Designer III - Land Development

McAdams; Winston-Salem (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

McAdams is seeking a Designer III to lead and coordinate design efforts, producing high-quality plans under tight deadlines. You will mentor staff, delegate tasks, and ensure project delivery from permitting through construction.

Proficiency in Civil 3D and collaboration with cross-functional teams is essential for success in this role in our North Carolina offices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil or related engineering field from an accredited program.
• 2–5 years of civil engineering experience required.
• Experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D preferred.
• EI on path to PE preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and collaborative mindset.

Responsibilities

• Lead preliminary design plans (site, utility, grading) for project feasibility.
• Uphold CAD/design standards for consistent plan production.
• Set up sheet packages for construction drawings and manage redlines.
• Compile plan sheets with notes, sequences, and specifications.
• Collaborate on conceptual designs and detailed site layouts.
• Develop preliminary and final utility layouts for water and sewer.
• Assist in grading plans, create 3D surface models, and analyze earthwork.
• Use Civil 3D to create alignments, profiles, surfaces, and pipe networks.
• Support storm drainage and erosion control design.
• Coordinate with internal teams and regulatory agencies to address comments.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Willingness to learn

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil or related field

Tools

AutoCAD Civil 3D

Job description

McAdams is a full-service land planning, landscape architecture, civil engineering, transportation, and geomatics firm located in North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Florida. We seek to partner with our clients to create meaningful experiences through inspired design. Our employees are what make McAdams different. We bring experiences to the forefront of everything we do, and to do that takes special people.

Position Overview

A Designer III (DIII) plays a key role in leading and coordinating design efforts within a collaborative team environment to produce high-quality, accurate plans under tight deadlines. As the lead designer on most projects, the DIII oversees and executes the full spectrum of design tasks necessary for successful project delivery, from permitting through construction. They are skilled at delegating tasks and engaging additional team members to support project goals effectively. Additionally, the DIII is encouraged to mentor and train newer staff, providing guidance through one-on-one sessions and group training to foster professional development and strengthen team capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of preliminary design plans including site plans, utility plans and grading plans for initial project feasibility analysis by clients and setting up the base design of the project for the inclusion of others in future design phases
• Uphold McAdams' CAD and design standards to ensure consistency and quality in plan production
• Set up comprehensive sheet packages for construction drawing plan sets, accurately incorporate internal and external redlines, and maintain precise documentation
• Compile detailed plan sheets, including standard notes, construction sequences, and relevant technical specifications to support project completeness
• Collaborate on conceptual designs and develop detailed site layout plans using due diligence documents to guide design accuracy and regulatory compliance
• Contribute to the development of both preliminary and final utility layouts, focusing on efficient water distribution and sanitary sewer infrastructure
• Assist in the creation of preliminary and final grading plans, generate 3D surface models, and conduct thorough earthwork volume analysis to ensure cost-effective project execution
• Utilize Civil 3D software proficiently to create and modify complex alignments, profiles, surfaces, and comprehensive pipe network designs
• Support storm drainage system planning and sediment/erosion control design efforts to align with environmental and project-specific requirements
• Act as a liaison by effectively communicating and coordinating tasks with various internal project teams to foster integrated project delivery
• Coordinate with regulatory review agencies to quickly and efficiently address comments following a review cycle. Review and triage comments with the project manager and establish a path forward
• Work collaboratively with the project team, following company standards from initial concept design through construction administration to achieve successful project outcomes. Play an active role in maintaining the project schedule by understanding the time required to complete design tasks
• Actively participate in team discussions, share insights, and contribute to a collaborative work environment that enhances the overall McAdams experience and promotes professional growth across departments
• Provide guidance and mentorship to new team members, facilitating their integration into the McAdams team
• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills + Experience

• Four-year bachelor's degree from an accredited program in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology, or related field required
• 2 - 5 years of experience in civil engineering or related field required
• Experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D preferred
• EI on path to PE preferred
• Strong attention to detail, effective communication skills, ability to work collaboratively, and willingness to learn
• Demonstrated ability to think critically and contribute to creative solutions for design challenges
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Work Environment + Physical Demands

• Work will primarily be in an office setting with limited opportunities to be exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
• Work will primarily working with fingers by picking, pinching, typing, and grasping often with repetitive motion.
• Must have visual acuity for viewing a computer screen, the ability to talk, hear and sit for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to carry, lift and push/pull up to 5 pounds frequently and up to 30 pounds occasionally.
• Additional physical duties may be required as necessary.

McAdams is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard for race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy, sexual orientation or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran's status, or any other legally protected status.

If you need assistance with our online application system process, please contact the Human Resources Team at 919.361.5000 or [e-mail].

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