Civil drafters are responsible for creating the drawings and plans for engineering and construction projects. They work on a variety of projects that can include – but are certainly not limited to – bridges, roads and highways, dams and sewer systems. The plans they develop may be drawn using software, drawn by hand, or both.
Civil drafters must also have specific knowledge of the field in which they work. For example, a civil drafter should know how to calculate the tonnage from excavation in a project that requires the movement of earth/soil. Because they work as part of a larger team, drafters must also have strong communication and interpersonal skills, and should be able to take direction well.
Required Education and Experience
The requirements for civil drafting positions can vary from company to company, but most require a minimum of an associate degree from an accredited drafting program. Some employers may require a four-year degree, but experience can often be substituted for this requirement. Most positions require computerized drafting skills, drawing skills, industry-specific knowledge, expertise in construction methods and a firm grasp of engineering principles.
Entry-level civil drafters with limited experience are often closely supervised by engineers and/or senior drafting staff. As experience is logged, civil drafters can work with less supervision and can take on more responsibility. Many choose to continue their education and achieve a civil engineering or architectural degree.
Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the mean annual wage for civil and architectural drafters in 2015 was $53,470. Indeed cites a slightly higher figure for civil drafting positions in Georgia, reporting $56,000. When applying for positions, drafters must always remember that individual salaries can vary significantly depending upon the job responsibilities, the size of the company, the location of the company and the experience of the candidate.
The BLS also reports this field is expected to grow at an average rate of about 1.7 percent annually. The biggest sector of growth is in engineering services, while government employment for civil drafters will grow at a much lower than average rate.
Current Opening for Civil Drafters
Selectek is working with a company in the Atlanta area seeking to add a civil drafter/designer to the team. This role is responsible for preparing civil site development drawings for mainly municipal projects, but candidates with commercial and/or retail projects can apply and will be considered.
Candidates must have excellent Civil 3D skills with the ability to develop full-scale site development work, including grading and hydrology. You can learn more and apply for this position here.
If you are an experienced civil drafter or designer in the Southeast looking for exciting new opportunities, we encourage you to reach out to the expert recruiters at Selectek. We are always seeking strong engineering talent to match with some of the best companies in the region. Contact us today to learn the ways we can help you take the next step in your career.