Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Drafter - Engineering Aide 2 - Permanent - 2026-06828

State of Washington; Olympia (WA); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking a CAD Drafter to draft preliminary and final drawings under supervision, aligning with construction standards. You will work on design sketches, topographic maps, and “as built” revisions, supporting conservation projects in Olympia and nearby sites.

Ideal candidates have CAD coursework or two years of CAD experience, plus strong MS Office skills and a valid driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Two (2) years of experience as an Engineering Aide 1 or equivalent.
• High School diploma or equivalent and two years of CAD experience or college CAD coursework.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite; valid driver’s license preferred.

Responsibilities

• Draft original and final CAD drawings for architectural, civil, electrical, mechanical, and structural projects.
• Prepare maps, yardages, graphs and field data for project control.
• Assist in field surveys and data collection; review RFIs and submittals with project managers.
• Support office duties such as ordering materials and coordinating drafting resources.

Skills

CAD drafting experience

Microsoft Office

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

CAD coursework or significant CAD instruction (50 credit hours)

Principles of Surveying

Tools

Civil3D

Bluebeam

Job description

Working Title - Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Drafter

Classification - Engineering Aide 2

Job Status - Full-Time/Permanent

WDFW Program - Capital and Asset Management Program – Engineering Division

Duty Station - Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

*While this position may offer a telework option, the successful candidate must be available to report to the duty station as needed.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption – Fish passage restoration – Photo Credit: WDFW

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is dedicated to preserving wildlife and ecosystems while facilitating sustainable recreational opportunities. Our Capital and Asset Management Program (CAMP) plays a crucial role in this mission by providing engineering expertise to maintain our facilities and infrastructure.

As a CAD Drafter in our team, you’ll contribute directly to our conservation efforts. Working under supervision, you’ll utilize your CAD skills to draft preliminary and final drawings, ensuring projects align with construction standards and engineering requirements. From design sketches to topographical maps, your work will help bring our conservation projects to fruition.

If you’re passionate about wildlife preservation and have a knack for design, join us in creating a sustainable future for generations to come.

WHAT TO EXPECT -

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position:

Drafting.

• Prepares original drawings utilizing CAD programs.
• Prepares architectural, civil, electrical, mechanical, and structural drawings.
• Details and plans from old drawings, and mostly complete sketches, as assigned.
• Computes yardages and other quantities subject to check.
• Drafts rudimentary and finished maps.
• Plots graphs, profiles, and other statistical, mathematical or engineering-type graphic illustrations.
• Revises construction plans with “as built” corrections.

Architectural, Civil, Mechanical, and Structural.

• Prepares minor calculations and basic partial designs for review and use in drafting above.
• Computes minor quantities of areas and volumes in complex shapes.

Survey.

• Obtains data for project control and prepares calculations for field staking of coordinates for construction layout and control.
• Completes field research, assists in information collection, inspects, and measures existing structures for accurate drafting later and measures stream flows.
• Occasionally works with Survey crew in the field collecting data for projects.

Office Duties.

• Orders drafting and technical materials for the office.
• Review Request for Information (RFI) and project submittals as requested by Project Managers.

Working Conditions:

Work setting: Duties are performed in an office setting, and on construction sites (Hatcheries, Offices, Accesses, and Wildlife areas). Must have the ability to walk on uneven terrain and steep slopes for extended periods of time; and tolerate inclement/adverse weather conditions. Must have the ability to climb ladders, work from boats and work from elevated locations. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments. Occasionally exert sustained physical effort in the field to include times of inclement weather.

Schedule: Full-time, working 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule (Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM) includes the potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Alternative schedules may be considered based on business needs.

Travel requirements: Travel as required. Possibly for extended periods in the field.

Customer Interactions: Will be working primarily with Project Managers, Engineers, Engineering Aides, and Inspectors.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

Option 1:

Two (2) years of experience as an Engineering Aide 1.

Option 2:

High School diploma or equivalent.

And

Two (2) years of experience in Computer Aided Drafting or college-level coursework with a major emphasis in Computer Aided Drafting.

And

Strong working knowledge of Microsoft computer software (e.g., Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.).

License: Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

• A minimum of 50 credit hours of CAD instruction in architectural, mechanical, and civil drafting.
• Principles of Surveying.
• Experience using Civil3D Software.
• Experience using Bluebeam Software.
• Experience in Grading, Surfaces, and Pipe Networks.
• Basics of Engineering.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for.

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

Union - WAFWP:

This position is in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals.

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice:

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications. Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully. All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.