CAD Drafter & Design Assistant for Multi-Site Childcare

Tierra Encantada HQ; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 47,000 - 52,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

12 paid holidays

Generous PTO package

401(k) with employer match

Performance bonus

Discounted childcare

Professional development

Job summary

Tierra Encantada in Minneapolis, MN is hiring a Design Assistant/CAD Drafter to support new locations nationwide. The role focuses on preliminary layouts, block fits, and design documentation, working with architects, franchisees, and internal teams.

This is a part-time, non-exempt position ~25 hours per week, with starting pay between $34.00 and $38.00 per hour, commensurate with experience and certifications.

Qualifications

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Architectural Technology, Drafting, or related field.
• 2+ years of experience in architectural drafting, space planning, commercial design, or related field.
• Strong proficiency with AutoCAD; experience with Revit is preferred.
• Ability to independently create and revise commercial floor plans, block fits, and test fits.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural construction documents, including floor plans, elevations, and schedules.
• Exceptional attention to detail and the ability to identify inconsistencies across large drawing sets.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects.
• Clear written communication for plan comments, redlines, and design-review notes.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office; experience with Bluebeam, Smartsheet preferred.
• Experience with childcare, education, retail, restaurant, healthcare, or multi-location environments is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Create preliminary block fits, test fits, and floor plan layouts for prospective corporate and franchise locations using AutoCAD or comparable design software.
• Translate site information, existing-condition drawings, surveys, and leasing plans into preliminary layouts that evaluate whether a location can accommodate the TE program.
• Develop and revise preliminary plans based on feedback from the Development team, Operations, franchisees, architects, and other stakeholders.
• Review architectural plans throughout design development and construction-document phases to verify alignment with Tierra Encantada's approved preliminary layout, program requirements, and design standards.
• Review franchisee architectural plans and identify items that do not conform to Tierra Encantada requirements.
• Perform detailed quality-control reviews of finish plans, finish schedules, elevations, millwork, flooring, paint, countertops, cabinetry, plumbing fixtures, lighting selections, and other interior design elements.
• Compare drawing sets to confirm changes and identify unintended changes between plans, schedules, elevations, and specifications.
• Prepare clear plan redlines, comments, markups, and review summaries for architects, franchisees, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
• Maintain Brand Connect and other design-resource resources, ensuring current finishes, products, and design requirements are documented and accessible.
• Update design standards and supporting documentation when new products or changes are adopted.
• Maintain organized CAD files, blocks, templates, and reusable design resources to improve speed and consistency.
• Research childcare licensing and facility design requirements in new states and jurisdictions.
• Summarize new-market design requirements and identify differences from prototypes or brand standards.
• Support Real Estate and Development teams with preliminary design analysis for prospective sites.
• Identify design conflicts or missing information early to avoid redesigns and delays.
• Maintain design-review records and track open design comments through resolution.
• Assist with finish packages, design presentations, specification sheets, and other design-related documents.
• Other duties and projects as assigned.

Skills

CAD drafting

Space planning

Attention to detail

Project coordination

Communication

Reading construction docs

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Architectural Technology, Drafting

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Google Workspace

Bluebeam

Smartsheet

Job description

Tierra Encantada in Minneapolis, MN is hiring a Design Assistant/CAD Drafter to support new locations nationwide. The role focuses on preliminary layouts, block fits, and design documentation, working with architects, franchisees, and internal teams.

This is a part-time, non-exempt position ~25 hours per week, with starting pay between $34.00 and $38.00 per hour, commensurate with experience and certifications.