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Entry Level Civil Designer Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Showing results 21-24

Entry Level Civil Designer information

See Portland, OR salary details

$45.6K

$86.3K

$124.1K

How much do entry level civil designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level civil designer in Portland, OR is $86,322.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,600.00 and $99,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level civil designer do?

An Entry Level Civil Designer assists in the creation and modification of engineering drawings and plans for civil infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and utilities. They typically use computer-aided design (CAD) software to produce detailed drawings based on specifications from engineers and project managers. Their tasks may also include collecting and analyzing data, preparing reports, and ensuring that designs comply with relevant codes and standards. Entry level designers work under the supervision of senior staff and help ensure projects are completed efficiently and accurately.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level civil designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Civil Designer, you need a solid understanding of civil engineering principles, drafting, and a relevant degree or coursework in civil engineering or a related field. Familiarity with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, GIS software, and basic knowledge of design codes are typically required. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and teamwork skills help you collaborate with engineers and meet client expectations. These abilities ensure accurate, efficient project deliverables and smooth integration within multidisciplinary design teams.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level civil designers in their first year, and how can they overcome them?

Entry level civil designers often encounter challenges such as adapting to industry-standard design software, understanding detailed project requirements, and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams. It's common to feel overwhelmed by the technical complexity and fast-paced deadlines. To overcome these challenges, new designers should actively seek feedback from senior colleagues, participate in training sessions, and maintain open communication with project managers and engineers. Building strong organizational and problem-solving skills early on can also help ease the transition and contribute to professional growth.

What is the difference between Entry Level Civil Designer vs Civil Engineering Technician?

AspectEntry Level Civil DesignerCivil Engineering Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's in Civil Engineering or related fieldAssociate's degree in Civil Engineering Technology or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, field sites, consulting firmsDesign offices, construction sites, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, municipalities, private developersEngineering firms, public agencies, construction companies
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

The main difference between an Entry Level Civil Designer and a Civil Engineering Technician lies in their educational background and focus. Civil Designers typically hold a bachelor's degree and focus on creating detailed designs and plans, while Civil Engineering Technicians usually have an associate's degree and assist with technical tasks and data collection. Both roles work in similar environments and industries, but the Civil Designer often takes on more design responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Civil Designer jobs in Portland, OR?

For Entry Level Civil Designer jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Civil Designer job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,322 per year, or $41.5 per hour.

Field Engineer -- Recent Graduates

Harder Mechanical Contractors

Portland, OR • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Harder Mechanical is one of the nation’s largest mechanical contractors with an outstanding reputation for working safely, meeting tough schedules, and delivering quality projects. Based in Portland Oregon, we work primarily in the 11-western states with regional offices in Reno, NV; Phoenix, AZ; Los Angeles, CA; Concord, CA; Salt Lake City, UT.

As a Field Engineer, you will be working in one of our fab shops in the Portland area, supporting the Advanced Technology sector. Harder Mechanical also works in the commercial sector (healthcare, higher education, mission critical, and retail) and the industrial sector (pulp and paper manufacturing).

Interested in finding out what our Field Engineers do day to day? Check out our video here!

Successful projects do not complete themselves. Our team of curious and passionate people build on Harder's reputation every day through their actions. We offer professional development opportunities, industry-leading benefits, and the chance to work on projects that will change the built environment forever. Find out more at www.harder.com.

What you’ll be doing:

You will be responsible for planning, scheduling, and executing a specific scope of the project you are assigned to at Harder. You will coordinate with field labor to ensure the work is completed safely, on schedule, and up to Harder Mechanical's quality standards. This is an entry level role that serves as the entry point for a project management career at Harder.

Field Engineers at Harder perform the following daily tasks:

  • Learn, follow, and promote Harder’s safety policies and protocols
  • Review construction drawings and compile project scope and quantities
  • Resolve engineering issues and constraints through communication with design engineers, owner representatives, and fellow team members
  • Monitor field construction and ensure compliance with construction plans and specifications
  • Engage in work sequence planning
  • Prepare and monitor work packages, including labor and cost estimates
  • Track construction progress and update status weekly
  • Organize project records in an effective document control system
  • Estimate future work
  • Perform additional tasks or projects as assigned

What you will need to be successful in this role:

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office & Bluebeam – intermediate skills in Excel
  • Ability to communicate with a broad spectrum of people including suppliers, field crews, designers, and owners
  • Self-starter, motivated and takes initiative
  • Organized and productive
  • Strong time management skills and ability to prioritize tasks on an ongoing basis
  • Relentless commitment to teamwork and client satisfaction
  • Interest in LEAN construction principles
  • Ability to travel to other regions to gain exposure to additional markets and industries
  • Must have valid driver license
  • Mechanical aptitude

Education/Experience:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Business Management, Mechanical, Industrial, Civil Engineering and/or equivalent experience or education
  • Previous internship experience, preferably with a focus on construction or engineering

Benefits

  • Competitive salary
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits – 100% of employee premiums are paid by the company
  • Generous retirement package includes: 10% retirement contribution made by the company and a company match up to 2% of your annual salary
  • Profit sharing
  • Discretionary annual bonus
  • Paid vacation and holidays
  • Harder University training and development, as well as other paid professional development opportunities
  • Team environment that promotes individual growth

HMC reserves the right to perform a drug screening and background check, as may be required, and this offer may be contingent on passing a drug screening and background check. 

This position is salaried. No recruiters. No phone calls, please.

About Harder

Harder Mechanical Contractors is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local nondiscrimination laws. Our hiring policy reflects and affirms Harder’s commitment to the principles of fair employment. Harder does not discriminate regarding the terms and conditions of employment based on any characteristic protected by federal, state or local nondiscrimination laws.
It is Harder’s policy to maintain a drug and alcohol-free work environment. Employment offers are conditional upon successfully passing a drug and alcohol test, background checks, reference checks, and as required by law, regardless of citizenship or national origin, documented proof of authorization to work in the United States.

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