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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for BIM Technician

💰 $55,000 - $85,000

ArchitectureEngineeringConstructionBIMRevit

🎯 Role Definition

As a BIM Technician, you are the technical backbone of digital project delivery — producing, managing and coordinating building information models (BIM) across architectural, structural and MEP disciplines. You will author, update and QA 3D models in Revit and other BIM tools, run clash detection and model coordination in Navisworks or Solibri, prepare BIM deliverables (COBie, federated models, schedule-linked models), and follow the BIM Execution Plan (BEP) and company standards (ISO 19650/BS 1192). This role requires strong Revit modelling skills, practical knowledge of coordination workflows, excellent communication with design and construction teams, and a commitment to model quality and constructability.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • CAD Technician / Draftsperson transitioning to BIM-based workflows
  • Junior BIM Modeler or Revit Technician fresh from apprenticeship or diploma
  • Architectural Technologist or MEP Coordinator who worked with 3D models

Advancement To:

  • BIM Coordinator / Senior BIM Technician
  • BIM Manager / VDC (Virtual Design & Construction) Manager
  • Digital Delivery Lead or Project Engineer with BIM specialization

Lateral Moves:

  • Revit Specialist / Family Creation Specialist
  • MEP BIM Specialist or Structural BIM Specialist
  • Clash Detection Analyst / Model QA Lead

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Produce and maintain detailed, construction-ready Revit models for architectural, structural and MEP disciplines, ensuring elements are modelled to the project's specified Level of Development (LOD) and company BIM standards.
  • Coordinate federated models by importing, combining and managing multi-discipline models in Navisworks or Solibri, resolving inter-disciplinary clashes and tracking coordination issues to closure with clear issue logs and RFI support.
  • Execute clash detection workflows using Navisworks Manage / BIM 360 / Solibri, analyze clash reports, prioritize conflicts by construction impact, and communicate resolutions with design teams and contractors.
  • Create, manage and maintain Revit families and shared parameters for consistent object behavior, data extraction, and scheduling across projects and across template libraries.
  • Prepare BIM deliverables including federated models, COBie exports, asset data, clash reports, model QA/QC documentation, 2D drawings derived from models, and model progress snapshots as defined in the BIM Execution Plan (BEP).
  • Implement and enforce BIM standards, naming conventions, folder structures, parameter schemas and model setup to ensure interoperability, data integrity and compliance with ISO 19650 or client-specific protocols.
  • Support 4D and 5D workflows by linking model elements to construction schedules (Primavera, MS Project) and cost databases to produce logistics sequences, construction simulations and quantity take-offs.
  • Perform model QA/QC checks for geometry, linked model integrity, naming, classification, correct use of levels and grids, and accuracy of embedded metadata prior to submissions and coordination meetings.
  • Collaborate directly with architects, structural engineers, MEP engineers, contractors, and subcontractors to translate design intent into accurate BIM content and to ensure model constructability on site.
  • Maintain and update project BIM Execution Plans (BEP) and project-specific modeling protocols; advise project teams on appropriate LOD/LOI/LOI documentation, data drops and milestone model deliveries.
  • Extract and validate quantities and schedules from 3D models using Revit schedules, Navisworks Quantification, or specialized takeoff software to support estimating, procurement and progress reporting.
  • Integrate point cloud data (laser scans) into Revit and prepare as-built model updates by processing ReCap files, aligning scans, and modeling existing conditions with high fidelity.
  • Troubleshoot complex model performance and technical issues, including model fragmentation, workset strategies, linked models, and provide practical solutions to optimize file performance and team collaboration.
  • Configure and manage worksharing environments, worksets, and cloud collaboration platforms (Autodesk BIM 360 / ACC / Revit Collaborate) to enable multi-user access and maintain model integrity.
  • Produce clear, actionable coordination issue reports with screen captures, clash locations and recommended fixes; follow up on assigned issues through to verification and closure.
  • Support tender and preconstruction phases by preparing BIM-related scope-of-work descriptions, model content requirements, and sample deliverables that articulate the digital delivery expectations to bidders.
  • Train, mentor and guide junior BIM staff, CAD teams and subcontractors on Revit best practices, family usage, template application and basic model hygiene to raise overall team competency.
  • Participate in discipline coordination meetings, produce agendas and minutes, present model updates, and ensure action items related to model modifications are tracked and executed.
  • Develop and maintain BIM library assets, templates and standardized parameter sets to accelerate project setup and ensure consistency across multiple projects and offices.
  • Prepare graphical model outputs, section cuts, 3D views and annotated drawings from BIM for design reviews, technical submissions and client presentations, ensuring visual clarity and compliance.
  • Liaise with software vendors or IT to evaluate and implement new BIM tools (Dynamo for automation, ReCap for point cloud processing, Tekla for structural detailing) and automation scripts to improve workflows.
  • Ensure model data handover for facilities management by creating and validating asset data, space information and operation-ready COBie exports to support client FM systems integration.

Secondary Functions

  • Provide technical support to the project team for BIM queries during construction and handover, including answering model-based RFIs and producing as-built updates.
  • Assist in developing the organization’s BIM strategy, templates, and roadmaps to scale model-based delivery across project portfolios.
  • Contribute to pre-bid technical reviews by assessing client BIM requirements and drafting compliant BIM scope and cost implications.
  • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives: pilot new automation tools, test model audit processes and capture lessons learned to update standards.
  • Support clash resolution workshops on-site or virtually, acting as the model owner to demonstrate proposed fixes and timeline impacts.
  • Produce summary reports and dashboards of BIM deliverables, coordination status and open issues for project management and stakeholders.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Advanced Revit modelling (Architecture, Structure, MEP) — setting up templates, worksets, families and shared parameters.
  • Clash detection and coordination using Navisworks Manage, Solibri, or BIM 360 Coordinate and producing actionable clash reports.
  • BIM data exchanges and COBie exports, understanding of data schemas, asset tagging and FM handover requirements.
  • Strong knowledge of BIM standards and protocols — ISO 19650, BS 1192, company BEP development and enforcement.
  • Point cloud and laser-scan processing with Autodesk ReCap and integrating scan data into Revit for as-built modelling.
  • Experience with cloud collaboration platforms — Autodesk Construction Cloud (BIM 360), Revit Cloud Worksharing or equivalent.
  • Quantity takeoff and 5D estimation workflows using Navisworks Quantification, Revit schedules and Excel/CSV exports.
  • Dynamo (visual scripting) for automation, parameter management and repetitive-task reduction; basic scripting (Python) is a plus.
  • Proficiency with AutoCAD for 2D documentation derived from models and for interoperability with legacy datasets.
  • Familiarity with 4D (programme linked) simulations and linking models to MS Project or Primavera for sequencing.
  • Model QA/QC techniques, auditing tools and performance troubleshooting (model splitting, linking strategies, purge routines).
  • Tekla Structures or other structural/detailing software experience is a plus for heavy civil/structural projects.
  • Proficient use of MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint) for schedules, reporting and client presentations.
  • Basic understanding of construction methods and MEP systems to evaluate constructability and suggest coordination solutions.

Soft Skills

  • Clear, concise verbal and written communication for coordination meetings, issue reporting and client-facing deliverables.
  • Strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to model auditing and QA to minimize downstream construction clashes.
  • Excellent time management and prioritization skills to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Collaborative team player with experience working across multi-disciplinary teams and remote/office hybrid workflows.
  • Problem-solving mindset with the ability to propose practical, buildable model solutions under schedule constraints.
  • Client-focused attitude with professional presentation skills for stakeholder briefings and design reviews.
  • Adaptability to new tools and workflows, willingness to learn and adopt automation and cloud-based collaboration.
  • Coaching and mentoring capability to upskill junior team members and enforce modeling best practices.
  • Analytical thinking and data literacy for extracting and validating model-derived quantities and asset data.
  • Initiative and ownership over deliverables, with an eye for continuous process improvement.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Associate degree, diploma or technical certificate in Architectural Technology, Building Science, Construction Technology, CAD/BIM or a related field.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Civil/Structural/Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management or related discipline.
  • Professional certifications such as Autodesk Certified Professional (Revit), ISO 19650 practitioner certificates or equivalent.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Architectural Technology
  • Building Information Modeling (BIM) / Computer-Aided Design
  • Civil/Structural/Mechanical Engineering
  • Construction Management / Construction Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 2–5 years of hands-on BIM/Revit experience for a BIM Technician role; some roles accept 1–2 years with strong portfolio and training.

Preferred:

  • 3–7 years of progressive BIM coordination, model authoring and multi-discipline coordination experience on medium to large construction projects, with demonstrable Revit and Navisworks expertise and a history of delivering BIM deliverables to clients.
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