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Earth Sciences Careers and Jobs

Select, Find and Prepare for Earth Sciences Careers and Jobs - all on one page

For science-minded people interested in the physical earth systems, from geology to climate to oceans. Use the tools below to see which earth sciences roles fit your background and goals.

This field spans geology, meteorology, and oceanography, and many advanced research roles require a master's degree or higher. Use the tools below to explore Earth Sciences-related job titles sorted by growth rate, salary, or required education. You can start with entry points like Field Technician, or look ahead to advanced roles such as Geologist or Hydrologist. Along the way, you will see specific certifications, such as Professional Geologist (PG) License, that can help you move up the career ladder.



4 Steps to Use This Page: 1-Explore Careers of Intrerest 2-See Job Listings Matched to Career 3-Prepare for the Career 4-See External Career Resources

Here is a short Helper Video External Link

This page will take you through 4 steps to (1) Select from Earth Sciences careers/jobs, (2) Find Earth Sciences job listings, (3) Prepare for Earth Sciences careers, and (4) Provide Earth Sciences career-specific resources.

Step 1: Select a Career/Job: This page starts with 4 ways for you to identify and select from listings of Earth Sciences careers/jobs:
A) Fastest Growing Earth Sciences Careers - 2023 to 2033 (est.)
These listings are based on job growth estimates and helps you to identify the fastest growing and evolving Earth Sciences careers. Some careers may not initially seem related to Earth Sciences, so relevant Earth Sciences jobs are listed alongside each listing. This can also help us to identify which careers (bottom of the listing) may have negative growth - perhaps due to automation or planned obsolescence.
B) Median Annual Salary U.S. Earth Sciences Careers
These listings are sorted (descending) by median annual salary in the U.S. This may help us to identify our ideal career. We may not qualify at this time for the desired career, but this listing and the results provided can help us to explore job details, as well as learn how to appropriately prepare for the career.
C) Earth Sciences Career Ladders (Educational Requirements)
These listings will help us to identify Earth Sciences careers sorted by educational requirements (with the most difficult to obtain listed first). This may help us to identify career ladders (as we scroll down the list), and help us to get jobs that we qualify for now.
D) Select From a Listing of 59 Earth Sciences Jobs.
The list may be quite long. There are two ways you might like to use this list:
1) Filter - As you enter a word, you will filter (limit) the list of job titles
2) Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply explore the list of job titles. There may be many that you might never have considered to be of interest.
Once you have identified a job title of interest, simply click on it.

Step 2: Find a Job: After you have selected a career/job title above, you will see a form asking for your location. You will see several radio selection choices to utilize the job search site of your choice.

Step 3: Prepare For a Career: In this section you will gain access to detailed information to help you prepare for the chosen career. Information may include (not every career choice includes all of the elements below - updates occur quarterly):
Core Duties: Lists the primary worker-related tasks performed in this occupation
Supplemental Duties: Lists additional tasks that are performed but are secondary to the core duties
Work Activities: Summarizes the broad types of behaviors and actions related to this career
Specific Work Activities: Provides more granular day-to-day activities tied to the work performed
Essential Skills: Provides foundational skills that are core to performing this specific occupation
Transferable Skills: Provides career-portable skills that can be applied across multiple occupations and industries
Day-in-the-Life Summaries: Provides a snapshot of the key activities performed on a typical workday in this career
Knowledge Required: Provides the requirements regarding the acquisition of facts and principles
Software Skills: Lists software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized by category and priority
Preparation Required: Provides a summary of the required experience and education
Education Required: Detailed breakdown of the education required
Training and Experience Required: Detailed breakdown of the training and Training and Experience Required
Local Salary Information: Provides national and local salary ranges
Certifications: Provides appropriate government and private-sector certifications and/or credentials that may be required
Professional Associations: Provides professional associations that are related to the career selected
Job Listings: Provides links to active current job listings for the selected career, along with multiple similar job titles to explore. All information appears on this page without navigating away.
Related Careers to Consider: Lists up to 20 careers that might be of interest to you (related to your initial choice - what they do, what they know, and what they're called), ranked by best fit.

** If you clicked on a link from section D (as described in Step 1 above), you will see one or more links to an occupation that is usually a bit more general than your initial job selection - the link(s) is directly related to the specific job you identified through your prior selections.
*NOTE: It is possible that there may not be a career path identified for the specific job you selected in Step 1. If this is the case, scroll up the page and click on a different career/job.

Step 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated): Continue to scroll down the page and you will find tabs that provide detailed (updated) links specific to the career you selected. This information includes:
Videos: Provides a listing of video links related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes: Sources for resume materials and techniques. This can help to get you started.
Job Description: Sources that provide job descriptions, which are vital to resume and interview preparation.
Interviews: Provides links that can help you to prepare for and successfully complete the job interview. Can also assist with coffee chats.
Step by Step: Provides links to resources that can help to organize the career search process.
LinkedIn: One of the best professional social media sites that provides links, opportunities, and networking specifically for careers and career development.




Step 1 of 4: Select a Career/Job

10 Earth Sciences careers are listed below (sorted by Percentage Change in Total Job Openings - 2023 to 2033 est.). Earth Sciences-related jobs specific to each career are also provided. This shows which careers are emerging and growing the fastest. Please Scroll and Select below:

Occupations U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033 (% change) Earth Sciences-Related Jobs

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary 12.5% Geological Engineering Teacher
Occupation: Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 12.5% Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Geological Engineering Teacher
Atmospheric and Space Scientists 8.3% Broadcast Meteorologist; Computer Meteorologist; Hydrometeorological Technician (Hydrometeorological Tech); Hydrometeorologist; Marine Meteorologist; Meteorological Engineer; Meteorological Technician (Meteorological Tech); Meteorologist; Morning Meteorologist; Oceanographic Meteorologist; Operational Meteorologist; Physical Meteorologist; Research Meteorologist; Synoptic Meteorologist; Warning Coordination Meteorologist
Occupation: Atmospheric and Space Scientists U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 8.3% Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Broadcast Meteorologist; Computer Meteorologist; Hydrometeorological Technician (Hydrometeorological Tech); Hydrometeorologist; Marine Meteorologist; Meteorological Engineer; Meteorological Technician (Meteorological Tech); Meteorologist; Morning Meteorologist; Oceanographic Meteorologist; Operational Meteorologist; Physical Meteorologist; Research Meteorologist; Synoptic Meteorologist; Warning Coordination Meteorologist
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers 7% Consultant Geologist; Development Geologist; Engineering Geologist; Environmental Geologist; Environmental Protection Geologist; Exploration Geologist; Field Geologist; Geological Scout; Geological Specialist; Geologist; Marine Geologist; Mine Geologist; Mining Production Geologist; Oceanographer; Operations Geologist; Petroleum Geologist; Project Geologist; Research Geologist; Spectral Geologist; Wellsite Geologist
Occupation: Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 7% Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Consultant Geologist; Development Geologist; Engineering Geologist; Environmental Geologist; Environmental Protection Geologist; Exploration Geologist; Field Geologist; Geological Scout; Geological Specialist; Geologist; Marine Geologist; Mine Geologist; Mining Production Geologist; Oceanographer; Operations Geologist; Petroleum Geologist; Project Geologist; Research Geologist; Spectral Geologist; Wellsite Geologist
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary 6.4% Geological Science Teacher; Geology Professor; Geology Teacher; Hydrometeorology Teacher; Meteorology Faculty Member; Meteorology Professor; Meteorology Teacher; Oceanography Professor; Oceanography Teacher
Occupation: Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 6.4% Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Geological Science Teacher; Geology Professor; Geology Teacher; Hydrometeorology Teacher; Meteorology Faculty Member; Meteorology Professor; Meteorology Teacher; Oceanography Professor; Oceanography Teacher
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists 6% Broadcast Meteorologist
Occupation: News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 6% Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Broadcast Meteorologist
Natural Sciences Managers 5.8% Geological Manager
Occupation: Natural Sciences Managers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 5.8% Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Geological Manager
Hydrologists 5.6% Hydrogeologist; Project Hydrogeologist
Occupation: Hydrologists U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 5.6% Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Hydrogeologist; Project Hydrogeologist
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment 4.5% Meteorological Equipment Repairer
Occupation: Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 4.5% Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Meteorological Equipment Repairer
Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers 3.9% Geological Engineer
Occupation: Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 3.9% Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Geological Engineer
Architectural and Civil Drafters -0.9% Geological Drafter
Occupation: Architectural and Civil Drafters U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: -0.9% Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Geological Drafter

12 Earth Sciences careers are listed below (sorted by U.S. National Median Salary). Earth Sciences-related jobs specific to each occupation are also provided. Please Scroll and Select below::

Occupations National Median Salary Earth Sciences-Related Jobs

Natural Sciences Managers $ 157,740 Geological Manager
Occupation: Natural Sciences Managers National Median Salary: $ 157,740 Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Geological Manager
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary $ 106,910 Geological Engineering Teacher
Occupation: Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary National Median Salary: $ 106,910 Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Geological Engineering Teacher
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $ 100,690 Geological Science Teacher; Geology Professor; Geology Teacher; Hydrometeorology Teacher; Meteorology Faculty Member; Meteorology Professor; Meteorology Teacher; Oceanography Professor; Oceanography Teacher
Occupation: Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary National Median Salary: $ 100,690 Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Geological Science Teacher; Geology Professor; Geology Teacher; Hydrometeorology Teacher; Meteorology Faculty Member; Meteorology Professor; Meteorology Teacher; Oceanography Professor; Oceanography Teacher
Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers $ 100,640 Geological Engineer
Occupation: Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers National Median Salary: $ 100,640 Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Geological Engineer
Atmospheric and Space Scientists $ 92,860 Broadcast Meteorologist; Computer Meteorologist; Hydrometeorological Technician (Hydrometeorological Tech); Hydrometeorologist; Marine Meteorologist; Meteorological Engineer; Meteorological Technician (Meteorological Tech); Meteorologist; Morning Meteorologist; Oceanographic Meteorologist; Operational Meteorologist; Physical Meteorologist; Research Meteorologist; Synoptic Meteorologist; Warning Coordination Meteorologist
Occupation: Atmospheric and Space Scientists National Median Salary: $ 92,860 Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Broadcast Meteorologist; Computer Meteorologist; Hydrometeorological Technician (Hydrometeorological Tech); Hydrometeorologist; Marine Meteorologist; Meteorological Engineer; Meteorological Technician (Meteorological Tech); Meteorologist; Morning Meteorologist; Oceanographic Meteorologist; Operational Meteorologist; Physical Meteorologist; Research Meteorologist; Synoptic Meteorologist; Warning Coordination Meteorologist
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers $ 92,580 Consultant Geologist; Development Geologist; Engineering Geologist; Environmental Geologist; Environmental Protection Geologist; Exploration Geologist; Field Geologist; Geological Scout; Geological Specialist; Geologist; Marine Geologist; Mine Geologist; Mining Production Geologist; Oceanographer; Operations Geologist; Petroleum Geologist; Project Geologist; Research Geologist; Spectral Geologist; Wellsite Geologist
Occupation: Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers National Median Salary: $ 92,580 Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Consultant Geologist; Development Geologist; Engineering Geologist; Environmental Geologist; Environmental Protection Geologist; Exploration Geologist; Field Geologist; Geological Scout; Geological Specialist; Geologist; Marine Geologist; Mine Geologist; Mining Production Geologist; Oceanographer; Operations Geologist; Petroleum Geologist; Project Geologist; Research Geologist; Spectral Geologist; Wellsite Geologist
Hydrologists $ 88,770 Hydrogeologist; Project Hydrogeologist
Occupation: Hydrologists National Median Salary: $ 88,770 Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Hydrogeologist; Project Hydrogeologist
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment $ 66,680 Meteorological Equipment Repairer
Occupation: Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment National Median Salary: $ 66,680 Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Meteorological Equipment Repairer
Architectural and Civil Drafters $ 61,820 Geological Drafter
Occupation: Architectural and Civil Drafters National Median Salary: $ 61,820 Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Geological Drafter
Remote Sensing Technicians $ 58,350 Meteorologist Liaison
Occupation: Remote Sensing Technicians National Median Salary: $ 58,350 Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Meteorologist Liaison
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists $ 57,500 Broadcast Meteorologist
Occupation: News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists National Median Salary: $ 57,500 Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Broadcast Meteorologist
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians $ 52,440 Geological Aide; Geological E-Logger; Geological Sample Tester; Geological Technician; Geologist; Geology Associate; Geology Technician
Occupation: Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians National Median Salary: $ 52,440 Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Geological Aide; Geological E-Logger; Geological Sample Tester; Geological Technician; Geologist; Geology Associate; Geology Technician

12 Earth Sciences careers are listed (sorted by Education/Preparation Requirements - descending) to provide career ladders. Earth Sciences-related jobs specific to each career are also provided.

Education/Preparation Categories:
5 = Usually requires graduate school (e.g., Master's degree, Ph.D., M.D., or J.D.)
4 = Usually requires a four-year Bachelor's degree
3 = Usually requires vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or Associate's degree
2 = Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, but not always
Please Scroll and Select below:
Occupations Education/Preparation Earth Sciences-Related Jobs

Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary 5 Geological Science Teacher; Geology Professor; Geology Teacher; Hydrometeorology Teacher; Meteorology Faculty Member; Meteorology Professor; Meteorology Teacher; Oceanography Professor; Oceanography Teacher
Occupation: Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary Education/Preparation: 5 Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Geological Science Teacher; Geology Professor; Geology Teacher; Hydrometeorology Teacher; Meteorology Faculty Member; Meteorology Professor; Meteorology Teacher; Oceanography Professor; Oceanography Teacher
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary 5 Geological Engineering Teacher
Occupation: Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary Education/Preparation: 5 Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Geological Engineering Teacher
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers 5 Consultant Geologist; Development Geologist; Engineering Geologist; Environmental Geologist; Environmental Protection Geologist; Exploration Geologist; Field Geologist; Geological Scout; Geological Specialist; Geologist; Marine Geologist; Mine Geologist; Mining Production Geologist; Oceanographer; Operations Geologist; Petroleum Geologist; Project Geologist; Research Geologist; Spectral Geologist; Wellsite Geologist
Occupation: Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers Education/Preparation: 5 Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Consultant Geologist; Development Geologist; Engineering Geologist; Environmental Geologist; Environmental Protection Geologist; Exploration Geologist; Field Geologist; Geological Scout; Geological Specialist; Geologist; Marine Geologist; Mine Geologist; Mining Production Geologist; Oceanographer; Operations Geologist; Petroleum Geologist; Project Geologist; Research Geologist; Spectral Geologist; Wellsite Geologist
Hydrologists 5 Hydrogeologist; Project Hydrogeologist
Occupation: Hydrologists Education/Preparation: 5 Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Hydrogeologist; Project Hydrogeologist
Natural Sciences Managers 5 Geological Manager
Occupation: Natural Sciences Managers Education/Preparation: 5 Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Geological Manager
Atmospheric and Space Scientists 4 Broadcast Meteorologist; Computer Meteorologist; Hydrometeorological Technician (Hydrometeorological Tech); Hydrometeorologist; Marine Meteorologist; Meteorological Engineer; Meteorological Technician (Meteorological Tech); Meteorologist; Morning Meteorologist; Oceanographic Meteorologist; Operational Meteorologist; Physical Meteorologist; Research Meteorologist; Synoptic Meteorologist; Warning Coordination Meteorologist
Occupation: Atmospheric and Space Scientists Education/Preparation: 4 Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Broadcast Meteorologist; Computer Meteorologist; Hydrometeorological Technician (Hydrometeorological Tech); Hydrometeorologist; Marine Meteorologist; Meteorological Engineer; Meteorological Technician (Meteorological Tech); Meteorologist; Morning Meteorologist; Oceanographic Meteorologist; Operational Meteorologist; Physical Meteorologist; Research Meteorologist; Synoptic Meteorologist; Warning Coordination Meteorologist
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians 4 Geological Aide; Geological E-Logger; Geological Sample Tester; Geological Technician; Geologist; Geology Associate; Geology Technician
Occupation: Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians Education/Preparation: 4 Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Geological Aide; Geological E-Logger; Geological Sample Tester; Geological Technician; Geologist; Geology Associate; Geology Technician
Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers 4 Geological Engineer
Occupation: Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers Education/Preparation: 4 Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Geological Engineer
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists 4 Broadcast Meteorologist
Occupation: News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists Education/Preparation: 4 Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Broadcast Meteorologist
Remote Sensing Technicians 4 Meteorologist Liaison
Occupation: Remote Sensing Technicians Education/Preparation: 4 Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Meteorologist Liaison
Architectural and Civil Drafters 3 Geological Drafter
Occupation: Architectural and Civil Drafters Education/Preparation: 3 Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Geological Drafter
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment 3 Meteorological Equipment Repairer
Occupation: Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment Education/Preparation: 3 Earth Sciences-Related Jobs: Meteorological Equipment Repairer

Scroll through the picklist (below). There are 59 specific Earth Sciences job titles listed. Select those that may be of interest - you will get active job listing links, along with detailed resources to help you prepare for a career related to that job.
You can use this form two ways:

hidden filler

Filter - As you enter a keyword, you will filter (limit) the list of job titles below

Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply explore the list of job titles. There may be many that you might never have considered to be of interest.

Enter a Keyword (filter the list below)
OR - leave blank and scroll through the choices:



Select a Job Title (Scroll and Select) :

Step 2 of 4: Find a Job

Find Job Listings: Architectural and Civil Drafters.


Search results will open in a new tab.

Note: Job search results work best for U.S.-based locations. For international searches, try searching for "[job title] in [city, country]" directly on the selected job board, or visit their country-specific website.

Step 3 of 4: Prepare For a Career





Architectural and Civil Drafters

Description: Prepare detailed drawings of architectural and structural features of buildings or drawings and topographical relief maps used in civil engineering projects, such as highways, bridges, and public works. Use knowledge of building materials, engineering practices, and mathematics to complete drawings.

U.S. Total Employment (2023):
99,900
U.S. Total Employment (2033 est.):
99,000
Employment Change (2023-2033 est.):
-900 (-0.9%)
Average Annual Job Openings (2023-2033 est.):
9,300
Please click on a section below to expand and see detailed occupational information related to "Architectural and Civil Drafters":

Core Duties

Important Core Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Produce drawings, using computer-assisted drafting systems (CAD) or drafting machines, or by hand, using compasses, dividers, protractors, triangles, and other drafting devices.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Draw maps, diagrams, and profiles, using cross-sections and surveys, to represent elevations, topographical contours, subsurface formations, and structures.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Finish and duplicate drawings and documentation packages according to required mediums and specifications for reproduction, using blueprinting, photography, or other duplicating methods.
Importance: 97 (%) Description: Analyze building codes, by-laws, space and site requirements, and other technical documents and reports to determine their effect on architectural designs.
Importance: 95 (%) Description: Draft plans and detailed drawings for structures, installations, and construction projects, such as highways, sewage disposal systems, and dikes, working from sketches or notes.
Importance: 95 (%) Description: Supervise and train other technologists, technicians, and drafters.
Importance: 95 (%) Description: Check dimensions of materials to be used and assign numbers to lists of materials.
Importance: 94 (%) Description: Determine procedures and instructions to be followed, according to design specifications and quantity of required materials.
Importance: 92 (%) Description: Coordinate structural, electrical, and mechanical designs and determine a method of presentation to graphically represent building plans.
Importance: 91 (%) Description: Obtain and assemble data to complete architectural designs, visiting job sites to compile measurements as necessary.
Importance: 87 (%) Description: Lay out and plan interior room arrangements for commercial buildings, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment and software.
Importance: 87 (%) Description: Draw rough and detailed scale plans for foundations, buildings, and structures, based on preliminary concepts, sketches, engineering calculations, specification sheets, and other data.
Importance: 86 (%) Description: Determine the order of work and method of presentation, such as orthographic or isometric drawing.
Importance: 86 (%) Description: Explain drawings to production or construction teams and provide adjustments as necessary.
Importance: 82 (%) Description: Prepare colored drawings of landscape and interior designs for presentation to client.
Importance: 81 (%) Description: Determine quality, cost, strength, and quantity of required materials, and enter figures on materials lists.
Importance: 76 (%) Description: Locate and identify symbols on topographical surveys to denote geological and geophysical formations or oil field installations.
Importance: 76 (%) Description: Correlate, interpret, and modify data obtained from topographical surveys, well logs, and geophysical prospecting reports.
Importance: 76 (%) Description: Calculate weights, volumes, and stress factors and their implications for technical aspects of designs.
Importance: 75 (%) Description: Calculate excavation tonnage and prepare graphs and fill-hauling diagrams for use in earth-moving operations.
Importance: 71 (%) Description: Supervise or conduct field surveys, inspections, or technical investigations to obtain data required to revise construction drawings.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Create freehand drawings and lettering to accompany drawings.
Supplemental Duties
Important Supplemental Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 76 (%) Description: Reproduce drawings on copy machines or trace copies of plans and drawings, using transparent paper or cloth, ink, pencil, and standard drafting instruments.
Importance: 59 (%) Description: Calculate heat loss and gain of buildings and structures to determine required equipment specifications, following standard procedures.
Importance: 38 (%) Description: Plot characteristics of boreholes for oil and gas wells from photographic subsurface survey recordings and other data, representing depth, degree, and direction of inclination.
Work Activities

Important General Work Activities (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 95 (%) Description: Working with Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Importance: 92 (%) Description: Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment: Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Importance: 87 (%) Description: Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Importance: 86 (%) Description: Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Importance: 79 (%) Description: Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Importance: 78 (%) Description: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Importance: 77 (%) Description: Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Importance: 77 (%) Description: Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Importance: 74 (%) Description: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Importance: 73 (%) Description: Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Importance: 73 (%) Description: Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Importance: 71 (%) Description: Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Importance: 67 (%) Description: Communicating with People Outside the Organization: Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information: Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Importance: 63 (%) Description: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Specific Work Activities

Important Specific Work Activities
How can you begin to build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. Specific Work Activities appear below:
Analyze costs and benefits of proposed designs or projects.
Analyze operational data to evaluate operations, processes or products.
Collect data about project sites.
Create graphical representations of civil structures.
Create graphical representations of energy production systems.
Create graphical representations of structures or landscapes.
Create maps.
Determine operational methods.
Estimate operational costs.
Estimate technical or resource requirements for development or production projects.
Evaluate designs or specifications to ensure quality.
Evaluate technical data to determine effect on designs or plans.
Explain engineering drawings, specifications, or other technical information.
Monitor processes for compliance with standards.
Prepare contracts, disclosures, or applications.
Prepare detailed work plans.
Prepare procedural documents.
Prepare technical reports for internal use.
Provide technical guidance to other personnel.
Recommend technical design or process changes to improve efficiency, quality, or performance.
Review details of technical drawings or specifications.
Review technical documents to plan work.
Supervise engineering or other technical personnel.
Survey land or bodies of water to measure or determine features.
Verify mathematical calculations.
Knowledge Required

Knowledge Required (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 85 (%) Description: Design: Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Importance: 83 (%) Description: Building and Construction: Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Importance: 82 (%) Description: Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Importance: 75 (%) Description: English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Importance: 74 (%) Description: Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Importance: 61 (%) Description: Public Safety and Security: Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Importance: 59 (%) Description: Administration and Management: Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Importance: 59 (%) Description: Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Essential Skills

Essential Skills (in order of importance)
These are the foundational skills most central to success in this occupation. For the Top 5 most important, how can you begin building experience and confidence using these skills now?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 60 (%) Description: Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Importance: 56 (%) Description: Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Importance: 56 (%) Description: Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Importance: 56 (%) Description: Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Transferable Skills

Transferable Skills (in order of importance)
These are skills that can transfer across occupations and industries. For the Top 5 most important, how can you strengthen these skills now so they support both this career and future career flexibility?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 58 (%) Description: Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Importance: 58 (%) Description: Systems Analysis: Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Time Management: Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Instructing: Teaching others how to do something.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Day-in-the-Life Summaries

Day-in-the-Life Summaries
These summaries show the main types of activities you are likely to perform on a regular basis in this occupation. How can you imagine your typical workday — using these examples to see if this type of work fits you?
Activity: Advise others on business or operational matters.
Activity: Advise others on the design or use of technologies.
Activity: Analyze data to improve operations.
Activity: Assess characteristics of land or property.
Activity: Create visual designs or displays.
Activity: Determine operational methods or procedures.
Activity: Determine resource needs of projects or operations.
Activity: Document technical designs, procedures, or activities.
Activity: Estimate project development or operational costs.
Activity: Evaluate designs, specifications, or other technical data.
Activity: Evaluate the quality or accuracy of data.
Activity: Explain technical details of products or services.
Activity: Gather data about operational or development activities.
Activity: Monitor operations to ensure compliance with regulations or standards.
Activity: Plan work activities.
Activity: Prepare documentation for contracts, applications, or permits.
Activity: Present research or technical information.
Activity: Read documents or materials to inform work processes.
Activity: Supervise personnel activities.
Software Skills

Software Skills
These are examples of software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized from most to least important for your career preparation. How can you start learning or practicing the highest-priority tools so that you feel confident using them on the job?
High-Priority Tech Skills
Computer aided design CAD software (scroll table below):
Autodesk AutoCAD
Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
Autodesk Revit
Bentley MicroStation
Trimble SketchUp Pro
Electronic mail software:
Microsoft Outlook
Graphics or photo imaging software:
Adobe Creative Cloud software
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Office suite software:
Microsoft Office software
Presentation software:
Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software:
Microsoft Excel
Widely Used Tech Skills
Computer aided design CAD software:
Autodesk Navisworks
Graphics or photo imaging software:
McNeel Rhinoceros 3D
Emerging Tech Skills
Computer aided design CAD software:
Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
Data base user interface and query software:
Microsoft Access
Desktop publishing software:
Adobe InDesign
Development environment software:
C
Microsoft .NET Framework
Document management software:
Adobe Acrobat
Enterprise application integration software:
Extensible markup language XML
Enterprise resource planning ERP software:
SAP software
Geographic information system:
ESRI ArcGIS software
Graphics or photo imaging software:
Adobe After Effects
Operating system software:
Microsoft Windows
Process mapping and design software:
Microsoft Visio
Project management software:
Microsoft Project
Word processing software:
Microsoft Word
General Software Tools
Computer aided design CAD software (scroll table below):
Alias Wavefront Design Studio
Autodesk 3d Studio Viz
Autodesk Architectural Desktop
Autodesk Inventor
Autodesk Land Desktop
Autodesk Revit Architecture
Autodesk Softdesk
Bentley WaterCAD
Computer aided design and drafting CADD software
Computer aided design and drafting software CADD
Computer assisted design software
Dassault Systemes CATIA
ENERCALC FastFrame
Graphisoft ArchiCAD
Logitech 3D Pro
NavisWorks Jetstream
OpenRoads Designer
Piping and instrumentation design PID software
PTC Creo Parametric
Tekla software
Three-dimensional modeling software
UGS Solid Edge
VectorWorks ARCHITECT
Data base user interface and query software:
ARCOM Masterspec
Database software
Document management software:
Document management system software
Enterprise resource planning ERP software:
ERP software
Geographic information system:
ESRI ArcView
Geographic information system GIS systems
Graphics or photo imaging software (scroll table below):
Adobe LiveMotion
AutoDesSys form Z
Bentley GeoPak Bridge
Corel Paint Shop Pro
Graphic presentation software
Intergraph Image Analyst
Landscape modeling software
Microsoft Paint
Motion graphics software
Non uniform rational b-splines NURBS software
Softimage Extreme
Sun Microsystems Cobalt
Map creation software:
Bentley Systems InRoads Suite
Boundary survey software
Geomechanical design analysis GDA software
Topographic map software
Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software:
Bill of materials software
Optical character reader OCR or scanning software:
Digitizing and photogrammetric software
Scanning software
Pattern design software:
100 Plus Hatch Pattern Library
Project management software:
SpecsInTact
Video creation and editing software:
Animation software
Autodesk 3ds Max
Word processing software:
Specification software
Preparation Required
Preparation Required - How much preparation is needed to obtain this type of job?
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.
Professional Associations
Professional Associations
These associations connect people who work in this occupation or related fields. How can you start using these associations to learn more, build your network, or find mentoring opportunities?
American Design Drafting Association (ADDA) External Link
American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) External Link
Architectural Engineering Institute (AEI) External Link
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) External Link
Job Listings
Job Listings and Similar Occupational Titles - scroll and click to identify common requirements, keywords, and skills in current job listings
Architect
Architectural CAD Drafter (Architectural Computer-Aided Design Drafter)
Architectural Computer-Aided Design Technician (Architectural CAD Technician)
Architectural Designer
Architectural Drafter
Architectural Draftsman
Architectural Technician
Architectural Technologist
Architecture Designer
Architecture Drafter
Architecture Technician
AutoCAD Designer (Auto Computer-Aided Design Designer)
AutoCAD Drafter (Auto Computer-Aided Design Drafter)
BIM Designer (Building Information Modeling Designer)
BIM Modeler (Building Information Modeling Modeler)
BIM Specialist (Building Information Modeling Specialist)
Building Drafter
CAD Designer (Computer Aided Design Designer)
CAD Drafter (Computer Aided Design Drafter)
CAD Draftsman (Computer-Aided Design Draftsman)
CAD Draughter (Computer Aided Design Draughter)
CADD Drafter (Computer-Aided Design and Drafting Drafter)
CADD Operator (Computer Aided Drafting and Design Operator)
CADD Operator (Computer-Aided Design and Drafting Operator)
Civil CAD Designer (Civil Computer-Aided Design Designer)
Civil CADD Designer (Civil Computer-Aided Drafting and Design Designer)
Civil Computer-Aided Design and Drafting Technician (Civil CADD Technician)
Civil Design Engineer
Civil Designer
Civil Drafter
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineering Designer
Civil Site Design Engineer
Civil Structural Designer
Civil Technician
Commercial Drafter
Computer Aided Drafter
Computer-Aided Design Designer (CAD Designer)
Computer-Aided Design Drafter (CAD Drafter)
Computer-Aided Design Operator (CAD Operator)
Computer-Aided Design Technician (CAD Technician)
Computer-Aided Drafter
Computer-Aided Drafting and Design Drafter (CADD Drafter)
Computer-Aided Drafting Designer (CAD Designer)
Design Draftsman
Designer
Detailer
Directional Survey Drafter
Drafter
Drafting Technician
Draftsman
Draftsperson
Gas Drafter
Geological Drafter
Geophysical Drafter
Heating and Ventilating Drafter
Heating and Ventilation Drafter
Land Development Civil Engineer
Landscape Drafter
Marine Drafter
Oil Drafter
Piping Designer
Plumbing Designer
Plumbing Drafter
Steel Detailer
Structural Design Engineer
Structural Designer
Structural Drafter
Structural Draftsman
Truss Designer
Related Careers to Consider


Step 4 of 4: Career-Specific Resources

This section contains detailed external resources appropriate to "Architectural and Civil Drafters". Explore these resources to start learning more. Links are constantly updated, so bookmark this page.

Videos

Here is a listing of videos related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.


Resumes

Here are resources that allow you to see example resumes for this occupation. It may be helpful to see examples from others who have this type of experience.


Job Description

Here are resources that provide job descriptions, which are vital for resume and interview preparation.


Interviews

There are many great resources that can help guide you through the interview process. These links provide help in preparing and performing an effective interview, specific to this occupation.


Salary Data

Here are links to help you identify salary ranges for this occupation. These data are necessary prior to effective salary negotiations.


Raises

Here are resources that help you to prepare to ask for a raise. These links will help you to prepare for the salary negotiation process.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Architectural and Civil Drafters". Use these links to find a job.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Architectural and Civil Drafters". Use these links to find a job.


Classifieds

There are various sources for job classified ads. These links should help get you started to find a job for this occupation.


Step-by-Step

Here are links to help guide you, step-by-step, to become a(n): Architectural and Civil Drafters


Career Change

Here are resources to help you prepare for a career change. It is helpful to look carefully at the information provided in Section 3: Career Change (detailed previously on this page) prior to using these links. There is much to learn ...


LinkedIn®

Here are links to various posts and groups from LinkedIn ® that relate to this occupation. Great way to start building professional contacts in the field that might be most appropriate for you.


Career Path

Here are links to various resources to help you explore the career path related to the "Architectural and Civil Drafters" occupation.






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