studies were completed. This included a survey of the site and data collection. For example, in some cases we were dealing with an area that might be prone to flooding. To determine how to fix this, water levels would need to be measured and the area would have to be surveyed. Then, we would use the information gained in the field, not only from the affected area, but areas upstream, so we could design what is called a "check dam". A check dam is often built of natural materials, such as rocks, and is placed further upstream to help avoid flooding. This is just one example, but once a person understands how the data is gathered and how it can be used, it helps in the design process so you can create something that is going to work. Since I have been in the field as long as I have been, I don't go out to the sites as often as I used to. Now I work mainly in the office.

One time I had to go to Pincher Creek to work on a flow measurement project due to local flooding. I spent the day in the creek, wearing hip-waders! The weather was absolutely perfect and to stand in the water, under the sun, was just an amazing day. We ended up designing a natural dam to help control the flooding. It was just one of those picture-perfect beautiful days weather-wise, and the setting in the outdoors was memorable.

Most definitely! The technology used, like the auto-cad, is interesting. It is challenging as you need to use problem-solving skills to create a solution for certain civil engineering problems. If a person is hearing-impaired, it can be a great job. It is very visually based, and most of the communication is completed via e-mail and memos. The environment is generally like a typical office with good lighting and a relatively quiet background. There is the need to take occasional continuing education courses for updates of the auto-cad software. These courses are usually in the format of a webinar which is a course that offers the content in a written format and is usually available on-line.

To do this job, it helps to be the type of person who is self-motivated and can work independently. While there are often many people involved in a project, to do your part, you need to be able to budget your time and work on several projects at once. There are deadlines to meet and budgets that need to be adhered to, so there are several things you need to keep in mind when designing a project. The job outlook is good because there are always projects that need to be done and there are a variety of sectors to work in, such as private or government sectors.

Lastly, there is a professional group to which I belong known as ASET, which stands for the Alberta Society of Engineering Technologists. As a member in good standing, it verifies my professional credentials and demonstrates my commitment to my colleagues and the clients I serve. It is a good designation to carry as many employers either require or prefer certified technicians and technologists. It may be useful for a person just starting out in the field in terms of training and in terms of job placement. ASET members have free access to the Canadian Technical Employment Network (CETN), which is an internet-based system that allows you to search for jobs and lets employers search for potential employees. ASET also offers opportunities to continue upgrading your skills by sponsoring courses, workshops, and seminars.