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Civil Drafter

Occupation Information table
Overview: Civil drafters create the detailed drawings, mappings and specification sheets which are followed in the construction of highways, river and harbor improvements, flood control and drainage systems. They often accompany the field survey crews to help place earth grading markers.
Duties: They record all data and specifications for construction based on information and guidance received from civil engineers who plan construction projects.

Use computers and manual methods to prepare drawings and specification sheets used by construction crews for building of highways, bridges, flood control and drainage systems.

Assist civil engineers in field work during construction. Help conduct engineering surveys and place markers to indicate lines for earth moving and grading.

Confer with civil engineers in order to monitor and check upon accuracy of grading & construction while in progress. They monitor projects to avoid environmental damage.
Degree(s): A.A.S. Architectural Technology 
Job Outlook: Employment in this field is projected to decline by 2% or more from 2018 to 2028. For comparison, the average growth rate for all occupations over the same time period is projected to be 5% to 8%.
Salary Range (National Average): $28,000 to $34,000
Education Level: Training for this occupation generally requires a High School Degree, plus additional coursework in a vocational or technical school. In some cases, employers may require an Associate Degree.
Additional Training/Education: Employers prefer to hire civil drafters who have either a technical institute certificate requiring 1-1/2 to 2 years, or a 2-year college associate degree. Training in computer aided drafting and design, and engineering technology is vital. Certification by passing a technical examination by the Americal Design Drafting Association will be helpful.
Advancement Info: Entry-level or junior drafters usually do routine work under close supervision. After gaining experience, they may become intermediate drafters and progress to more difficult work with less supervision. At the intermediate level, they may need to exercise more judgment and perform calculations when preparing and modifying drawings. Drafters may eventually advance to senior drafter, designer, or supervisor. Many employers pay for continuing education, and, with appropriate college degrees, drafters may go on to become engineering technicians, engineers, or architects.
Recommended Skills:
  • Painting, drawing, crafting, sculpting and creative designing.
  • Paying attention to what other people are saying, and taking time to understand the points being made.
  • Allocating and budgeting your time for different tasks so that things get done when needed.
  • Using mathematics and/or statistics to solve problems.
  • The ability to understand complex written paragraphs, instructions, or reports.
  • Using logic to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Talking, giving speeches, or speaking in a group to convey information, explain ideas, or give instructions.
  • Composing and communicating your ideas in written form.
Recommended Values:
  • Doing something where you can physically see the results of your work.
  • Having a routine job where the duties are very predictable and not likely to change over a long period of time.
  • Having the ability to work with equipment or material things.
 

* National data collected by the Department of Labor in 2014 with projections through 2024. For New York green job information .

* For New York salary data information .

* For New York green job information .

Understanding acquiring positions in this field may be enhanced through continuing academic study (i.e. earning a baccalaureate or a master's degree) and/or work experience in the field, Queensborough Community College has established transfer agreements with other institutions for students who wish to further pursue their educational goals. Students are highly encouraged to meet with one of our Career Services to fully understand the opportunities available through study in their degree program.