Civil 3D Coordinators work in the field of civil engineering. If you’re interested in Civil 3D or in civil engineering, there are a number of related jobs that you might also enjoy. Keep reading for information about what a Civil 3D Coordinator does, the skills they need, other jobs that are related to this career, and how to gain the skills that you’ll need in order to work in this field.
What is a Civil 3D Coordinator?
A Civil 3D Coordinator works with a Civil 3D design team to coordinate projects and ensure that they progress smoothly. This role includes a range of different tasks such as administration, communication, data management, research, and scheduling. More specifically, Civil 3D Coordinators provide training, implement standards, ensure compliance, set up workflows, offer technical support, and help protect company data. They work with a variety of different departments and help ensure that there is good communication between various team members. In addition, they communicate status changes with management.
Civil 3D Coordinators have experience in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, and are proficient in Civil 3D, which is an Autodesk software application used for civil engineering design and documentation. Civil 3D supports Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows for many different types of civil engineering projects including water, land development, roads, rail, and airports. Civil 3D Coordinators are also skilled in other applications used in civil engineering, such as AutoCAD, Navisworks, and Bluebeam. In addition, they have strong communication skills and can work well as part of a team.
Civil 3D Coordinator Skills
To work as a 3D Civil Coordinator, you’ll need experience in the AEC industry; civil engineering experience in particular. Civil engineering is the branch of engineering that is focused on designing and building infrastructure such as roads, bridges, airports, and water systems. Civil Engineers create and maintain many of the structures and systems that are an essential part of daily life. Working in this field also involves having an understanding of the physical environment. There are many unique concepts related to civil engineering. For instance, you’ll need to understand the different types of materials used, how structures respond to loads, and how different types of structures interact with the natural environment.
Civil Engineers use a variety of different computer applications to create and analyze models of projects. You’ll need to be proficient in these applications. Autodesk Civil 3D is one important application. It is used for civil engineering design and documentation and helps users work more efficiently and quickly, easily make project changes, and collaborate with team members.AutoCAD is another common tool in this field. This is a computer-aided software design (CAD) program from Autodesk that is used for creating and editing 2D and 3D models and drawings. AutoCAD is an industry-standard application in a number of different fields including civil engineering. Other software applications that you’ll need to be proficient in are Navisworks, which is an Autodesk software application for 3D design review and coordination, and Bluebeam, which is an application that helps design and construction teams create, collaborate, and communicate together.
If you want to be a Civil 3D Coordinator, you’ll also need a number of soft skills. Strong communication skills are essential in this role since it involves constant communication with other team members and with management. In addition, you’ll need to be able to work well as part of a team, for instance, you should be able to contribute to the team and to understand the needs of others. Another soft skill that is useful in this role is organization, since you’ll be juggling a lot of different information and responsibilities.
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Civil 3D Coordinator Career Path
There are a number of different ways to gain the skills and knowledge needed to work as a Civil 3D Coordinator. Some people get into this field by earning a college degree. This is generally the most expensive and time-consuming option, with college tuition often costing tens of thousands of dollars each year. Additionally, when you earn a college degree, as well as career-focused courses you’ll have to take general education classes that won’t be directly related to this career.
Another option is a career-focused training program. These types of programs--which include bootcamps and certificate courses--have become increasingly popular in recent years. They offer immersive and accelerated training that is specifically designed to prepare you for your chosen career in a relatively short period of time. In addition, many of these programs include a variety of career support services. For instance, you might get advice about your resume and the job interview process, or feedback on your professional portfolio. Some schools, like Noble Desktop, even offer a certain number of one-on-one mentoring sessions that you can use for career advice.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the majority of civil engineering jobs are at engineering companies. In addition, it reports that state and local governments are a source of employment in this field. According to VDCI, there can be a lot of job flexibility in the role of Civil 3D Coordinator because it can be done remotely. However, the organization notes, “Remote positions are highly sought after and typically require a lot of experience. On-site jobs would be easier to find and more typical.” VDCI also explains that while part-time employment in this field is theoretically possible, in reality, most Civil 3D Coordinators work full-time. It says, “Part time or contract positions are seldom available, mainly because of the extensive responsibilities associated with the role of a Civil 3D Coordinator.”
Related Jobs
Civil 3D Designer
A Civil 3D Designer plans and designs detailed 3D models of civil engineering projects with Civil 3D. Civil 3D Designers have strong technical drawing skills, experience with surveying, and an understanding of engineering design standards. Like Civil 3D Coordinators, they are experts in this Civil 3D, have a strong understanding of BIM workflows, and have extensive experience in the field of civil engineering. Unlike Civil 3D Coordinators, they do not have the responsibility of coordinating a team. Instead, they are focused on design.
Engineering Coordinator
An Engineering Coordinator manages engineering projects and a variety of administrative tasks. This job has some similarities with the job of Civil 3D Coordinator, and thus requires many similar skills. Both of these jobs exist within the field of engineering, and they both involve coordinating teams and resources, with a focus on successfully completing projects. Coordinators train and coordinate team members, implement standards and ensure that they are met, set up workflows, and communicate with management. Engineering Coordinators often perform a number of general administrative, accounting, and scheduling tasks as well, while Civil 3D Coordinators are usually focused only on project design in Civil 3D.
AutoCAD Designer
An AutoCAD Designer produces technical 2D and 3D drawings with AutoCAD. These drawings are used by professionals in a variety of construction, engineering, and design fields. AutoCAD designers have many of the same skills as Civil 3D Designers, including strong technical drawing skills, and an understanding of BIM workflows. Many AutoCAD Designers specialize in a specific industry, such as engineering or interior design.
CAD Coordinator
The role of a CAD Coordinator is similar to that of a Civil 3D Coordinator, but it is focused on AutoCAD rather than Civil 3D. CAD Coordinators review work in AutoCAD to make sure that it meets standards and guidelines, provide training to AutoCAD users, and collaborate with project team members in order to help ensure successful project completion. They may also work on drafting if needed.
Civil Engineer
Civil engineering is a field that includes a variety of different infrastructure projects that involve the built and natural environment. Civil Engineers design, construct, and maintain these projects. Examples of civil engineering projects include road, bridges, highways, and water and energy systems. Civil Engineers have a strong understanding of engineering science and technology, and also of building and construction. In addition, they often have good problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
Why Become a Civil 3D Coordinator?
The field of civil engineering is expected to experience strong job growth in the future. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is a federal agency that collects and analyzes U.S. labor market information. It reports that over the next ten years, Civil Engineers will see 6 percent job growth, which is faster than the average job growth rate of 4 percent. It explains, “With continued investment in U.S. infrastructure, civil engineers will be needed to manage projects that meet society's need for upgrading bridges, roads, water systems, buildings, and other structures.” In addition, it says, “Civil engineers also will be needed to oversee renewable-energy projects, such as construction of wind farms and solar arrays, as these projects gain approval.”
BLS also provides statistics for Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians, which are defined as professionals who “help civil engineers plan, design, and build infrastructure and development projects.” It says, “The need to preserve, repair, and upgrade the country’s infrastructure continues to increase. . . . Civil engineers plan, design, and oversee this work, and civil engineering technologists and technicians will be needed to assist the engineers in these projects. Civil engineering technologists and technicians also will find work assisting civil engineers with renewable-energy projects.” The Virtual Design and Construction Institute reports that while salaries vary from state to state, on average a Civil 3D Coordinator earns about $60,000 to $70,000 yearly.
Learn the Skills to Become a Civil 3D Coordinator at Noble Desktop
The Virtual Design and Construction Institute (VDCI) offers a variety of training options for individuals looking to gain the skills needed to become a Civil 3D Coordinator. This school is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET). Its online, self-paced classes allow you to create your own learning schedule. You’ll also be able to get advice and feedback on your submissions and projects, and interact with peers in discussion forums. VDCI classes are approved by Autodesk, Adobe, Trimble, and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) for elearning.
- VDCI offers three different Civil 3D classes. For each class, the instructor is a licensed Civil Engineer and also an Autodesk Certified Instructor. In Intermediate Civil 3D: Surveying and Mapping, you’ll learn about the surveying and mapping elements and commands in Civil 3D. Covered topics include survey and COGO points, point marker and label styles, point groups, linework code sets, figure prefix databases, survey imports, parcels, sites, parcel labels, TIN surfaces, surface labels, and surface analysis. Intermediate Civil 3D: Transportation Design is focused on the transportation design elements and commands in Civil 3D. Instructors cover alignments, surface profiles, design profiles, and view windows, assemblies, corridors, intersections, sample lines, cross sections, and 3D visualization. The third VDCI option is Intermediate Civil 3D: Land Development. This course covers land development design elements and commands such as drawing template files, data shortcuts, feature lines, grading groups, pipe networks, pressure networks, and paper space.
- VDCI also has a more comprehensive Civil 3D Certificate Program. This nationally accredited program takes a number of months to complete and will equip you with the skills to develop and refurbish public sites and infrastructure systems with Civil 3D. It includes courses in both Civil 3D and AutoCAD. You’ll also take a number of elective courses and work on a capstone project. You’ll be exposed to real-world databases and will learn about file sharing and data management.
- VDCI also offers a variety of AutoCAD classes. In Introduction to AutoCAD, you can learn the basics of this application. You’ll learn about the user interface and basic commands, including drawing, modifying, layering standards, text, dimensioning, and plotting. You’ll create drafting symbols, kitchen and bath fixtures, and a floor plan, and will integrate all of the information. Another option is Intermediate AutoCAD, which covers more advanced topics, including file referencing across the project data, user coordinate systems, dynamic viewing, and paper/model space conventions. You’ll create a set of CAD construction documents for a Habitat for Humanity project, including the floor plan, roof plan, foundation plan, electrical plan, and building elevations.
- Another VDCI option is the Essential Skills Bundle. This bundle is a great way to improve your communication, teamwork, collaboration, and self-management skills, all of which are essential if you want to work as a Civil 3D Coordinator. Three classes are included. In Communication and Connection, you’ll learn a variety of communication skills including negotiation and conflict management. You’ll also work on your emotional intelligence and learn about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Self-Management Skills covers skills such as prioritizing, improving efficiency, focusing on ethics and integrity, and setting goals. Finally, in Teamwork, Collaboration & Leadership, you’ll learn to build collaboration, conduct meetings effectively, inspire other people, and make decisions as a group.
Noble Desktop is another place to learn AutoCAD. This coding and design school is based in New York City and offers live AutoCAD classes either in person or online. This school is licensed by the New York State Education Department and all of its classes come with a certificate of completion and the option of a free retake within one year.
- If you’re looking for a shorter course, Noble runs a multi-day class called AutoCAD Level 1, where you can learn to use AutoCAD’s basic drawing and editing tools to create drawings for architectural and mechanical objects. AutoCAD Level 2, is another short option. In this intermediate class, you’ll work on more advanced and technical projects. You’ll also learn how to create templates by setting units, drawing limits, and scales, and how to use the interface to complete advanced layer and block techniques. Noble also offers AutoCAD Level 3, an advanced course where you’ll learn about annotation, dynamic blocks and attributes, collaboration and publishing, and customization. In this class, you’ll learn to execute advanced AutoCAD projects from start to finish as well as how to use the program’s tools to increase efficiency. If you’d like a longer class, Noble also offers the AutoCAD Bootcamp, which is a combination of its beginner and intermediate classes, at a 10 percent discount.
- If you want a more comprehensive AutoCAD course, you might be interested in the AutoCAD Masterclass, where you’ll go from a beginner to an advanced level. This class begins by covering basic skills such as understanding the interface, creating drawings, using object snap tracking, and using editing commands. After that, you’ll learn more complex skills like working with templates and layouts, creating and organizing blocks, and using external references. The course also covers advanced AutoCAD skills, including tables, text objects, attributes, and dynamic blocks. In addition, you’ll work on a variety of projects.
- Another Noble Desktop option is the AutoCAD Certification Program. This is designed for students who want to earn the Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD for Design & Drafting. This program starts with three AutoCAD classes, which are intended to take you from beginner to advanced level. You’ll also receive six hours of private tutoring, where you can work on any difficult skills and make sure you are fully prepared for the exam. After that, you’ll take the Autodesk AutoCAD exam. The exam, proctoring, and a free retake are included in the course fee. If you don’t want to take the exam, you can opt for an extra hour of private tutoring instead.