How to Become a Civil 3D Coordinator

A Civil 3D Coordinator works in the field of civil engineering, facilitating communication and coordination among team members, reviewing Civil 3D designs, and helping to ensure that projects are successfully completed. Civil 3D Coordinators have a broad range of knowledge related to civil engineering and strong communication skills, and are proficient in Autodesk Civil 3D and a number of other applications that are used in this industry. This article is designed to help you gain a better understanding of what Civil 3D Coordinators do, and the steps involved in becoming one.

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.

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What Tools Do I Need To Get Started?

To be a Civil Coordinator, you’ll need to become proficient in a number of different software applications.

• Civil 3D: Autodesk Civil 3D is a software application used for civil engineering design and documentation. It supports Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows for many different types of civil engineering projects including water, land development, roads, rail, and airports. This application is available through Autodesk, by monthly or yearly subscription. Autodesk also offers a free trial.
• AutoCAD: AutoCAD is a computer-aided software design (CAD) program from Autodesk that is used to create and edit 2D and 3D models and drawings. AutoCAD is an industry-standard application in a number of different fields including civil engineering. As with Civil 3D, Autodesk offers a free trial of AutoCAD. After that, the application is available by monthly or yearly subscription.
• Navisworks: Navisworks is an Autodesk software application for 3D design review and coordination. Users can combine multiple 3D design packages such as AutoCAD and Civil 3D into one 3D model. They can navigate the model in real-time and review it with tools such as measurements and comments. You can try out Navisworks with a free trial. After that, it is available by yearly or monthly subscription. 
• Bluebeam: Bluebeam is a software application that is used by professionals in the construction industry. It helps design and construction teams create, collaborate, and communicate together. This application allows real-time collaboration. A free trial is offered for Bluebeam, and it is available by yearly subscription, with three different versions to choose from.

Steps to Become a Civil 3D Coordinator

If you want to be a 3D Civil Coordinator, in addition to software proficiency, you’ll need civil engineering experience. Civil engineering is a type of engineering that is focused on designing and building infrastructure like tunnels, roads, bridges, airports, and water systems. Civil Engineers are responsible for creating and maintaining many of the structures and systems that are essential to daily life. To work in this field, you’ll also need to develop an understanding of the physical environment, since civil engineering projects are a part of that. There are also many unique concepts related to civil engineering that you’ll need to master. For example, you’ll need to understand the different types of materials used in this field, know about how structures respond to loads, and learn how different types of structures interact with the natural environment.

In order to be successful in this role, you’ll also need a number of soft skills. Strong communication skills are essential for a Civil 3D Coordinator, since this position involves regular 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 example, you should be able to understand the needs of others, and resolve any conflicts that arise. Civil 3D Coordinators also need to juggle a lot of different information and responsibilities, so organization can be an asset in this role.

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. 

Why Become A Civil 3D Coordinator?

A Civil 3D Coordinator has a unique blend of knowledge and skills that they use to help ensure that projects run smoothly. As the job title suggests, they coordinate resources and team members. They are an important part of making sure that every team member knows how to do their job, and what is expected of them, and they make sure that the project proceeds according to plan. They also help deal with any problems that arise. Overall, they play an essential role in the successful completion of a variety of civil engineering projects.

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.” According to the VDCI, while salaries vary from state to state, the average salary for a Civil 3D Coordinator is about $60,000 to $70,000.

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 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.

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 AutoDesk 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.