Architectural and Civil Drafters

Prepare detailed drawings of architectural and structural features of buildings or drawings and topographical relief maps used in civil engineering projects, such as highways, bridges, and public works. Use knowledge of building materials, engineering practices, and mathematics to complete drawings.

Sample of reported job titles:
Architectural Designer, Architectural Drafter, Architectural Draftsman, Civil Drafter, Computer-Aided Design Designer (CAD Designer), Computer-Aided Drafting and Design Drafter (CADD Drafter), Computer-Aided Drafting Designer (CAD Designer), Drafting Technician, Draftsman, Draftsperson

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

  • Produce drawings, using computer-assisted drafting systems (CAD) or drafting machines, or by hand, using compasses, dividers, protractors, triangles, and other drafting devices.
  • Draft plans and detailed drawings for structures, installations, and construction projects, such as highways, sewage disposal systems, and dikes, working from sketches or notes.
  • Coordinate structural, electrical, and mechanical designs and determine a method of presentation to graphically represent building plans.
  • Analyze building codes, by-laws, space and site requirements, and other technical documents and reports to determine their effect on architectural designs.
  • Draw maps, diagrams, and profiles, using cross-sections and surveys, to represent elevations, topographical contours, subsurface formations, and structures.

Technology Skills

  • Computer aided design CAD software:Alias Wavefront Design Studio
    ,
    Autodesk 3d Studio Viz
    ,
    Autodesk Architectural Desktop
    ,
    Autodesk AutoCAD
    ,
    Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
    ,
    Autodesk Land Desktop
    ,
    Autodesk Revit
    ,
    Autodesk Revit Architecture
    ,
    Autodesk Softdesk
    ,
    Bentley MicroStation
    ,
    Bentley WaterCAD
    ,
    Computer aided design and drafting CADD software
    ,
    Computer aided design and drafting software CADD
    ,
    Computer assisted design software
    ,
    Dassault Systemes CATIA
    ,
    Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
    ,
    ENERCALC FastFrame
    ,
    Graphisoft ArchiCAD
    ,
    Logitech 3D Pro
    ,
    Piping and instrumentation design PID software
    ,
    PTC Creo Parametric
    ,
    Three-dimensional modeling software
    ,
    Trimble SketchUp Pro
    ,
    UGS Solid Edge
    ,
    VectorWorks ARCHITECT
  • Data base user interface and query software:ARCOM Masterspec
    ,
    Database software
    ,
    Microsoft Access
  • Desktop publishing software:Adobe Systems Adobe InDesign
  • Development environment software:Adobe Systems Adobe Creative Suite
    ,
    C
    ,
    Microsoft .NET Framework
  • Document management software:Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
    ,
    Document management system software

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

  • Working with Computers:Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment:Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
  • Getting Information:Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards:Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems:Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Analyze costs and benefits of proposed designs or projects.
  • Analyze operational data to evaluate operations, processes or products.
  • Collect data about project sites.
  • Create graphical representations of civil structures.
  • Create graphical representations of energy production systems.

Worker Requirements

Skills

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Speaking:Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Writing:Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Knowledge

  • Design:Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • English Language:Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Computers and Electronics:Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Worker Characteristics

Abilities

  • Near Vision:The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Oral Comprehension:The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Written Comprehension:The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  • Problem Sensitivity:The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
  • Oral Expression:The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Interests

  • 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.
  • Conventional:Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
  • Artistic:Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Work Values

  • Support:Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
  • Working Conditions:Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
  • Achievement:Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

Work Styles

  • Attention to Detail:Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
  • Dependability:Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
  • Cooperation:Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
  • Analytical Thinking:Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
  • Adaptability/Flexibility:Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
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