Prepare drawings and topographical and relief maps used in civil engineering projects, such as highways, bridges, pipelines, flood control projects, and water and sewerage control systems.

Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

1. Produce drawings using computer-assisted drafting systems (CAD) or drafting machines, or by hand using compasses, dividers, protractors, triangles and other drafting devices.

2. Draw maps, diagrams, and profiles, using cross-sections and surveys, to represent elevations, topographical contours, subsurface formations and structures.

3. Draft plans and detailed drawings for structures, installations, and construction projects such as highways, sewage disposal systems, and dikes, working from sketches or notes.

4. Determine the order of work and method of presentation, such as orthographic or isometric drawing.

5. Finish and duplicate drawings and documentation packages, according to required mediums and specifications for reproduction using blueprinting, photography, or other duplicating methods.

6. Review rough sketches, drawings, specifications, and other engineering data received from civil engineers to ensure that they conform to design concepts.

7. Calculate excavation tonnage and prepare graphs and fill-hauling diagrams for use in earth-moving operations.

8. Supervise and train other technologists, technicians and drafters.

9. Correlate, interpret, and modify data obtained from topographical surveys, well logs, and geophysical prospecting reports.

10. Determine quality, cost, strength and quantity of required materials, and enter figures on materials lists.

11. Locate and identify symbols located on topographical surveys to denote geological and geophysical formations or oil field installations.

Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Building and Construction - Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Geography - Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.

Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.

The college search results are undergraduate programs associated with Civil Drafters. Further education may also be required to pursue this career.

The training search results include both short and long-term programs associated with Civil Drafters, and may be more appropriate for adult and non-traditional students. Further training may also be required to pursue this career.

In NY the average wage for this occupation was:

$36,850 for entry level workers, and $59,460 for experienced workers.

Based on the total number of annual openings and its growth rate, the employment prospects for this occupation are described as Less Favorable.

During 2006, there were approximately 5,900 Civil Drafters employed in NY.

We estimate that in 2016 there will be 6,040  employed in NY. This represents an increase of 10 job(s) each year, and a total of 170 job openings each year.

After School Program - Topics range from the exploration of the vast, uncharted regions of space to the microscopic world of DNA, from the evolution of dinosaurs to the study of world cultures. Students who are interested in many branches of science including biodiversity, paleontology, anthropology, genetics, astronomy, astrophysics, and geology will find something to explore at the After School Program.

Cosmic Journey: A History of Scientific Cosmology - From the ancient Greeks to the Hubble Space Telescope - the story of the colorful individuals, startling ideas and ingenious tools that brought us knowledge of the vast and strange universe we inhabit. Written by leading historians of astronomy and richly illustrated.

Virtual Field Trippin: The Rocks of Central New York of Mohawk and Hudson River Valleys - The rocks of the Mohawk and Hudson Valleys of upstate New York tell a fascinating story, both through the rock layers themselves, as well as the life contained within them. This visual tour is intended as a jumping-off point for those with no knowledge of the rocks of east-central New York State.

Earthtrip Virtual Fieldtrip to Kashong Glen, New York - Kashong Glen is located in the central Finger Lakes Area of central New York State. See the many steep cliffs and dangerous waterfalls of this virtual fieldtrip. It is one of the best places in New York State to study the rocks of the Hamilton Group and fossils from the Middle Devonian.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New York District - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New York District is made up of approximately 34,600 Civilian and 650 military members. The military and civilian engineers, scientists and other specialists work hand in hand as leaders in engineering and environmental matters and provide quality, responsive engineering services to the country.

American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) - Founded in 1852, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) represents more than 133,000 members of the civil engineering profession worldwide, and is America's oldest national engineering society. ASCE's vision is to position engineers as global leaders building a better quality of life.

Young Naturalist Awards: Essay Contest - This research based essay contest is for students in grades 7 to12. It promotes participation and communication in science. The theme remains the same, "Scientific Discovery Begins with Expeditions!" Students choose a topic in biology, earth science, or astronomy and take an expedition to an area where they can explore their topic.

Drafters - Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.

American Design Drafting Association (ADDA) - The American Design Drafting Association (ADDA) is a professional membership and educational society dedicated to serving the professional growth and advancement of the individual working in the design drafting community. ADDA is the only membership organization dedicated exclusively to the professional designer/drafter in all disciplines.

Annual Balsa Wood Bridge Competition - The Student Construction Association at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse is pleased to invite your school to this annual competition, which typically takes place in the spring. Groups of no more than four students per school build a balsa wood bridge capable of supporting loads applied to the structure according to the competition rules.

Architectural Drafters - Prepare detailed drawings of architectural designs and plans for buildings and structures according to specifications provided by architect.

Electronic Drafters - Draw wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, schematics, and layout drawings used for manufacture, installation, and repair of electronic equipment.

Mechanical Drafters - Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.

Civil Engineering Technicians - Apply theory and principles of civil engineering in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of structures and facilities under the direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.

Surveying Technicians - Adjust and operate surveying instruments, such as the theodolite and electronic distance-measuring equipment, and compile notes, make sketches and enter data into computers.

Numerical Tool and Process Control Programmers - Develop programs to control machining or processing of parts by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems.

Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers - Draw and construct sets of precision master fabric patterns or layouts. May also mark and cut fabrics and apparel.

Traffic Technicians - Conduct field studies to determine traffic volume, speed, effectiveness of signals, adequacy of lighting, and other factors influencing traffic conditions, under direction of traffic engineer.