Design Director Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

Why DOWL?

DOWL is a top-ranked, multi-disciplined consulting firm with over 60 years of experience in civil engineering and related services. Our in-house expertise spans Civil and Land Development, Construction-Related Services, Transportation and Structures, and Water and Environmental Services. At DOWL, you’re valued.  We support your growth, offer great benefits, and foster a culture of integrity, professionalism, and teamwork.

Site Design

At DOWL, you'll be part of a team that delivers a full spectrum of civil engineering services to both public and private clients making a meaningful impact on communities and infrastructure across the region. We take pride in our ability to solve complex planning, environmental, and design challenges, navigate funding and permitting hurdles, and guide projects from concept through construction with precision and care. Our strong reputation is built on a commitment to quality and the personal attention we bring to every project. If you're passionate about creating practical, lasting solutions and want to grow with a company that values both technical excellence and client relationships, we invite you to join us.

Summary

The Civil Project Engineer is responsible for performing complicated calculations and comprehensive design services for a variety of complex civil engineering and site development projects with no oversight. The person in this position is expected to exercise a strong work ethic, demonstrate a desire to learn and teach new design concepts, apply judgement and discretion, and have excellent organizational and communication skills. A successful Civil Project Engineer 2 demonstrates advanced proficiency with drafting fundamentals and AutoCAD Civil 3D design software. Other duties include making site visits, coordinating with clients and approval agencies, preparing complex construction documents, estimating construction costs, and preparing complex written reports. They also delegate tasks and mentor those with less experience. This person is expected to work well with others, absorb and apply constructive criticism, and seek guidance from more experienced members of the team as necessary.

Job Responsibilities and Duties

To be successful in this position, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Software

• Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Project) - Advanced
• Market Sector Software (AutoCAD/C3D, HydroCAD, AutoTurn/Vehicle Tracking)

Technical Expertise

• Advanced understanding of technical fundamentals
• Demonstrates expertise to others within and beyond market sector
• Provides unique solutions to complex technical challenges
• Leads internal mentoring
• Performs quality control of complex deliverables

Teamwork

Team player and team leader able to follow on large or complex projects. Provides clear communication and direction, set expectations, and takes responsibility for results of the team.

Project Delivery

Leads the production of and provides quality control for the following:

• Identify design criteria
• Site layout and grading
• Utility plans and profiles
• Street plans and profiles
• Tentative plans
• Permitting exhibits
• Construction plans
• Traffic control plans
• Erosion control plans
• Quantity takeoffs
• Specifications
• Technical reports and memos
• Storm calculations
• ADA designs
• Offsite improvements designs
• Permit applications
• Construction details and notes
• Services during construction (RFI and submittal review, construction observation and inspection, and record drawings)

Understanding Budget and Schedule

Strong understanding of scopes, schedules, and budgets. Able to predict and deliver individual tasks within a set level of effort. Develops budgets and schedules for complex tasks. Breaks down complex projects into logical tasks. Able to consistently meet budget and schedule expectations on projects. Able to prioritize multiple assignments to successfully deliver all assigned projects on time and on budget. Mentors others on above. 

Industry Standards and Regulations

Expertly interprets, selects, and employs design codes. Actively mentors others on interpreting design codes. Understands limitations of design codes.

Client Interaction

Frequent direct communications with clients on large/complex projects. Leads technical client project meetings. Understands appropriate messaging and legal risks. Participates in project interviews.

Other

Other duties as assigned.

Level of Work/Accountability

Primarily performs advanced technical tasks on complex, demanding projects for the market sector. Operates with a high level of autonomy. Reviews the work of others. Mentors others with less experience. May provide some project management services.

Supervisory Duties

May be a supervisor:

• Oversees team operations and the daily workflow of the team
• Organizes workflow and ensures that employees understand their duties or delegated tasks
• Recruits and hires new employees
• Implements training for new hires and identifies training opportunities for current staff
• Communicates information from leadership to employees and vice versa
• Monitors employee productivity and provides constructive feedback and coaching
• Sets goals for performance and deadlines in ways that comply with company’s plans and vision and communicates them to employees
• Provides constructive and timely performance evaluations
• Decides on reward and promotion based on performance
• Handles discipline and termination of employees as needed and in accordance with company policy

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor's Degree required
• Years of experience required: 10 years
• Years of experience required with advanced degree: 9 years

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• PE required
• Driving is an essential job function or a valid driver’s license is required to support legitimate business purposes

Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, hear, stand, walk, and use their hands. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.