SITE DESIGNER

Downing; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Collaborative work environment

Active involvement in construction projects

Job summary

A design and construction firm is seeking a Site Designer in Des Moines, Iowa. This role requires a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture or Civil Engineering and 2–7 years of experience in design-build projects. Responsibilities include site planning, municipal coordination, and technical oversight with strong emphasis on collaboration with internal teams and external consultants. Proficiency in AutoCAD and Civil 3D is crucial as you work closely to ensure feasibility and compliance on multiple projects.

Qualifications

• 2–7 years of experience in a design-build or multidisciplinary environment.
• Strong understanding of how site, civil, and architectural drawings work together.
• Comfortable working with both municipal reviewers and field staff.

Responsibilities

• Prepare site concepts, feasibility plans, and master planning studies.
• Interface with municipal staff and agencies.
• Review and cross-check civil, architectural, structural, and MEP drawings.
• Develop preliminary grading, hardscape, and utility routing concepts.
• Coordinate closely with Downing’s construction team and external civil consultants.
• Perform site ADA analysis and site compliance reviews.

Skills

Site Planning

Technical Coordination

Municipal Coordination

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture, Civil Engineering, or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

Lumion

Enscape

Job description

Downing is seeking a Site Designer with a background in civil engineering and/or landscape architecture to support our design-build projects. This is a hands‑on role that works closely with architecture, construction, and external consultants from early feasibility through construction. The focus is feasibility site planning; code, utilities, grading, and coordination; not isolated concept work. You will be involved early, help shape what is feasible, and stay engaged as projects move toward construction.

Key Responsibilities

• Site Planning & Feasibility
  • Prepare site concepts, feasibility plans, and master planning studies.
  • Evaluate zoning, setbacks, parking, access, utilities, and development constraints.
• Municipal Coordination
  • Interface with municipal staff and agencies.
  • Prepare and manage municipal submittals; track review comments and approvals.
• Technical Coordination
  • Review and cross-check civil, architectural, structural, and MEP drawings.
  • Identify conflicts early and support resolution before they reach the field.
• Preliminary Site & Utility Layout
  • Develop preliminary grading, hardscape, and utility routing concepts for feasibility and early budgeting/coordination.
• Construction Collaboration
  • Coordinate closely with Downing’s construction team and external civil consultants.
  • Provide constructability input and assist with cost-driven design decisions.
• Code & Field Verification
  • Perform site ADA analysis and site compliance reviews.
  • Conduct field verification.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Education
  • Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture, Civil Engineering, or related field.
• Experience
  • 2–7 years of experience in a design-build or multidisciplinary environment.
  • Strong understanding of how site, civil, and architectural drawings work together.
• Software
  • Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD and Civil 3D.
  • Experience with visualization tools (Lumion, Enscape, or similar) is a plus.
• Technical Judgment
  • Experience incorporating budget and constructability considerations into design work, and communicating these to our internal team and external partners.
• Communication
  • Clear written, graphic, and verbal communication.
  • Comfortable working with both municipal reviewers and field staff.
• Licensure
  • RLA or PE licensure preferred but not required.

Why Downing?

You won't just be drawing lines; you’ll be building them. We offer a fast‑paced, collaborative environment. If you’re ready to move beyond paper architecture and into the world of active construction, let’s talk.

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