Fundamental Attributes Firms Consider When Recruiting for Revit Technician Jobs

Author: Prabhat Ranjit Singh

With the architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) firms increasingly adopting building information modeling (BIM) techniques for all or some phases of design, build and facilities management, applications including Autodesk Revit are gaining ground alongside conventional drafting programs such as AutoCAD. The shift from 2D drafting techniques to the use of parametric modeling for developing construction documentation has led to the increasing demand for professionals such as BIM modelers, BIM technicians, BIM coordinators, and BIM managers. Additionally, this has resulted in a trend wherein leading design and engineering consulting firms partner with offshore BIM services providers to transition to parametric modeling techniques.

Whether applying for a BIM technician position in a multinational architectural firm or seeking to be a freelance vendor for Revit jobs in Mumbai, following are the key characteristics that firms look for when recruiting candidates for BIM-related jobs:

1. Software Proficiency

The first and the most important aspect when staffing for positions related to BIM is the software proficiency level. Though BIM is a process and not a software application, knowing the technical nuances of how the application, such as Revit works and the project deliverables flow between individual disciplines, goes a long way. Along with having an advanced to expert skill level in Revit, the candidate should also be familiar with inter-related applications, such as AutoCAD (for 2D drafting/3D CAD modelling), Navisworks (for clash detection), and 3Ds Max (for 3D visualisation). Additionally, it is paramount that the applicant has a detailed know-how of the local construction standards. For instance, a Revit practitioner expected to work on BIM jobs in Mumbai, for a project to be constructed in Mumbai should be familiar with the local construction standards.

2. Professional Accreditation

Whilst having a professional accreditation is not a necessity, many firms treat it as an important aspect for shortlisting candidates. Vendor certifications, such as Autodesk certification is an industry-accepted validation of their CAD and BIM skills and proficiency. Such certifications are recognized industry-wide and add significant value to your professional profile. They are not only a proof that you have a grip on the theoretical software concepts but also show that you have successfully completed live project assignments using Revit and AutoCAD.

3. Breadth of Design and Construction Domain Knowledge

Another important consideration when recruiting for BIM jobs in the range of projects that the candidates have worked on. Those who were a part of diverse projects ranging from retail, residential, hospitality, healthcare, and infrastructure have a greater breadth of know-how of the BIM standards associated with respective domains. Equally important is the breadth of scope that the candidate has covered in his/her professional career. For instance a technician having experience of developing and managing BIM standards, creating Revit families, conducting clash detection, coordination review meetings, and producing construction documentation will be more valuable to a firm than the one who has been an expert on Revit modelling.

4. Excellent Communication and Organizational Skills

In the modern-day’s cross-cultural business environment, it is imperative that Revit technicians have excellent communication and organisational skills. A large number of projects have multiple stakeholders spread across different regions worldwide. A Revit technician should be able to effectively communicate to and coordinate with external architects, design consultants, engineers, contractors, and project managers on a regular basis so as to use BIM know-how to support planning, design development, working drawings, construction documentation, and information for post-construction facilities management.

5. Analytical problem solving skills

Working as a BIM technician will extensively involve coordinating with different disciplines and using their models (architectural BIM models, HVAC models, electrical BIM plans, and structural BIM models, etc.) to resolve clashes or other installation issues. As a result, the candidate should have a problem-solving ability to cycle through the series of comments and mark-ups.