Associate Landscape Designer Jobs in Chicago, IL

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 (GIST), Engineering Technology, or a related field with an emphasis in GIS or CAD design; equivalent GIS/CADD certification also considered
• Minimum of two (2) 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

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 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
( 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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