Civil Designer (Entry Level)

Description

Why DOWL?

DOWL is a top-ranked, multi-disciplined consulting firm with over 60 years of experience in civil engineering and related services. Our in-house expertise spans Civil and Land Development, Construction-Related Services, Transportation and Structures, and Water and Environmental Services. At DOWL, you’re valued. We support your growth, offer great benefits, and foster a culture of integrity, professionalism, and teamwork.

Site Design

At DOWL, you'll be part of a team that delivers a full spectrum of civil engineering services to both public and private clients making a meaningful impact on communities and infrastructure across the region. We take pride in our ability to solve complex planning, environmental, and design challenges, navigate funding and permitting hurdles, and guide projects from concept through construction with precision and care. Our strong reputation is built on a commitment to quality and the personal attention we bring to every project. If you're passionate about creating practical, lasting solutions and want to grow with a company that values both technical excellence and client relationships, we invite you to join us.

Summary

The Civil Designer is responsible for performing basic calculations and comprehensive design services for a variety of civil engineering and site development projects. The person in this position is expected to exercise a strong work ethic, demonstrate a desire to learn new design concepts, apply judgement and discretion, and have excellent organizational and communication skills. A successful Civil Designer demonstrates basic proficiency with drafting fundamentals and AutoCAD Civil 3D design software. Other duties include making site visits, coordinating with clients and approval agencies, preparing construction documents, estimating construction costs, and preparing written reports. This person is expected to work well with others, absorb and apply constructive criticism, and seek guidance from more experienced members of the team as necessary. This position works under the guidance of a licensed professional engineer.

Job Responsibilities and Duties

To be successful in this position, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions .

Software

Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) - Basic

Market Sector Software (AutoCAD / C3D, HydroCAD, AutoTurn / Vehicle Tracking) - Basic

Technical Expertise

Basic understanding of technical fundamentals

Performs basic technical tasks assigned by market sector with oversight from others

Motivated to learn new technical skills through self-study and mentoring

Teamwork

Team player who mostly functions in a supporting role in a project team setting. Collaborates, listens, takes direction well, and retains information provided. Motivated to grow skills and help the team.

Project Delivery

Produces the following under close direction / oversight from others :

Identify design criteria

Site layout and grading

Utility plans and profiles

Street plans and profiles

Construction plans

Quantity takeoffs

Storm calculations

ADA designs

Offsite improvements designs

Permit applications

Construction details and notes

Services during construction (RFI and submittal review, construction observation and inspection, and record drawings)

Understanding Budget and Schedule

Basic understanding of scopes, schedules, and budgets. Collaborates with supervisor and / or resource manager to plan work time on assignments. Conducts basic monitoring of budgets and schedules for simple project tasks.

Industry Standards and Regulations

Demonstrates basic familiarity with the following design codes :

Local jurisdiction

Local DOT

PROWAG

ASTM

AWWA

MUTCD

DEQ

Client Interaction

Infrequent direct client interaction. Reads emails and occasionally attends client meetings, listens, and prepares meeting minutes.

Other

Other duties as assigned.

Level of Work / Accountability

Performs basic levels of technical work on projects in support of more experienced staff within the market sector. Operates with minimal autonomy - work is closely supervised by more senior staff.

Education and / or Experience

Bachelor's Degree required

Years of experience required : none

Years of experience required with advanced degree : none

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

EIT / EI required (within 6 months of hire)

Driving is an essential job function or a valid driver’s license is required to support legitimate business purposes

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and use hands. The employee must occasionally lift and / or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights () notice from the Department of Labor.