Civil Design Manager - Site Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Civil Design Manager - Site Design

Company: Olsson

Location: Dallas, TX; Fort Worth, TX; Oklahoma City, OK; Tulsa, OK; Remote (TX & OK)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Civil Engineering / Site Design Operations

Date Posted: May 24, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid / Remote Eligible

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage civil site design projects, ensuring adherence to quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) standards.

• Provide senior-level design review and technical guidance to project teams, fostering efficiency and quality output.

• Serve as a key client-facing consultant, resolving project issues and strengthening client relationships.

• Contribute to the growth of the Site Design group by mentoring junior staff and developing subject matter expertise.

• Facilitate seamless cross-functional coordination with all involved disciplines throughout the project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a leadership and technical expert within the Site Design group, with significant emphasis on quality control, client consultation, and staff development. The "Manager" title, combined with responsibilities like "directs and manages staff" and "senior level design review," indicates a blend of technical leadership and project oversight, rather than pure people management. The flexibility in work arrangements (remote/hybrid) is a key differentiator for attracting talent in this specialized engineering field.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Direct and manage project staff on technical aspects of site design projects, ensuring effective coordination across all disciplines (e.g., structural, environmental, landscape architecture).

• Plan, implement, and oversee the quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) process for all project deliverables, including drawings, reports, and specifications.

• Act as a primary consultative resource to clients, proactively identifying and resolving technical project challenges to ensure client satisfaction and project success.

• Strengthen and further develop subject matter expertise in specific site design areas, such as grading, drainage, utility design, or transportation infrastructure.

• Conduct senior-level design reviews for various projects within the team, serving as the go-to resource for complex technical issues and design validation.

• Assist in the preparation of project studies and proposals by contributing technical insights, completing drawings, sketching preliminary designs, or acquiring necessary data.

• Promote and implement efficiencies in design processes to enhance the production of high-quality work, potentially through the adoption of new technologies or workflows.

• Supervise, mentor, and review the assignments of less experienced civil designers and engineers, facilitating their professional growth and technical skill development.

• Travel to job sites at various construction stages to assess progress, identify potential issues, and ensure design intent is met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on technical design excellence and operational efficiency. The emphasis on QA/QC, senior design review, and client consultation points to a role that requires deep technical expertise and strong interpersonal skills. The mention of "promoting efficiencies" suggests an expectation for process improvement initiatives.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in civil site design, with a strong emphasis on land development projects.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D: Extensive hands-on experience with advanced features for site design, grading, utility layout, and plan production.

• Project Management Skills: Ability to manage project scope, schedule, and resources for medium-sized land development projects.

• Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC): Proven experience in developing and implementing QA/QC processes for engineering designs.

• Technical Leadership: Capacity to provide senior-level design review, mentor junior staff, and resolve complex technical challenges.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with other relevant design software (e.g., Civil 3D extensions, stormwater modeling software like HEC-RAS or SWMM).

• Understanding of local and state permitting processes and regulations in Texas and Oklahoma.

• Experience with construction administration and site observation.

• Familiarity with sustainability principles in site design.

• Knowledge of GIS applications for data analysis and visualization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 10 years of CAD experience specifically with AutoCAD Civil 3D, coupled with an Associate Degree, suggests a highly specialized, technically focused role where practical application and deep software knowledge are paramount. Project management skills for "medium-sized projects" indicate a need for organizational capability beyond just design execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing a range of completed civil site design projects, including mixed-use, commercial, residential, and industrial developments.

• Include examples of project deliverables such as grading plans, utility designs, stormwater management plans, and site layout drawings.

• Highlight projects where you provided senior-level design review or led the QA/QC process, detailing your contributions and impact.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you have documented or optimized design workflows, particularly related to AutoCAD Civil 3D usage, QA/QC procedures, or interdisciplinary coordination.

• Showcase your approach to managing project documentation, client communications, and technical data relevant to site design projects.

• Illustrate your methods for tracking project progress, identifying potential risks, and implementing corrective actions during the design and construction phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Civil Design Manager role, a portfolio is crucial for validating technical skills and leadership experience. The emphasis should be on demonstrating not just design output, but also the process and methodology behind achieving quality and efficiency, especially in QA/QC and technical review.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Competitive 401(k) match to support long-term financial planning.

• Tailored development paths designed to empower career growth and skill advancement.

• Flexible work arrangements, including remote and hybrid options, promoting work-life balance.

• Participation in a comprehensive wellness program focused on balanced lifestyles.

• Traditional benefits package for full-time employees, including:

  • Health care coverage
  • Vision insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Generous paid time off (PTO)

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work hours are expected, typically around 40 hours per week. However, the role offers flexibility in work arrangements, including remote and hybrid options, allowing for adaptable scheduling to accommodate project needs and personal preferences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on the job title, experience level, location, and industry standards for civil engineering management. The benefits package is comprehensive and aligns with the company's stated people-centric approach, with a strong emphasis on career development and work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering & Design Services, focusing on infrastructure, land development, and environmental solutions.

Company Size: Olsson is a large engineering firm, likely employing over 1,000 professionals, indicating a well-established structure and significant project capacity. This size allows for diverse project opportunities and robust internal support systems.

Founded: 1956. With a history dating back to 1956, Olsson has a long-standing reputation and deep-rooted experience in the engineering and design sector. This longevity suggests stability, a strong client base, and a mature organizational culture.

Team Structure:

• The Site Design group is a specialized division within Olsson, likely comprising civil engineers, designers, drafters, and project managers focused on land development.

• This role reports into a higher-level management position within the Site Design or Engineering division, with direct oversight of project staff and less experienced team members.

Methodology:

• Olsson emphasizes a results-oriented approach, focusing on delivering responsive, transparent, and impactful engineering solutions.

• The company culture encourages growth, creativity, and a people-centric environment, fostering a sense of ownership and community impact among its employees.

• Data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement in design processes are likely core operational tenets, especially within a technical leadership role like this.

Company Website: https://www.olsson.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Olsson's description as a "people-centric firm" suggests a culture that values employee development, work-life balance, and community impact. The company's long history indicates stability and a strong foundation in engineering principles, which is crucial for a role focused on technical leadership and quality assurance.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position represents a senior-level technical leadership role within the civil engineering and site design discipline. It bridges the gap between individual contributor expertise and broader project management, with a focus on technical oversight, quality assurance, and client consultation. It is a crucial step for experienced civil designers seeking to leverage their technical acumen in a leadership capacity without necessarily moving into a full-time people management role.

Reporting Structure: The Civil Design Manager will likely report to a Director of Site Design, a Principal Engineer, or a similar senior leadership position within the firm's engineering or operations division. They will, in turn, supervise and direct the work of junior civil designers, drafters, and potentially entry-level engineers on specific projects.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is significant, influencing the quality, efficiency, and client satisfaction of site design projects. By ensuring robust QA/QC and providing expert technical review, the Manager directly contributes to risk mitigation, cost-effectiveness, and the successful execution of client objectives. Their leadership in design processes also drives team efficiency and professional development, impacting the overall productivity and capability of the Site Design group.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific site design niches (e.g., advanced stormwater management, complex grading solutions, sustainable design) to become a recognized subject matter expert within the firm and industry.

• Project Leadership: Transition to managing larger, more complex, or multi-disciplinary projects, potentially taking on roles with greater scope and client engagement.

• Operational Improvement: Lead initiatives focused on enhancing design processes, implementing new technologies (e.g., BIM for site design), or improving QA/QC protocols across the department.

• Mentorship & Training: Develop into a formal mentor or trainer for emerging talent, contributing to the firm's knowledge base and talent pipeline.

• Client Relationship Management: Grow into a role with a stronger focus on business development and client relationship management, leveraging technical credibility to secure new projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for this role emphasizes technical mastery and operational influence. Growth opportunities are geared towards increasing technical responsibility, project scope, and contributions to operational excellence within the Site Design group, aligning with the company's focus on people development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Olsson offers flexible work arrangements, including remote, hybrid, and in-office options. For those working remotely or hybrid, the office environment is designed for collaboration, client meetings, and access to shared resources. The company culture suggests a professional yet approachable atmosphere.

Office Location(s): The position is open to candidates in Dallas, TX; Fort Worth, TX; Oklahoma City, OK; Tulsa, OK. Remote work is also available for candidates located in Texas or Oklahoma. This broad geographic availability allows access to major metropolitan areas with significant development activity.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace, whether remote or in-office, is set up to support detailed technical design work. This includes access to robust computing power, relevant software licenses, and potentially high-speed internet for remote employees.

• In-office environments likely feature collaborative spaces for team meetings and design charrettes, alongside individual workstations designed for focused CAD work.

• Opportunities for interaction with colleagues occur through scheduled team meetings, project coordination calls, and potentially in-person site visits or office gatherings, fostering a connected team environment despite flexible work arrangements.

Work Schedule: While the core work involves approximately 40 hours per week, the emphasis on flexible work arrangements allows for some adaptability in scheduling. This means employees may have some control over their daily start and end times, provided project deadlines and client needs are met. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for roles requiring deep concentration and for managing work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of flexible work options (remote, hybrid) is a significant factor in the work environment. This suggests a trust-based culture where results and quality of work are prioritized over strict adherence to a traditional office schedule, appealing to experienced professionals seeking autonomy.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the required education, experience, and technical skills (especially AutoCAD Civil 3D proficiency).

• Technical Interview: This stage will likely involve a deep dive into your experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D, site design principles, QA/QC methodologies, and project management approaches. Expect scenario-based questions related to technical challenges you've faced and resolved.

• Portfolio Review: You will be asked to present specific projects from your portfolio, detailing your role, the design challenges, your solutions, and the outcomes. Emphasis will be placed on your QA/QC contributions and technical review processes.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: This interview will assess your communication skills, teamwork abilities, problem-solving approach, and alignment with Olsson's values (collaborative, ownership, community impact). Questions may focus on how you handle conflict, mentor others, and manage client relationships.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader or hiring manager, focusing on your strategic vision for site design, leadership potential, and overall fit within the company's long-term goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 projects that best demonstrate your leadership in site design, technical review, QA/QC, and project management. Highlight projects similar to Olsson's portfolio (mixed-use, commercial, residential, industrial).

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate your specific contributions, the challenges overcome, the solutions implemented, and the measurable results (e.g., improved efficiency, cost savings, successful permit approvals, client satisfaction).

• Highlight QA/QC & Review: Specifically call out instances where you performed senior design reviews or led QA/QC efforts. Explain your process for identifying errors, ensuring compliance, and maintaining design integrity.

• Structure Your Presentation: Use a consistent format for each project: project overview, your role and responsibilities, key challenges, technical solutions, outcomes, and lessons learned. Be prepared to discuss alternative approaches you considered.

• Be Ready for Technical Questions: Anticipate detailed questions about design calculations, software workflows, and industry best practices related to your portfolio examples.

Challenge Preparation:

• While a formal "challenge" might not be explicitly stated, be prepared for technical problem-solving questions during interviews.

• Practice articulating your thought process for common site design problems (e.g., complex grading, stormwater management in constrained sites, utility conflicts).

• Be ready to discuss how you would approach a new project, including initial site analysis, team coordination, and quality assurance planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review and technical problem-solving suggests that practical demonstration of skills and experience is paramount for this role. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their design philosophy, QA/QC processes, and leadership approach through concrete examples.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD Civil 3D: This is the core software requirement. Expect questions on advanced functionalities for grading, earthwork calculations, utility design, pipe networks, corridors, and plan production. Proficiency in creating custom templates and styles may be beneficial.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Project, Asana, Monday.com, or similar platforms for tracking project timelines, tasks, and resources.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication, file sharing, and virtual meetings.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Microsoft Excel: Essential for data analysis, calculations, creating reports, and tracking project metrics. Advanced functions and pivot tables may be expected.

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate clear and concise reports on project status, QA/QC findings, and client communications, potentially using Word or dedicated reporting templates.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how project data flows from initial client engagement through project completion is important. Familiarity with any internal Olsson systems for project management and client tracking would be a plus.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for organizing and storing project files, drawings, and documentation (e.g., SharePoint, Autodesk Docs, or similar).

📝 Enhancement Note: AutoCAD Civil 3D is the critical technical skill. Beyond that, proficiency in standard project management and collaboration tools is expected for effective team and project execution, especially in a hybrid/remote environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Responsiveness & Transparency: Demonstrated through clear communication, timely project updates, and open discussion of challenges and solutions.

• Results-Focused: Commitment to delivering high-quality, accurate, and efficient designs that meet client objectives and project requirements.

• People-Centric: Valuing the growth and well-being of team members, fostering a supportive environment for learning and development.

• Community Impact: A dedication to engineering projects that positively influence the communities they serve, aligning personal values with professional work.

• Ownership: Taking responsibility for one's work, project outcomes, and contributing to the team's overall success.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with engineers, drafters, surveyors, and other disciplines to ensure holistic project development and resolve interdisciplinary issues.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to guide junior staff, share expertise, and participate in design reviews to elevate the team's collective technical capabilities.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining open lines of communication with project teams, clients, and management to ensure alignment, address concerns promptly, and foster a collaborative problem-solving environment.

• Feedback Exchange: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to continuously improve designs and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values of being "people-centric," "responsive," "transparent," and "focused on results" should guide how candidates present themselves and their approach to work. Demonstrating these values through examples of collaboration, mentorship, and client interaction will be key.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Technical Depth with Leadership: Effectively transitioning from individual design contributions to providing oversight, review, and guidance to others while staying current with complex design standards.

• Managing Diverse Project Needs: Handling a portfolio of varied site design projects simultaneously, each with unique technical requirements, client expectations, and regulatory hurdles.

• Ensuring Consistent Quality Across Remote/Hybrid Teams: Maintaining high standards of design accuracy and adherence to QA/QC protocols when team members may be working from different locations.

• Adapting to Evolving Technology: Staying proficient with the latest versions of AutoCAD Civil 3D and potentially exploring new design or analysis tools to enhance efficiency and project outcomes.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Opportunities to attend specialized workshops or pursue certifications in areas like advanced stormwater management, sustainable site design, or specific geotechnical applications.

• Leadership Development Programs: Access to internal training or external courses focused on project management, client relations, negotiation, and team leadership.

• Industry Conferences & Networking: Participation in professional engineering conferences (e.g., ASCE, ULI) to stay abreast of industry trends, network with peers, and represent Olsson.

• Mentorship Programs: Formal or informal opportunities to be mentored by senior leaders within Olsson or to mentor emerging talent within the firm, fostering continuous learning and skill transfer.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a senior technical role that involves leadership. The growth opportunities are well-aligned with advancing within a specialized engineering discipline and developing leadership competencies.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex civil site design project you managed. What were the key technical challenges, how did you address them, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your role, problem-solving, and results).

• "How do you approach quality assurance and quality control in civil design projects? Can you provide an example of how your QA/QC process prevented a significant issue?" (Highlight your systematic approach and attention to detail).

• "Imagine a client wants to significantly alter the grading plan mid-project. How would you assess the impact, communicate with the client and team, and manage the design changes?" (Demonstrate client management, technical assessment, and communication skills).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in Olsson and this specific role?" (Research Olsson's projects, values, and culture; connect your aspirations to their mission).

• "How do you embody our values of responsiveness, transparency, and community impact in your work?" (Prepare specific examples from your career).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Know Your Projects Inside and Out: Be ready to discuss every detail of the projects you present, from initial concept to final construction.

• Focus on Your Role and Impact: Clearly articulate what you did, the decisions you made, and the positive outcomes you influenced.

• Visualize Your Work: Use clear drawings, renderings, or diagrams to illustrate design concepts and solutions.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., "reduced earthwork by 15%", "streamlined approval process by 2 weeks").

• Practice Your Narrative: Rehearse your presentation to ensure it flows logically, is concise, and effectively conveys your expertise and value.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should center on demonstrating technical mastery, leadership potential, and a strong alignment with Olsson's values. Candidates must be ready to use their portfolio as evidence of their capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Civil Design Manager - Site Design position:

• Submit your application through the Olsson careers portal linked from Greenhouse.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your 10+ years of AutoCAD Civil 3D experience, project management accomplishments for medium-sized projects, and any experience in QA/QC or senior design review. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Compile a digital portfolio showcasing 3-5 key site design projects. Ensure it clearly illustrates your technical skills, leadership contributions, QA/QC processes, and problem-solving abilities. Be ready to discuss each project in detail.

• Research Olsson: Familiarize yourself with Olsson's company culture, values, and recent projects, particularly in site design and land development in Texas and Oklahoma. Understand their approach to engineering and client service.

• Practice Your Interview Responses: Prepare answers for common interview questions related to technical design, project management, leadership, and behavioral scenarios, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) where applicable. Rehearse your portfolio presentation.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.