A Drafting Technician is a professional who plays a crucial role in the field of design and drafting. They work alongside architects, engineers, and other professionals to create technical drawings and plans for construction and manufacturing projects. In this blog post, we will explore the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Drafting Technicians.

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Main Responsibilities of a Drafting Technician

The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a Drafting Technician:

Adhere to

• Adhere to company processes, procedures and standards to produce quality deliverables.

• Adhere to company standards and procedures for drafting and documentation.

• Adhere to project schedules and meet deadlines for deliverables.

Apply

Apply sustainable design practices and incorporate energy-efficient solutions.

Assist in

• Assist in cost estimation and material take-offs for project budgeting.

• Assist in the coordination of permit applications and regulatory approvals.

• Assist in the management and coordination of construction projects as directed.

• Assist in the preparation of design presentations and client proposals.

• Assist, update and maintain the drafting requirements for existing CAD templates and styles.

• Assist with the development and preparation of design sketches.

Calculate

Calculate dimensions, tolerances, and material quantities for manufacturing and construction.

Carry out

Carry out as-built versus design reviews.

Check

• Check and verify design drawings to conform to specifications and design requirements.

• Check fabrication releases.

Collaborate with

• Collaborate in the preparation of bid packages and construction documents.

• Collaborate with architects, engineers, and project managers to understand project objectives.

• Collaborate with manufacturing or construction teams to address design-related issues.

• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary consulting teams and other consulting firms.

Communicate

Communicate effectively with team members and project stakeholders.

Complete

• Complete concept and design for new elevations of existing and new models.

• Complete documentation packages and drawing sets.

• Complete projects within prescribed time frames while delivering a high-quality design package.

Conduct

Conduct field visits to gather measurements and verify existing conditions.

Contribute to

• Contribute to QA / QC efforts and efficiency of drawing production.

• Contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.

• Contribute to the development and implementation of drafting procedures and best practices.

• Contribute to the improvement of drafting processes and workflows.

Coordinate

• Coordinate design requirements to external design firms in a team environment.

• Coordinate models and workflow between the multi-disciplined design team.

• Coordinate with other drafting technicians and design teams to resolve conflicts and ensure design integrity.

Create

• Create 3D factory models for virtual tours with solid modeling.

• Create 3D structural engineering models.

• Create accurate and detailed technical drawings based on design specifications.

• Create and modify 2D CAD drawings to support process improvement activities.

• Create presentations, graphics of customer plans and other documents.

Design

Design curtain wall and window wall systems and draft shop drawings, details, and guidelines.

Develop

• Develop and prepare design sketches.

• Develop assembly and installation drawings for various systems and equipment.

• Develop a strong understanding of new projects including knowledge of building methods and materials.

• Develop working plans showing floor plans, walls fixture locations and dimensions.

Document

Document and annotate 2D drawings, sections, and details generated from 3D models.

Draft

Draft detailed shop drawings for architectural approval, shop fabrication, and site installation.

Drive

Drive a company vehicle while respecting the Highway Code and safety rules.

Ensure

• Ensure all files prepared are accurate with no design errors.

• Ensure all working drawings along with plan options and elevations are completed.

• Ensure compliance with industry standards, codes, and regulations in the drafting process.

• Ensure survey drawings conform to specifications and survey data.

• Ensure that all data being used in CAD drawings, matches 100% with the project GIS databases.

• Ensure that all technical drawings completed by the drafting team conform to company standards.

• Ensure the assurance of quality, consistency and integrity of the electronic handover of deliverables.

Examine

Examine drawings for conformity and errors.

Generate

Generate detailed plans and layouts for architectural, mechanical, electrical, or structural components.

Identify

Identify missing or unclear architectural drawing items and generate concise RFI's to resolve each.

Implement

• Implement AutoCAD drawing best practices and standards with layer management and xrefs.

• Implement procedures to improve the CAD systems accuracy, security, and file sharing.

Incorporate

Incorporate revisions and modifications into existing drawings based on feedback.

Interpret

Interpret and analyze design requirements to produce precise and error-free drawings.

Liaise with

Liaise with Project Managers to coordinate the drafting on survey projects.

Maintain

• Maintain an organized database of drawings and related technical documentation.

• Maintain project CAD standards relating to Civil 3D..

Manage

• Manage multiple ongoing projects of various size & scope.

• Manage multiple projects concurrently, prioritizing tasks efficiently.

Meet

Meet and maintain production schedules.

Operate

Operate computer-assisted design (Auto CAD) and drafting workstations.

Participate in

• Participate in design review meetings and provide input on technical aspects.

• Participate in the training of an employee having to perform the responsibilities described above.

Perform

• Perform drafting and design duties using graphical software tools.

• Perform other duties as required.

• Perform quality checks to ensure accuracy, completeness, and adherence to standards.

• Perform quantity take-offs of the materials, whenever required.

• Perform thorough quality control of construction documents and provide design ideas and solutions.

• Perform updates in coordination with the various departments.

Prepare

• Prepare bill of materials.

• Prepare construction drawings as directed by the Project Team.

• Prepare construction specifications, costs and material estimates.

• Prepare engineering designs and drawings.

• Prepare estimates and takeoffs for asset valuation detailing.

• Prepare floor plans for sales brochures.

• Prepare jobs for developer and permit applications.

• Prepare Packages for the City with plot plans, grade slips, building plans etc.

• Prepare pipeline, railway and power crossing drawings and arrange for applicable agreements.

• Prepare Pole Line Analysis drawings and arrange for applicable permits.

• Prepare and upload submission and construction specification packages.

• Prepare Utility Line Assignment drawings and arrange for applicable permits.

• Prepare visualizations and renderings to facilitate project communication.

Prioritize

Prioritize tasks and balance workload according to project needs.

Produce

• Produce legal survey plans, client specific plans, and any other related survey plan product.

• Produce other drawings as necessary.

Provide

• Provide and distribute the required plans to the various departments for their operations.

• Provide calculations and clearance confirmations on design packages.

• Provide clear communication with client in a professional manner.

• Provide complete fabrication drawings and bills of materials.

• Provide design support for the sales staff.

• Provide guidance for entry level drafting technicians.

• Provide guidance to less-experienced CAD staff.

• Provide plan input for value engineering, in conjunction with other departments.

• Provide support for training new hires.

Report

Report progress of work assignments to engineers and other team members to meet project schedules.

Resolve

• Resolve discrepancies by collecting and analyzing information.

• Resolve outstanding drawing issues and pursue contract clarifications as required.

Respond to

Respond to contractor's inquiries or request for change during the construction phase.

Review

• Review and analyze technical documents, including blueprints and specifications.

• Review new home sales designs for compliance with architectural controls, bylaws and building codes.

Support

• Support the development of design documentation for project records.

• Support the electronic work instructions by manipulating 3D views in Adobe Illustrator.

Track

Track the drafting, completion and delivery of survey plans.

Travel

Travel to local sites to complete site audits.

Troubleshoot

Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to drafting software and equipment.

Update

Update / Manage / Create templates, tools, & procedures.

Use

Use digital measuring devices to generate accurate floor plans.

Utilize

Utilize computer-aided design (CAD) software to develop 2D and 3D models and drawings.

Work with

• Work closely with Sr. design staff & management on detailed design implementation.

• Work with Engineers and other team members to develop figures and / or drawings.

Most In-demand Hard Skills

The following list describes the most required technical skills of a Drafting Technician:

1. Proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software, such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks.

2. Knowledge of drafting principles, techniques, and standards.

3. Familiarity with various drafting disciplines, such as architectural, mechanical, or electrical.

4. Understanding of geometric and trigonometric principles.

5. Ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications.

6. Competency in dimensioning, scaling, and measurement techniques.

7. Knowledge of manufacturing and construction processes.

8. Familiarity with building codes, regulations, and industry standards.

9. Understanding of materials and their properties.

10. Proficiency in 2D and 3D modeling techniques.

11. Ability to perform calculations and quantify materials.

12. Knowledge of drafting symbols and conventions.

13. Familiarity with documentation and drawing control processes.

14. Proficiency in computer literacy and relevant software applications.

15. Understanding of mechanical, electrical, or structural systems.

16. Knowledge of rapid prototyping or additive manufacturing techniques.

17. Competency in file management and organization.

18. Understanding of BIM (Building Information Modeling) concepts.

19. Proficiency in technical drawing annotation and detailing.

Most In-demand Soft Skills

The following list describes the most required soft skills of a Drafting Technician:

1. Attention to Detail: Drafting Technicians must have a keen eye for detail to ensure accuracy in their drawings and specifications.

2. Communication: Effective communication skills are essential for collaborating with architects, engineers, and other team members to understand project requirements and relay information accurately.

3. Time Management: Drafting Technicians need strong time management skills to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and handle multiple projects simultaneously.

4. Problem Solving: The ability to think critically and solve complex design problems is crucial in the drafting process. Drafting Technicians must be able to find practical solutions and make informed decisions.

5. Teamwork: Collaboration is an integral part of the drafting process. Drafting Technicians must work well within a team, share ideas, and contribute to the overall project goals.

6. Adaptability: The field of drafting is constantly evolving, and Drafting Technicians need to adapt to new technologies, software, and design practices to stay current in the industry.

7. Analytical Thinking: Drafting Technicians should have strong analytical skills to interpret design requirements, analyze technical drawings, and identify potential issues or conflicts.

8. Organizational Skills: Keeping track of multiple projects, drawings, and documentation requires excellent organizational skills. Drafting Technicians should be able to maintain an orderly workflow and manage their files effectively.

9. Attention to Codes and Regulations: Familiarity with building codes, industry regulations, and standards is important for ensuring compliance and producing drawings that meet legal and safety requirements.

10. Continuous Learning: The field of drafting is ever-evolving, with new technologies and techniques emerging. Drafting Technicians should have a willingness to learn and adapt to advancements in the industry to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Conclusion

By possessing a combination of these hard and soft skills, Drafting Technicians can excel in their role and contribute to the successful completion of design projects. Their technical expertise, attention to detail, and ability to work collaboratively make them valuable assets in the field of drafting and design.