How to Be Civil Drafter - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 1, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The increased demand for civil drafters has caused a rise in the need for qualified professionals in the field. With more organizations relying on these drafters to design and create new infrastructure and buildings, organizations have to ensure that they employ individuals who have the necessary skills and training. This has led to a variety of job opportunities for those with a background in civil engineering, architecture, construction management, and other related disciplines. Furthermore, the need for civil drafters has also resulted in a rise in the expenses associated with hiring qualified personnel, as organizations look for ways to make sure that their projects are completed accurately and on time.

Steps How to Become

Earn a High School Diploma. High school is where aspiring Civil Drafters begin their educational journey. Most high school curriculums are designed to give students a general foundation in the sciences, mathematics, and engineering.
Study Civil Drafting. Civil Drafters must have a thorough understanding of drafting and design techniques in order to create accurate and efficient construction plans. Many trade schools, technical schools, and community colleges offer certificate and associate degree programs in civil drafting.
Obtain Certification. Although not required, many employers prefer to hire Certified Drafters. The American Design Drafting Association (ADDA) offers the Certified Drafter examination which assesses a drafters knowledge of drafting techniques, materials, and procedures.
Gain Work Experience. Civil Drafters typically begin their careers as apprentices or interns. During this time, they gain valuable hands-on experience in the field while learning from experienced professionals.
Advance Your Career. As Civil Drafters gain experience, they may be promoted to higher positions such as Senior Drafter, Project Manager, or CAD Technician. They may also specialize in a particular field of engineering or construction such as roadway design or structural engineering.

Staying ahead and efficient in civil drafting requires a few key elements. First, having an organized workspace, complete with the right tools and materials, is essential for maintaining efficiency. Utilizing software to create and manage drawings will help streamline the process of creating a drawing.

staying up to date on the latest technologies and techniques in the field is important for staying ahead of the competition. Learning new software, attending seminars, and networking with other civil drafters can keep one abreast of the latest developments in the field. Finally, having a good understanding of the regulations and codes associated with civil drafting can ensure that the work is accurate and up to code.

By following these steps, civil drafters can ensure they stay ahead and efficient in their work.

You may want to check Civil Inspector Technician, Civil Construction Estimator, and Civil Engineer/Project Manager for alternative.

Job Description

Prepare detailed drawings of civil engineering plans and designs, including residential, commercial, and industrial projects.
Interpret architectural and engineering drawings and specifications.
Estimate quantities and costs of material, equipment, or labor to determine project feasibility.
Analyze survey reports, maps, drawings, blueprints, aerial photography, and other topographical or geologic data to plan projects.
Design and analyze traffic control systems and devices.
Prepare engineering designs and drawings for public works projects such as streets, highways, bridges, drainage systems, water systems, and sewer systems.
Compute load and grade requirements, water flow rates, and material stress factors to determine design specifications.
Develop plans for land reclamation projects and land development projects.
Prepare construction specifications and cost estimates for proposed projects.
Investigate project sites to identify potential environmental issues or hazards.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Proficient use of CAD software and design tools.
Ability to interpret and prepare technical drawings from survey data.
Knowledge of engineering principles, codes, and regulations.
Understanding of construction materials, methods, and equipment.
Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
Attention to detail and accuracy in completing projects.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to multi-task.
Ability to adapt to changing requirements and regulations.

Being a successful civil drafter requires a combination of technical and interpersonal skills. The most important skill to have is a strong understanding of drafting principles, including the ability to read and interpret both engineering drawings and architectural plans. It is also necessary to be able to use computer-aided design software, such as AutoCAD and Civil 3D, in order to produce detailed drawings for a variety of civil engineering projects.

In addition to these technical skills, it is essential for a civil drafter to have excellent communication and problem-solving abilities, enabling them to collaborate with engineers, architects, surveyors, and other professionals in the industry. Finally, the ability to stay organized and focus on detail is essential in order to ensure accuracy in all drawings and documents produced. Without these skills, a civil drafter's work may not meet expectations and could result in costly errors.

Civil Construction Manager, Civil Structural Engineer, and Civil Maintenance Technician are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in creating civil engineering drawings?
What qualifications do you have in civil drafting?
How would you approach a project that requires a high level of accuracy?
Describe a project you have completed that you are particularly proud of.
What kind of software do you use for civil drafting?
What challenges have you come across when working on civil drafting projects?
How do you ensure the accuracy and precision of your work?
How do you stay up-to-date with new developments in civil drafting technology?
What techniques do you use to speed up the process of completing projects?
How do you handle working with tight deadlines?

Common Tools in Industry

AutoCAD. Computer-aided design (CAD) software used for creating 2D and 3D technical drawings and designs (eg: floor plans, site plans, and elevations).
Civil 3D. Civil engineering design software used for designing and analyzing land development projects, such as roads, railroads, bridges, and other infrastructure projects (eg: creating 3D models of a storm water system).
Bluebeam Revu. PDF-editing software used for annotating and marking up plans (eg: adding notes to a construction plan).
MicroStation. CAD software used for engineering and architecture design (eg: creating 3D models of buildings).
HEC-RAS. River analysis software used for analyzing river hydraulics and performing 1D river modeling (eg: calculating water flow in a river).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC)
American Institute of Architects (AIA)
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
American Society of Highway Engineers (ASHE)
American Public Works Association (APWA)
National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS)
American Concrete Institute (ACI)
National Society of Landscape Architects (NSLA)
International Code Council (ICC)

We also have Civil Project Coordinator, Civil/Geotechnical Engineer, and Civil Engineering Drafter jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Civil Engineering. The application of engineering principles and techniques to the planning, design, and construction of infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, dams, water systems, and other public works.
CAD (Computer-Aided Design). The use of computer software to design and create two-dimensional and three-dimensional models, drawings, and animation.
BIM (Building Information Modelling). A process of creating and managing digital representations of physical and functional characteristics of places.
Surveying. The process of accurately measuring and recording the shape, elevation, and position of natural and man-made features on the Earth's surface.
Land Use Planning. The process of planning for the best use of land in a given area, taking into consideration the current and future needs of the community.
GIS (Geographic Information Systems). A computer system used to store and analyze data related to geographic locations and features.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Civil Drafter?

A Civil Drafter is responsible for creating detailed technical drawings of civil engineering projects such as bridges, roads, and canals.

What qualifications are required to be a Civil Drafter?

Civil Drafters typically need to have at least an Associates degree in engineering or drafting, and knowledge of AutoCAD software. Experience in civil engineering or design is also helpful.

What type of tasks do Civil Drafters perform?

Civil Drafters typically create detailed plans, elevations, sections and other technical drawings from sketches and other sources. They also review project specifications and regulations, and check drawings for accuracy and completeness.

What type of environment do Civil Drafters work in?

Civil Drafters usually work in an office environment, often at the job site itself. They may work with other engineers and drafters, or independently.