What does a Civil Drafter do?
Published 4 min read
A civil drafter is responsible for creating drawings and plans that are used in the construction of buildings, bridges, roads, and other infrastructure projects. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) models of the projects. The drawings and plans they create are used by engineers, architects, and contractors to build the projects.
Civil Drafter job duties include:
- Preparing drawings and topographical and relief maps used in civil engineering projects, such as highways, bridges, pipelines, flood-control systems, and water and sewerage control facilities
- Coordinating the work of drafters, technicians, and other engineers
- Revising drawings and layouts to accommodate changes and enhancements
- Investigating the feasibility of proposed projects
- Selecting drawing instruments and lettering techniques appropriate for the project
- Drawing sketches to scale using computer-aided design (CAD) software
- Plotting data on maps or charts
- Generating reports detailing project proposals
- Estimating material or construction costs
Civil Drafter Job Requirements
A civil drafter typically needs at least an associate's degree in drafting, although a bachelor's degree may be preferred by some employers. Certification through the American Design Drafting Association (ADDA) is also recommended. In addition to education and certification, a civil drafter should have experience with computer-aided design (CAD) software, as well as a strong understanding of mathematical concepts such as geometry and trigonometry.
Civil Drafter Skills
- Analytical skills
- Communication skills
- Computer-aided design (CAD)
- Creativity
- Detail oriented
- Drafting skills
- Math skills
- Organizational skills
- Physical stamina
- Spatial visualization
- Technical writing
Related: Top Civil Drafter Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Civil Drafter
A civil drafter is someone who creates drawings and plans for construction projects. This can include anything from bridges and roads to sewer systems and water treatment plants. If you’re interested in a career as a civil drafter, here are a few things you need to know.
First, you’ll need to get a degree in civil engineering, architecture, or another related field. This will give you the basic knowledge you need to understand complex construction projects. Once you have your degree, you can begin working as a civil drafter.
Most civil drafters work for engineering firms, but some also work for government agencies or construction companies. You’ll likely start out working on smaller projects, but as you gain experience you can move onto larger and more complex ones.
As a civil drafter, your job is to create detailed drawings and plans that will be used by engineers and construction workers. This means that accuracy and precision are essential skills for the job. You’ll also need to be able to think creatively to solve problems that come up during the design process.
If you’re interested in a career as a civil drafter, make sure you get a good education and start gaining experience as soon as possible. With hard work and dedication, you can become an expert in your field and help build the world around us.
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