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Project CAD Designer

SWCA Environmental Consultants
tuition reimbursement, 401(k), profit sharing
United States, Arizona, Phoenix
20 East Thomas Road (Show on map)
Sep 15, 2025
About the opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Project-Level CAD Designer to join our growing team. In this role, you will collaborate with Project Engineers and Scientists to deliver high-quality AutoCAD Civil 3D design in support of a wide variety of projects nationwide. Our work spans natural resource permitting, ecological restoration, site civil design for solar projects, and other civil engineering initiatives that contribute to the renewable energy industry.

This is a regular, full-time position with benefits that can be based anywhere in the United States. Candidates near one of our SWCA offices, including the option of a hybrid work environment. Occasional travel may be required.

This job opening can hire at the following levels:

  • Assistant Project CAD Designer: Typically with at least three (3) years of relevant experience and expertise
  • Associate Project CAD Designer: Typically with at least five (5) years of relevant experience and expertise
  • Project CAD Designer: Typically with at least seven (7) years of relevant experience and expertise.

What you will accomplish

  • Support the development and implementation of company-wide CAD standards.

  • Generate CAD products for solar, renewable energy, environmental restoration, cultural, paleontological, and other environmental resource projects using AutoCAD Civil 3D.

  • Work with a variety of data sources (metadata, datasets, and geo-databases) to create analytical and visual representations.

  • Integrate attributes from different data sources, symbolize features, and import/export a wide range of file types.

  • Produce high-quality production and design plans, as well as field maps.

  • Utilize feature lines to support site grading and earthwork balance.

  • Provide earthwork volume calculations to support project design and construction.

  • Collaborate with field crews by providing GPS-grade surveying support.

For more senior-level positions (Associate/Project CAD Designer):

  • Lead the creation of detailed 2D and 3D designs for complex projects and collaborate with engineers and scientists on design concepts.

  • Prepare grading designs, roadway plans and profiles, drainage area maps, stormwater collection and treatment system designs, floodplain compensation plans, and mass grading plans using AutoCAD Civil 3D.

  • Develop construction drawings for renewable energy and environmental restoration projects.

  • Produce planning/zoning exhibits and concept plans that adhere to company standards and styles in support of local, state, and federal permit applications.


Experience and qualifications for success

Minimum requirements:

  • Associate's degree in Geography, Cartography, CADD Drafting, GIS Technology, or a related field with an emphasis on GIS (or GIS/CADD certificate).
  • At least three (3) years of experience in CADD/GIS technology, field data collection techniques, data integration to CADD/GIS, and troubleshooting equipment and digital files.
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D.
  • Experience with ArcGIS 10.0-10.1 and AutoCAD Map 3D.
  • Previous experience in natural or cultural resources management, remote sensing, or permitting is a plus.

Preferred qualifications

  • Minimum of five (5) years of experience beyond university attendance with CADD/ GIS technology, field data collection techniques, data integration to CADD/GIS, and troubleshooting of equipment and digital files
  • Strong knowledge and experience of AutoCAD Civil 3D in grading design
  • Prior work in natural or cultural resources management, remote sensing, and prior experience working with permitting a plus

Why Join SWCA?

  • Be part of a collaborative team dedicated to delivering high-quality environmental solutions.
  • Work closely with Project Engineers and Scientists on impactful environmental projects.
  • Enjoy a hybrid work environment with occasional travel.
  • Contribute to meaningful projects that impact the environment and communities.

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing, 100% employee-owned company that offers a full range of environmental services. Our North Star is to be the best place to work and a leader in sustainability, bringing sound science and creative solutions to global environmental challenges, all while staying true to our commitment to employee ownership. At SWCA, we live our core values every day: we collaborate as #OneSWCA, we're #AlwaysLearning, we #NeverSettle, and we #GiveBack to our communities. With offices across the country, we're proud to be one of the largest environmental compliance firms in the U.S. and to rank among Engineering News-Record's Top 200 Environmental Firms.

SWCA is committed to salary equity and transparency. In alignment with this commitment, we post good faith pay ranges in all job postings. An employee in this position can expect a salary of: Assistant Project CAD Designer -- $34.78/hour to $44.94/hour; Associate Project CAD Designer -- $39.59/hour to $50.83/hour; or Project CAD Designer -- $93,475/year to $120,182/year. 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 (https://www.swca.com/careers/benefits-wellness/), which includes a competitive Benefits package, forward-thinking workplace flexibility, outstanding corporate culture, award-winning career development, and more.

We offer a supportive, team-focused work environment, competitive pay, and great benefits-including a 100% employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) to help you build a strong financial future. At SWCA, we're committed to helping our team members grow into industry leaders. Our award-winning Career Landscape program offers a clear and structured path to meaningful career development. We support your growth through conference attendance, internal and external training, education reimbursement, our Science and Leadership Program, and bonuses for qualifying publications. 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 our Employee Assistance Program. Employees may also participate in SWCA's 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust.

SWCA continues to invest in our people. We value the skills and experience of our internal team members and strongly encourage qualified employees to apply for open positions. We believe in promoting from within whenever possible, offering meaningful opportunities for career growth.

Application Deadline: We will begin reviewing applications immediately and schedule interviews with qualified candidates on a rolling basis. The position will remain open until we identify a strong pool of candidates and may close without prior notice. We sincerely appreciate the time and effort of all applicants and will thoughtfully review each submission.

If you need assistance accessing SWCA's website, completing the online application, or require accommodations at any point during the hiring process due to a disability, please contact us at accommodations@swca.com or call 1-480-581-5378. We're committed to providing an inclusive and supportive experience for all candidates. This contact information is specifically for accommodation requests; other inquiries will not receive a response.

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.

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