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Associate Designer Jobs in Nanaimo, BC (NOW HIRING)

Smith + Andersen

Associate

Nanaimo, BC · Hybrid

CA$110K - CA$140K/yr

Associate - Electrical Location: Nanaimo, BC Job Type: Hybrid - WFH + In Office Salary Range: $110 ... Mentors designers and project managers in technical and non-technical aspects of their role.

Sherwin-Williams

Store Associate

Parksville, BC · On-site

Store Associates are also expected to promptly resolve any customer concerns and ensure maximum ... This starts with a wide range of world-class benefits designed for you. From retirement to health ...

Sherwin-Williams

Store Associate

Nanaimo, BC · On-site

Store Associates are also expected to promptly resolve any customer concerns and ensure maximum ... This starts with a wide range of world-class benefits designed for you. From retirement to health ...

Smith + Andersen

Project Manager - Electrical

Nanaimo, BC · On-site +1

CA$90K - CA$125K/yr

May assign tasks to designers and CAD Technicians where appropriate. * Understand Codes and ... Where requested by the Principal-in-charge or Associate Principal, act as a contract administrator ...

FirstService Residential

Building Manager

Nanaimo, BC · On-site

CA$48K - CA$50K/yr

Our dedication to associate satisfaction and growth is recognized by our Great Place to Work ... The AEDT is designed to assist in objectively evaluating candidate qualifications based on specific ...

Acosta

Retail Sales Representative

Nanaimo, BC

We recognize our associates are the foundation of our success. That's why we prioritize your growth, development, and well-being to help you reach your full potential. With programs designed to ...

Acosta

Retail Sales Representative

Nanaimo, BC

We recognize our associates are the foundation of our success. That's why we prioritize your growth, development, and well-being to help you reach your full potential. With programs designed to ...

Acosta

Reset Merchandiser

Nanaimo, BC

We recognize our associates are the foundation of our success. That's why we prioritize your growth, development, and well-being to help you reach your full potential. With programs designed to ...

Acosta

Reset Merchandiser

Nanaimo, BC

We recognize our associates are the foundation of our success. That's why we prioritize your growth, development, and well-being to help you reach your full potential. With programs designed to ...

All JobsAssociate Designer JobsAssociate Designer Jobs in Nanaimo, BC

Associate Designer information

See Nanaimo, BC salary details

$31.2K

$51.6K

$70.1K

How much do associate designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate designer in Nanaimo, BC is $51,551.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,340.00 and $59,971.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate designer?

An associate designer is responsible for assisting the lead designer or art director with the production and design of creative projects. Associate designers can work in a variety of industries, include fashion, graphic design, and interior design. As an associate designer, your job duties vary significantly by industry, but they generally involve researching trends, communicating with clients, and procuring materials necessary for designing the project. Regarding academic qualifications, you need a bachelor’s degree in fine arts or a major related to the specific industry in which you choose to work. Some employers may require previous experience or a portfolio that proves your design skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate designer?

To thrive as an Associate Designer, you generally need a strong foundation in design principles, proficiency with design software (such as Adobe Creative Suite), and a relevant degree or portfolio showcasing your work. Familiarity with tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and sometimes prototyping platforms like Figma or Sketch is often required. Strong attention to detail, creativity, and effective communication skills help you excel in collaborative environments and respond to feedback. These skills ensure you can contribute high-quality, innovative designs that meet client or project objectives in a fast-paced industry.

How does an associate designer typically collaborate with other team members during a project?

Associate Designers work closely with senior designers, project managers, and cross-functional teams such as marketing, engineering, or product development. Collaboration often involves participating in brainstorming sessions, contributing design ideas, and iterating on feedback from multiple stakeholders. Regular communication—via meetings, design reviews, and digital collaboration tools—is essential to ensure that design concepts align with project goals and brand guidelines. This teamwork helps Associate Designers learn from experienced colleagues and refine their skills in a supportive environment.

What is the difference between Associate Designer vs Junior Designer?

AspectAssociate DesignerJunior Designer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in design or related field; some employers may prefer internship experienceBachelor's degree in design or related field; entry-level position
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with senior designers, participates in projects, and supports design teamsAssists in design tasks, learns workflows, and gains practical experience
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across creative agencies, in-house design teams, and studiosCommon entry-level role in similar settings

Associate Designers typically have more responsibilities and may oversee parts of projects, while Junior Designers focus on learning and supporting design tasks. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but Associate Designers are often more experienced and involved in project execution.

How much do associate designers make?

Associate designers typically earn between $45,000 and $65,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. In larger markets or specialized fields, salaries can be higher, and roles often require proficiency in design tools like Adobe Creative Suite and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

What does an associate designer do?

An associate designer supports the design team by creating visual concepts, sketches, and prototypes using tools like Adobe Creative Suite. They assist in developing design ideas, preparing presentations, and ensuring projects meet client or company standards, often gaining experience to advance in design roles.
More about Associate Designer jobs

What cities near Nanaimo, BC are hiring for Associate Designer jobs?

Cities near Nanaimo, BC with the most Associate Designer job openings:

Associate Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Designer job openings in Nanaimo, BC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,551 per year, or $24.8 per hour.

Associate

Smith + Andersen

Nanaimo, BC • Hybrid

CA$110K - CA$140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Role: Associate - Electrical
Location: Nanaimo, BC
Job Type: Hybrid – WFH + In Office
Salary Range: $110,000 - $140,000
Who We Are

Smith + Andersen is a trusted, Canadian engineering firm, recognized for its multi-disciplinary expertise. With more than seven hundred employees across eleven offices in five provinces, the firm delivers comprehensive solutions nationwide

At Smith + Andersen our employees contribute to some of the most sustainable building design projects in Canada. The work we do has meaningful impact on the community by contributing to landmark projects such as hospitals, transit stations, parks, federal and provincial government buildings and post-secondary institutions.
Our values drive and define everything we do, demonstrating a deep commitment to sustainability, mentorship and quality work that spans six decades in business. In addition, we are proud to have been certified as a Great Place to Work™ and selected as one of Canada’s Best Workplaces™ for the highly collaborative culture we’ve built and for empowering employees to do great work!
This Opportunity
The Nanaimo office of Smith + Andersen is currently seeking an Associate for our Electrical team. You are a natural leader who thinks outside the box. You’re glad to collaborate with your team as you take on challenges and create innovative design solutions. You are eager to establish solid relationships with clients, and use your building services design expertise to help make their next project a success. You thrive when working on a variety of projects and are looking for an opportunity to meet and exceed your career goals.
This posting is for a future anticipated role.

Why choose Smith + Andersen?

In addition to an exciting career filled with meaningful work, we offer:
  • Competitive salary
  • Flexible hours and half day Fridays (all year round)
  • Comprehensive Group Health Benefits Program, including a Health Spending Account
  • Group Retirement Savings Plan (Employer and Employee Contributions)
  • Employee Share Ownership Program (ESOP)
  • Purchase Time off Program
  • Transit Subsidy Program
  • Wide variety of community and social events
  • Great Place to Work-Certified™
  • Best Workplaces™ in Canada
  • Best Workplaces for Inclusion™
  • Best Workplaces for Professional Services ™
  • Best Workplaces for Mental Wellness ™

What You'll Do
  • Work with Principal-in-charge to lead a team designers and project managers for a single or multiple business sectors.
  • Actively seeks opportunities to increase client satisfaction, deepen client relationships and grow business sectors.
  • Works with the Business Development and Proposals group to respond to proposals. Actively writes proposal responses (RFP).
  • Develops and/or improves processes and procedures for Project Management to improve efficiency.
  • Leads and/or assists in human resources related activities including recruitment and selection, employee development, performance appraisals and employee relations.
  • Mentors designers and project managers in technical and non-technical aspects of their role.
  • Fully understands Codes and Standards relevant for the project and is able to communicate all requirements to the internal project team, external project team, owner, and Authorities Having Jurisdiction.
  • Fully understands (construction) project procurement methodologies and is able to recommend or apply such method for the project
  • Responsible for reviewing all deliverables for the project whether reports, calculations, drawings, or/and specifications. Reviews for completeness and accuracy at various stages of development and as defined by internal total quality management.
  • Promotes and enforces company standards relating to project administration, documentation and processes such as total quality management.
  • Prepares and continually monitors a schedule of tasks required to complete the project including hours to perform tasks and critical data required for performance.
  • Organizes and attends meetings including client meetings.
  • Prepares, or assists Principal-in-charge with, the development of all system engineering concepts (e.g. design brief) and concept report. Reviews and manages the design in terms of construction budgets.
  • Responds to both technical and financial queries related to the project.
  • Oversees non-technical aspects of all disciplines for the project.
  • Works with designers and project managers to prepare all calculations and selects all equipment. Some will be completed by candidate and some assigned to designers and CAD Technician where appropriate.
  • Performs, or arranges for, reviews of existing installation and interprets/manages the impact on the project.
  • Ensures proper coordination of document with the internal and external project team (architect, interior designer, and other disciplines).
  • Leads the Field Representative teams and delegates site activities to Project Managers when needed.
  • Coordinates with the contract administration team regarding drawing reviews, proper set up of contract administration process and site activities.
  • Works with designers and project managers to prepare all change notices or reviews change notices issued by contract administration team.
  • Responsible for ensuring tasks are completed both accurately and with the assigned hours/fee.
  • Supports the process of accounts receivable.

Who You Are
  • Possess 8 or more years of project engineering experience in the field of electrical building services.
  • Possess P.Eng or C.E.T. designation.
  • Demonstrate a strong leadership qualities and ability to work independently.
  • Demonstrate the ability to work in a complex environment, dealing with multiple projects and clients.
  • Possess sound communications skills as demonstrated through client and staff relations.
  • Demonstrate experience working with other consultants and contractors, and coordination of major projects.
  • Thoroughly versed in provincial building codes, ASHRAE, CSA and NFPA standards.
  • LEED certification / Experience implementing sustainable design (LEED projects) is an asset.
  • Demonstrated ability to deliver professional presentations and chair meetings with clients and at industry events.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop lasting relationships with clients that foster strong client ties.
  • Willingness to work over and above regular business hours to deliver projects and develop relationships with clients.

About Smith + Andersen
Founded in 1965, Smith + Andersen has organically grown from an established reputation as a trusted engineering consulting firm, reaching new levels of engineering and design excellence in the mechanical, electrical, communications, security and audiovisual fields, and providing enhanced services such as lighting, building automation systems, and intelligent integrated systems design. Thanks to our client-focused approach, we are able to apply efficient, sustainable, and reliable design and engineering solutions on the some of the most exciting projects across Canada.
For more information about Smith + Andersen, please visit our website at www.smithandandersen.com.
Accommodation
Appropriate accommodations will be provided to candidates upon request throughout the recruitment and hiring process. Successful applicants will be advised of Smith + Andersen’s accommodation policies at the time the employment offer is extended. Only qualified candidates will be contacted.
Diversity
Smith + Andersen is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates of any age, culture, subculture, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, nationality, race, ethnicity, family status, religion, mental or physical status or veteran status.
Recruitment Agencies
Smith + Andersen welcomes interest by individual applicants. For resumes or applications submitted by agencies or recruiters with which Smith + Andersen does not have an agreement in place, Smith + Andersen will not pay any referral fee. Unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies or recruiters will be deemed to have been referred without fee or other charges.
Artificial Intelligence
Smith + Andersen does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess or select applicants.
Smith + Andersen is an equal opportunity employer.

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