Staff CAD Designer

SWCA Environmental Consultants; Lombard (IL); On-site; USD 44,110 - 57,266; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

401(k) Profit Sharing Plan

Flexibility in workplace

Job summary

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Staff CAD Designer to support their environmental and energy projects. This full-time, hourly role offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits in a flexible hybrid environment. The ideal candidate will have an Associate's degree with CAD expertise, and experience in AutoCAD Civil 3D, working with diverse project teams.

The position is open until a strong candidate pool is identified, and all candidates are encouraged to apply, particularly those from diverse backgrounds.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of professional experience using CAD/GIS technologies beyond university attendance.
• Demonstrated experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D in a professional setting.
• Experience with GIS platforms such as ArcGIS.

Responsibilities

• Support and maintain company-wide CAD standards and drafting best practices.
• Produce CAD deliverables for environmental, ecological restoration, and energy-related projects.
• Prepare production-quality maps and field support mapping products.

Skills

AutoCAD Civil 3D

GIS Technology

Project team collaboration

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

Associate's degree in Geography, Cartography, CADD Drafting, GIS Technology, Engineering Technology, or related field

Tools

ArcGIS

CADD Drafting

Job description

About the opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Staff CAD Designer to support our growing environmental and energy project portfolio. This position may be based out of our Jacksonville, FL; Pittsburgh, PA; or Chicago, IL offices, with a strong preference for candidates located in either location. Exceptional candidates located elsewhere along the U.S. East Coast will also be considered.

In this role, you will support Project Engineers through AutoCAD Civil 3D drafting and design for a variety of natural resource, ecological restoration, and energy-related projects. Our team offers a collaborative and flexible work environment with opportunities to contribute to meaningful infrastructure and environmental initiatives nationwide.

This is a regular, full-time, hourly position offering competitive benefits and a flexible hybrid work environment. Candidates located within commuting distance of one of our office locations are preferred.

What you will accomplish

• Support and maintain company-wide CAD standards and drafting best practices
• Produce CAD deliverables for environmental, ecological restoration, and energy-related projects using AutoCAD Civil 3D
• Develop basic to complex drafting and analytical representations from metadata, datasets, and geodatabases
• Integrate attributes from multiple data sources, including importing/exporting a wide range of file types
• Prepare production-quality maps, exhibits, and field support mapping products
• Utilize feature lines to support site grading and earthwork balance analyses
• Perform earthwork volume calculations and support site development layouts
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including engineers, GIS specialists, and environmental professionals

Experience and qualifications for success

• Associate's degree in Geography, Cartography, CADD Drafting, GIS Technology, Engineering Technology, or a related field with an emphasis in GIS or CAD design; equivalent GIS/CADD certification also considered
• Minimum of two years of professional experience using CAD/GIS technologies beyond university attendance
• Demonstrated experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D in a professional setting
• Experience with GIS platforms such as ArcGIS
• Familiarity with field data collection, data integration workflows, and troubleshooting digital files/equipment
• Understanding of grading, earthwork, and civil/site design concepts preferred
• Prior experience supporting energy, infrastructure, environmental permitting, or restoration projects is a plus
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and communication skills
• Ability to work effectively both independently and within collaborative project teams

Benefits

SWCA is committed to salary equity and transparency. An employee in this Chicago, IL-based position can expect an hourly pay rate of $32.02 to $41.57/hour. Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law. Regular-status employees are also eligible for performance bonuses. Candidates are also encouraged to consider SWCA's Total Rewards package, which includes a competitive Benefits package, forward-thinking workplace flexibility, an outstanding corporate culture, award‑winning career development, and more.

All regular‑status employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, wellness, life, and disability coverage, as well as access to the Employee Assistance Program. Employees may also participate in SWCA's 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust.

Application Information

EOE - women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. At SWCA Environmental Consultants, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds, including those with diverse experiences and veterans, to apply. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce enhances creativity, innovation, and overall organizational success.

Note: The position remains open until a strong pool of candidates is identified; it may close without prior notice.