Architectural and Civil Drafters

Also called : Architectural Designer, Architectural Drafter, Architectural Draftsman, Civil Drafter, Computer-Aided Design Designer (CAD Designer), Computer-Aided Drafting and Design Drafter (CADD Drafter), Comput

What they do

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.

On the job, one would

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

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.

PERSONALITY

People interested in this work, will do well at jobs that need;

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.

Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.

Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.

Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.

Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Related Occupations

Surveying and Mapping Technicians

Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians

Electrical and Electronics Drafters

Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

Commercial and Industrial Designers

Marine Engineers and Naval Architects

Mechanical Drafters

Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers

TECHNOLOGY

Computer aided design CAD software

Data base user interface and query software

Desktop publishing software

Development environment software

Document management software

Electronic mail software

Enterprise application integration software

Enterprise resource planning ERP software

Geographic information system

Graphics or photo imaging software

Map creation software

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Preparation
Medium Preparation Needed
Education
Training in vocational schools or an Associate deg
Experience
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.
Jobtraining
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.