Civil Engineering Technologists and 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.

The occupation "Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians" has an automation risk of 52.8%, closely aligning with its base risk of 53.6%. This moderate level of automation risk is primarily due to the technical and procedural nature of many core responsibilities within the role. The tasks most susceptible to automation include calculating dimensions, square footage, and material quantities using calculators or computers. Furthermore, reading blueprints and structural specifications to determine the specifics of a project, as well as drafting detailed drawings and design layouts to ensure project conformance, are repetitive processes that artificial intelligence and advanced software can increasingly handle. These tasks are typically rule-based, quantifiable, and follow standardized procedures, making them prime candidates for automation. However, several crucial aspects of this role are much less amenable to automation, which dampens the overall risk. The most resistant tasks involve complex human interaction and on-the-ground judgment, such as negotiating prices with contractors, responding to public feedback, and planning field surveys for site analysis. These responsibilities require nuanced social skills, adaptive problem-solving, and contextual awareness, which current AI technology cannot easily replicate. The direct human involvement in resolving conflicts, making on-the-spot decisions in dynamic environments, and interpreting stakeholder concerns adds significant resistance to full automation in this occupation. Bottleneck skills further indicate where automation faces considerable limitations in this field. Two key skills—originality at levels of 3.0% and 2.9%—highlight the need for innovative thinking and creative problem-solving in roles performed by civil engineering technologists and technicians. These skills are essential for adapting project designs, troubleshooting unforeseen field issues, and proposing effective solutions tailored to unique project requirements. Since algorithms and automation tools lack genuine creativity and adaptability, tasks demanding originality will continue to require human oversight and intervention. Thus, while some technical elements of the occupation are increasingly automated, the value placed on original thinking and complex human interaction lowers the total risk below full automation.