Civil 3D Coordinators work within the field of civil engineering. They facilitate communication and coordination among team members and review Civil 3D designs to ensure that projects are successfully completed. To work in this role you’ll need to have a strong understanding of civil engineering, and good communication skills. You’ll also need to be proficient in the applications that are used in this industry, such as Civil 3D, AutoCAD, Navisworks, and Bluebeam.

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.

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 Architecture and Construction

  • Nationally accredited
  • Create your own portfolio
  • Free student software
  • Learn at your convenience
  • Career placement assistance
  • Authorized Autodesk training center

Learn More

What Skills Will I need to Learn to Become a Civil 3D Coordinator?

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 this field. 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 also 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.

What Courses Should I Enroll in to Become a Civil 3D Coordinator?

Class 1 - Intermediate Civil 3D Surveying and Mapping

If you want to become a Civil 3D Coordinator, you’ll need to learn to use Civil 3D. The Virtual Design and Construction Institute offers a number of course options, including this one, which is focused on surveying and mapping skills. This class is taught by a licensed Civil Engineer who is also an Autodesk Certified Instructor. You’ll learn about the surveying and mapping elements and commands in Civil 3D. 

  • Learn how to create, label, and modify points and how to organize them into groups.
  • Create Civil 3D description key sets, linework code sets, and figure prefix databases.
  • Perform a surface analysis.
  • Edit surface definitions.
  • Edit parcel display styles and label parcels areas and segments.
  • Run a survey import.
  • Create and subdivide parcels.

Class 2 - Intermediate Civil 3D: Land Development

This course covers land development design elements in Civil 3D. You’ll also learn about drawing template files and data shortcuts.

  • Learn how to create and edit feature lines and grading groups.
  • Make a custom drawing sheet.
  • Create the layout for pipe and pressure networks.
  • Annotate pipe and pressure networks.
  • Gain an understanding of pipe and pressure parts catalogs.
  • Understand how to create multiple styles for Civil 3D objects and labels.

Class 3 - AutoCAD Bootcamp

This multi-day course covers beginner through advanced AutoCAD skills. You’ll start by learning to use AutoCAD’s basic drawing and editing tools to create drawings for architectural and mechanical objects.After that, you’ll work on more advanced and technical projects. In addition, you’ll learn how to create templates, and how to use the interface to complete advanced layer and block techniques. Finally, the bootcamp covers a number of advanced skills including annotation, dynamic blocks and attributes, collaboration and publishing, and customization. 

Class 4 - 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.

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.