Experienced Civil Designer - Cairns

WSP; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP in Cairns is seeking an experienced Civil Designer to lead the design and development of major infrastructure projects across Far North Queensland.

You will translate concepts into practical, buildable solutions across roads, drainage and broader civil infrastructure, while mentoring junior designers and collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams. The role emphasizes safety in design and client relationships to support future opportunities.

Qualifications

• Solid experience in civil design for consulting projects.
• Strong knowledge of Australian standards and road authority requirements.
• Experience in road design, drainage and civil infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Lead design development for transport and civil infrastructure projects.
• Produce and review high-quality engineering drawings and reports.
• Apply road safety and design best practice across all stages of delivery.
• Manage scope, time and cost on design packages.
• Support and mentor junior designers.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams on regionally significant projects.
• Build strong client relationships and contribute to future work opportunities.

Skills

Civil design

2D/3D modelling

Road design

Mentoring

Communication

Project management

Tools

2D/3D design tools

Job description

What if you could build a career and a lifestyle, without having to choose between them? At WSP, you can.

We are looking for an experienced Civil Designer to join our Cairns team, working on a diverse portfolio of transport and civil infrastructure projects across Far North Queensland. This is a chance to step into a highly visible role where your ideas, technical expertise, and leadership will directly influence the design and delivery of projects that matter to local communities.

About the role

Based in our Cairns office, you will take the lead on the design and development of major infrastructure projects, turning early concepts into practical, buildable solutions. You will work across roads, drainage and broader civil infrastructure, contributing from initial investigations through to detailed design.

You will play a key role in:

• Leading design development for transport and civil infrastructure projects
• Producing and reviewing high-quality engineering drawings and reports
• Applying road safety and design best practice across all stages of delivery
• Managing scope, time and cost on design packages
• Supporting and mentoring junior designers
• Collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams on regionally significant projects
• Building strong client relationships and contributing to future work opportunities

This is more than a technical role. You will be trusted to guide others, influence outcomes and help shape how projects are delivered in the region.

About you

You will bring solid experience in civil design within a consulting environment, along with a strong understanding of Australian standards and road authority requirements.

You’ll also have:

• Substantial experience in road design, drainage and civil infrastructure
• Strong capability in 2D and 3D design tools and modelling
• The ability to develop practical design solutions across varying project scopes
• A strong focus on safety in design, particularly road safety outcomes
• Experience managing design packages and competing priorities
• Confidence mentoring others and sharing technical knowledge
• Clear communication skills and a collaborative approach

If you are working towards, or already hold, Chartered status, we will support you in continuing your professional development.

Why Cairns, and why WSP

This is an opportunity to build your career while working in a region known for its lifestyle, natural environment and growing infrastructure investment. Our Cairns office offers a close-knit team culture, strong local project pipeline, and the backing of WSP’s global expertise.

At WSP, you will have access to:

• A strong pipeline of local and regional projects
• Opportunities to work across multidisciplinary teams
• Career development pathways and technical leadership programs
• A culture that values collaboration, flexibility and new ideas

About us

WSP is a global professional services firm with over 83,000 people worldwide. In Australia, we are committed to delivering future-ready infrastructure solutions that create lasting value for communities.

We also offer a range of benefits to support your health, wellbeing and long-term career, including our employee share purchase plan.