Civil 3D Coordinators review drawings in Autodesk Civil 3D and facilitate communication and coordination among project team members. They work in many different cities, since civil engineering projects take place all across the country. This article discusses some of the factors that can make a city a good place to work for a Civil 3D Coordinator, how to find a job, and some of the top cities for Civil 3D Coordinator positions.
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.
What Makes a City Good for Civil 3D Coordinators?
There are a number of factors to consider when it comes to assessing whether or not a particular city will be a good place to work as a Civil 3D Coordinator. They include job opportunities, salaries, the cost of living, the civil engineering community, and the quality of life.
Job Opportunities
Job opportunities are one of the most important things to consider when evaluating cities. You can look at the total number of jobs available, and you can also look at how many match your interests and expertise. Another thing you might want to consider is the unemployment rate in that city, since a higher unemployment rate can mean that it might be more challenging to find a job there. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides employment data for Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians, which is a category that includes Civil 3D Coordinators. This data reveals that the metropolitan areas with the highest levels are all large cities, including Houston, Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York City.
Salaries
Salaries are another key piece of information to consider for any city that you’re interested in. A number of different websites provide salary estimates. You can also review job postings for that particular city to get a better idea of what pay might be. According to U.S. News & World Report, “The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the civil engineer profession are San Jose, San Francisco, Sacramento, Redding, and New York are the highest-paying metropolitan areas in the United States for civil engineering. BLS reports that the highest-paying metropolitan areas are San Francisco, San Jose, Modesto, and Washington, D.C. Additionally, according to (BLS), when it comes to earnings in the field of civil engineering, the oil and gas industry is the highest-paying industry to work for.
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Cost of Living
While salary information is important, so is the cost of living. This includes things like food, healthcare, and housing, and it’s a vital part of understanding how much money you will actually end up with. A high salary is good, but if you live in a city that has a very high cost of living too, then you might not end up making as much as you think.
Strong Civil 3D Coordinator Community
Another thing to evaluate when you’re looking at cities is the Civil 3D Coordinator community, or the civil engineering community in general, that exists in a particular city. That community is a potential source of support and networking opportunities, and it might end up being more important to you than you realize. A community can also be valuable if you’re looking for further education or more challenging career opportunities.
Quality of Life
In addition to job-related information about a city, you should also research the quality of life offered there. This includes many different elements and will vary according to your specific interests. Some things to consider are entertainment options like shopping, dining, and sports; access to and quality of outdoor activities; commute times; and the weather.
Top Cities for Civil 3D Coordinators
Houston
According to a recent article by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) titled, “ASCE’s Top 10 Best Places to be a Civil Engineer – 2023 Edition,” Houston is an excellent city if you want to work in the field of civil engineering. It ranks the city as the third best place in the country to be a Civil Engineer. The article states, “More than a thousand people moved to Texas every day in the last decade, and a significant portion of these people have chosen Houston as their home.” It explains, “If migration continues at the same rate, the population of the greater Houston area will be doubled by 2050. This gives Houston an immense opportunity to undertake massive infrastructure initiatives that will create opportunities for thousands of civil engineers.” BLS reports that Houston has the highest level of employment among U.S. cities for Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians, a category that includes a number of different professionals who assist Civil Engineers. This city is also widely reported to be a great place to live.
According to the Greater Houston Partnership, Houston has the third lowest cost of living among the biggest U.S. metros. In addition, it maintains that this city offers a great quality of life, stating, “Here, you’ll find the perfect mix of Southern hospitality and urban sophistication; of hole-in-the-wall hot spots and cutting-edge culinary prowess; of big business and unbreakable entrepreneurial spirit. The Bayou City also boasts a number of waterways and public parks, making it a verdant hub for those who wish to live an active lifestyle.”
Los Angeles
BLS ranks Los Angeles at number two for employment levels of Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians, with more than 1,700 people employed. Los Angeles is also ranked second for employment of Civil Engineers, with more than 15,000 people employed. In an Indeed article titled, “The Best Cities for Pay and Career Growth in the Engineering Field,” Indeed ranks Los Angeles as one of the top five cities in the country for Civil Engineers. While the cost of living is relatively high here and commute times can be long, Los Angeles boasts excellent weather year-round, a huge variety of entertainment options, and a high level of cultural diversity.
Seattle
According to the Seattle city website, Seattle is the 18th most populous city in the country. As a result, it has many job opportunities in the field of civil engineering. The ASCE article states, “Seattle has been growing steadily over the last several years, which can be seen in the many major infrastructure projects in the area. At one point, Seattle had the most tower cranes in the world!” In addition, it reports that this city has many new projects planned for the future. In a recent WalletHub article titled, “Best & Worst Metro Areas for STEM Professionals (2024),” Seattle is ranked as the second-best city in the United States for STEM jobs in general. Summers in this city are pleasant, however, the winters can be gloomy.
The cost of living is relatively high, but this city has a thriving art and cultural scene and plenty of dining and entertainment options. It also provides easy access to many outdoor opportunities. U.S. News & World Report comments that this city also has a comfortable, laid-back atmosphere. In its city overview, it states, “Surrounded by both mountains and water on two sides, the natural beauty of Seattle is one of the biggest draws for residents. The scenery and proximity to nature likely contribute to Seattle's inherent attitude of calm and patience. Locals are mocked for always allowing others to merge on the freeway, but that attitude extends to everyday life, where coffee shops harbor intellectual discussions, and nightlife is more about chilling with a beer at the bar than wild nights on the dance floor.”
San Francisco
According to BLS, the San Francisco metropolitan area is a top employer of Civil Engineers, employing more than 8,000 people, which means there are likely to be many opportunities for Civil 3D Coordinators in this area. According to the Indeed article, San Francisco is one of the top five cities in the country for Civil Engineers. The author explains that the city has both high salaries and a large number of job opportunities. San Francisco also boasts a diverse population and is known as a cultural hub. It offers many different dining and entertainment options, has a mild climate, and offers easy access to outdoor recreation.
Denver
BLS reports that the Denver metropolitan area is a top employer of Civil Engineers, employing more than 8,000 people. As explained in the ASCE article, “The continued growth within Denver and the surrounding areas, along with the investment in infrastructure, attracts many civil engineers from around the country and the world. Coupled with world-class outdoor activities and the support locally for work-life balance, Denver continues to be a top spot in the country for civil engineers.”
U.S. News & World Report finds that Denver has an excellent quality of life, with many entertainment and recreation options. It states, “Denver offers more than 5,000 acres of parks, trails, golf courses and playgrounds. In fact, many of Denver's most prominent neighborhoods are built around and named after such beloved green spaces. . . . The metro area's proximity to the Rocky Mountains also creates numerous opportunities for residents to ski and snowboard in the winter.” In addition, it says, “Denver is home to a flourishing arts scene, and music is a big part of life here. Numerous famous acts originated here.”
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, who 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.
Many people find it very fulfilling to work in the field of civil engineering because civil engineering projects have a direct and observable impact on everyday life. In its “Civil Engineer Overview,” U.S. News & World Report cites Maria Lehman, who is the president of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). She says, “I do this thing with middle school students: I challenge them to tell me something they don’t think a civil engineer has been involved in, and I haven’t been stumped in 30 years.” Lehman comments, “Based on the broadness of the profession, it has (an) incredible impact on our daily lives.”
How to Find a Civil 3D Coordinator Job
To work as a 3D Civil Coordinator, you’ll need civil engineering knowledge and experience. You’ll also need to learn to use a number of different computer applications including Autodesk Civil 3D, AutoCAD, Navisworks, and Bluebeam. In addition, you’ll need a number of soft skills including communication, teamwork, and organization. There are a number of different ways to gain the skills and knowledge needed to work in this role. Career-focused training programs--which include bootcamps and certificate courses--have become an increasingly popular option in recent years. These types of courses provide 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 include a variety of career support services.
In addition to education, if you want to work as a Civil 3D Coordinator you’ll need to gain experience. The amount of experience required varies widely, however, in general, you can expect to need about two years of experience for an entry-level job, and more for a higher-level position. The Virtual Design and Construction Institute suggests that you should have about three to five years of experience in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. Ways to gain that experience while you’re still learning include volunteering, working on a side project, or taking on an internship or part-time job.
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.