Entrylevel Computer Aided Design Designer Jobs in Shelton, WA

Salary: $4,406.00 - $5,928.00 Monthly
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-06828
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 08/14/2026
Closing Date: 8/30/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Working Title- Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Drafter
Classification- Engineering Aide 2
Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program- Capital and Asset Management Program - Engineering Division
Duty Station- *Olympia, Washington - Thurston County
*While this position may offer a telework option, the successful candidate must be available to report to the duty station as needed.
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
Photo Caption - Fish passage restoration - Photo Credit: WDFW
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is dedicated to preserving wildlife and ecosystems while facilitating sustainable recreational opportunities. Our Capital and Asset Management Program (CAMP) plays a crucial role in this mission by providing engineering expertise to maintain our facilities and infrastructure.
As a CAD Drafter in our team, you'll contribute directly to our conservation efforts. Working under supervision, you'll utilize your CAD skills to draft preliminary and final drawings, ensuring projects align with construction standards and engineering requirements. From design sketches to topographical maps, your work will help bring our conservation projects to fruition.
If you're passionate about wildlife preservation and have a knack for design, join us in creating a sustainable future for generations to come.
WHAT TO EXPECT -
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position:
Drafting.

• Prepares original drawings utilizing CAD programs.
• Prepares architectural, civil, electrical, mechanical, and structural drawings.
• Details and plans from old drawings, and mostly complete sketches, as assigned.
• Computes yardages and other quantities subject to check.
• Drafts rudimentary and finished maps.
• Plots graphs, profiles, and other statistical, mathematical or engineering-type graphic illustrations.
• Revises construction plans with "as built" corrections.

Architectural, Civil, Mechanical, and Structural.

• Prepares minor calculations and basic partial designs for review and use in drafting above.
• Computes minor quantities of areas and volumes in complex shapes.

Survey.

• Obtains data for project control and prepares calculations for field staking of coordinates for construction layout and control.
• Completes field research, assists in information collection, inspects, and measures existing structures for accurate drafting later and measures stream flows.
• Occasionally works with Survey crew in the field collecting data for projects.

Office Duties.

• Orders drafting and technical materials for the office.
• Review Request for Information (RFI) and project submittals as requested by Project Managers.

Working Conditions:
Work setting: Duties are performed in an office setting, and on construction sites (Hatcheries, Offices, Accesses, and Wildlife areas). Must have the ability to walk on uneven terrain and steep slopes for extended periods of time; and tolerate inclement/adverse weather conditions. Must have the ability to climb ladders, work from boats and work from elevated locations. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments. Occasionally exert sustained physical effort in the field to include times of inclement weather.
Schedule: Full-time, working 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule (Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) includes the potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Alternative schedules may be considered based on business needs.
Travel requirements: Travel as required. Possibly for extended periods in the field.
Customer Interactions: Will be working primarily with Project Managers, Engineers, Engineering Aides, and Inspectors.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required Qualifications:
Option 1:
Two (2) years of experience as an Engineering Aide 1.
Option 2:
High School diploma or equivalent.
And
Two (2) years of experience in Computer Aided Drafting or college-level coursework with a major emphasis in Computer Aided Drafting.
And
Strong working knowledge of Microsoft computer software (e.g., Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.).
License: Valid driver's license.
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

• A minimum of 50 credit hours of CAD instruction in architectural, mechanical, and civil drafting.
• Principles of Surveying.
• Experience using Civil3D Software.
• Experience using Bluebeam Software.
• Experience in Grading, Surfaces, and Pipe Networks.
• Basics of Engineering.

Your application must include the following:

• A COMPLETED online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three (3) professional references with current contact information.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
In addition to and other , there are other that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the "Benefits" tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.
Important Note:
All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link:
Union - WAFWP:
This position is in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals.
Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice:
Per Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following:

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at
• Veterans only - Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
  • Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2024-1234 - Biologist 1 - Veteran).
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer
As part of WDFW's efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications. Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully. All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.
The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email , or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.
Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to and reference job #2026-06828.
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More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that require