Civil Design Manager - Site Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Civil Design Manager - Site Design

Company: Olsson

Location: Lincoln, NE; Omaha, NE

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering & Design Operations

Date Posted: April 14, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) processes for civil site design projects, ensuring adherence to industry standards and best practices.

• Provide senior-level design review and technical guidance to a team of engineers and designers, fostering a culture of technical excellence.

• Act as a primary consultative resource for clients, addressing project challenges and ensuring client satisfaction through effective communication and problem-solving.

• Drive project efficiency and promote the adoption of advanced design methodologies and technologies within the team.

• Oversee and mentor less experienced staff, facilitating their technical and professional development within civil site design.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior-level management position within the civil engineering design function, with a strong emphasis on technical leadership, quality oversight, and client interaction. The "Manager" title, coupled with responsibilities like leading QA/QC, providing senior design review, and directing staff, indicates a significant operational and technical leadership component beyond pure design execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Direct and manage project staff on all technical aspects of civil site design projects, ensuring seamless coordination across all involved disciplines.

• Plan, implement, and oversee a rigorous quality review process for all project deliverables, from initial concepts to final construction documents.

• Serve as a key consultative resource to clients, offering expert advice and solutions for complex project challenges and design resolutions.

• Continuously strengthen and develop subject matter expertise in specific areas of civil site design, contributing to the firm's knowledge base and competitive edge.

• Conduct senior-level design reviews for a variety of projects, acting as an authoritative resource for resolving complex technical issues and ensuring design integrity.

• Assist in the preparation of comprehensive project studies by leading data acquisition, developing preliminary drawings, and creating conceptual sketches.

• Proactively identify and implement strategies to promote efficiencies in producing high-quality work, optimizing design workflows and resource allocation.

• Supervise and review the assignments of less experienced staff, providing constructive feedback and facilitating their growth in technical proficiency and project execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical design leadership, quality management, and project oversight. The emphasis on "directs and manages staff," "oversee the quality review process," and "provides senior-level design review" suggests a role that is deeply involved in the operational execution and quality assurance of design projects, rather than purely administrative management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Associate Degree in Drafting.

Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D software, complemented by project management skills for medium-sized projects.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D software with at least 10 years of hands-on experience.

• Demonstrated project management capabilities, specifically for medium-sized civil site development projects.

• Strong communication skills, essential for client interactions, team leadership, and interdisciplinary coordination.

• Proven ability to contribute effectively and collaborate within a multidisciplinary team environment.

• Solid understanding of quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) principles in civil engineering design.

• Experience in conducting thorough design reviews and providing constructive technical feedback.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with other relevant CAD or design software packages.

• Knowledge of various construction materials and methods relevant to site development.

• Familiarity with local zoning regulations and permitting processes.

• Experience in mentoring or supervising junior design staff.

• Understanding of environmental considerations in site design.

📝 Enhancement Note: While an Associate Degree is listed as a requirement, the 10+ years of experience and "Manager" title imply a depth of practical knowledge and leadership potential that often surpasses formal academic credentials alone for senior operational roles. The emphasis on AutoCAD Civil 3D is a critical technical skill for this specific site design focus.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of civil site design projects managed, highlighting project scope, challenges, and successful outcomes.

• Include documentation demonstrating your role in quality assurance and quality control processes, such as review checklists or process improvements implemented.

• Present case studies of projects where you provided senior-level design review or acted as a technical resource to resolve complex design issues.

• Demonstrate your project management approach for medium-sized projects, including planning, execution, and team coordination examples.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of established QA/QC procedures or checklists you have developed or implemented for civil design projects.

• Documentation illustrating your workflow for design reviews, including how feedback is managed and incorporated.

• Evidence of process improvements implemented to enhance efficiency or quality in design deliverables.

• Examples of how you have directed and coordinated multidisciplinary teams on technical aspects of projects, detailing communication protocols.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Civil Design Manager role, a portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical application of technical skills, project leadership, and process management. The emphasis should be on tangible results, process improvements, and leadership in quality and technical review, especially within the context of site design and land development.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Civil Design Managers with 10+ years of experience in Nebraska, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between $90,000 and $130,000 annually. This range accounts for the specified experience level, the required technical skills (AutoCAD Civil 3D), project management responsibilities, and the cost of living in Lincoln and Omaha.

Benefits:

• Competitive 401(k) match, supporting long-term financial planning.

• Tailored career development paths, offering opportunities for professional growth and specialization.

• Possibility for flexible work arrangements, promoting work-life balance.

• Engaging work that has a positive impact on communities, aligning with personal values.

• Comprehensive wellness program promoting balanced lifestyles.

• Traditional benefits package for full-time employees, including health care, vision, and dental insurance.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) to ensure work-life integration and employee well-being.

• Opportunity to participate in a performance-based bonus system, rewarding contributions and achievements.

Working Hours: Typically 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility to accommodate project deadlines and client needs, characteristic of a hybrid work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimations are based on general market data for Civil Design Management roles in the Midwest US, considering the specified experience (10+ years) and technical requirements. Actual compensation may vary based on specific qualifications, project portfolio, and the candidate's negotiation. The benefits listed are directly from the provided text, highlighting a strong employee-focused package.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering and Design Services, specializing in civil engineering for land development, infrastructure, and site-specific projects. Olsson operates within a sector focused on improving physical environments and community infrastructure.

Company Size: Olsson is a significant player in its industry, implying a structured yet potentially agile organizational framework. This size often means opportunities for cross-functional collaboration and exposure to diverse projects, while also maintaining established processes and standards.

Founded: Founded in 1956, Olsson has a long history, suggesting a stable company with deep-rooted expertise and a well-established client base. This longevity often translates to a culture that values experience, long-term relationships, and a commitment to quality.

Team Structure:

• The Civil Design team likely comprises engineers, designers, drafters, and technicians specializing in various aspects of civil site design, land development, and infrastructure.

• The reporting structure for this role places the Civil Design Manager in a leadership position, overseeing project staff and likely reporting to a higher-level engineering director or principal.

Methodology:

• Data analysis and insights are critical for site selection, feasibility studies, and optimizing design parameters based on site conditions and project requirements.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies are employed to ensure efficient project delivery, from conceptualization through construction documentation, with a focus on QA/QC.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely integrated through the use of advanced CAD software and potentially other digital tools to streamline design processes and reduce errors.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company description emphasizes a "people-centric" approach and a culture that encourages growth and creativity. This suggests that while processes are important, the human element and individual contributions are highly valued, which is a positive indicator for operations professionals seeking a supportive work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the civil design operations. It signifies a transition from individual contributor or lead designer to a management role with direct responsibility for team performance, technical quality, and client satisfaction on projects. The scope includes leadership in design review, QA/QC implementation, and staff supervision.

Reporting Structure: The Civil Design Manager will likely report to a Director of Engineering, Principal Engineer, or a similar senior leadership role within the firm. They will, in turn, manage and direct a team of civil designers, drafters, and potentially junior engineers.

Operations Impact: The Civil Design Manager has a direct impact on the firm's revenue and reputation by ensuring the quality and efficiency of design deliverables. Their ability to manage projects effectively, satisfy client needs, and foster team development directly influences project profitability, client retention, and the firm's capacity to take on new business.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of civil site design (e.g., stormwater management, grading, utility design) and become a recognized subject matter expert within Olsson.

• Leadership Advancement: Clear path for advancement to Principal Engineer, Director of Engineering, or similar leadership roles, involving broader strategic responsibilities and management of larger teams or departments.

• Project Management Expansion: Potential to manage larger, more complex, or multi-disciplinary projects, increasing scope of responsibility and impact.

• Mentorship and Training: Opportunity to develop leadership and mentoring skills by guiding junior staff, contributing to the firm's talent pipeline.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "people-centric" culture and "empowered to build your career with tailored development paths" suggests that Olsson actively supports career progression. For an operations role like this, growth often involves expanding project management scope, deepening technical expertise, and moving into strategic leadership positions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "Hybrid," indicating a blend of on-site work at Olsson's offices and remote work. This suggests a professional office environment designed for collaboration and project work, with the flexibility to work from home.

Office Location(s): The position is available in Lincoln, NE, and Omaha, NE. These are likely full-service engineering offices with the necessary infrastructure and resources to support civil design operations.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is expected to be collaborative, encouraging interaction among design teams and with other departments. This setup facilitates the "consultative resource" aspect of the role and supports the QA/QC process through peer review and discussion.

• Access to necessary operations tools and technology, including high-performance workstations, CAD software, and potentially project management platforms, is assumed.

• Opportunities for regular interaction with the civil design team, project managers, and senior leadership are integral to the hybrid model, supporting mentorship and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: While the standard is 40 hours per week, the hybrid nature and the demands of project deadlines may offer some flexibility. This allows for effective management of design processes, data analysis, and client communications, balancing focused work with collaborative sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Hybrid" work arrangement is a key detail. For operations roles, this often means a structured approach to in-office days for collaboration and meetings, with remote days for focused individual work and analysis. The specific office locations in Nebraska suggest a regional focus for the role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the required education and experience, particularly the 10+ years of AutoCAD Civil 3D and project management skills.

• Technical Interview: Likely involves detailed discussion of your experience with civil site design, QA/QC processes, and your proficiency with AutoCAD Civil 3D. Expect questions about your technical review approach and problem-solving methodologies.

• Portfolio Presentation: You may be asked to present specific examples from your portfolio, showcasing your project management successes, design quality contributions, and client interaction strategies. Focus on quantifiable achievements and process improvements.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: Questions will assess your communication skills, team collaboration abilities, leadership style, and how well you align with Olsson's people-centric culture and values.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic fit, long-term career aspirations, and final confirmation of qualifications.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 2-3 key civil site design projects that best demonstrate your leadership, QA/QC contributions, and project management for medium-sized projects.

• Highlight Process & Impact: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the specific processes you managed or improved (e.g., QA/QC workflows, design review methodologies), and the quantifiable impact (e.g., reduced errors, improved efficiency, client satisfaction).

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your technical decision-making within AutoCAD Civil 3D and how you ensured design integrity.

• Demonstrate Client Interaction: Include examples of how you acted as a consultative resource and effectively managed client expectations.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, using clear headings, concise descriptions, and strong visuals (drawings, site plans, reports) where appropriate.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Review Scenario: Be ready for a hypothetical scenario where you need to review a design, identify potential issues, and propose solutions.

• Project Management Case Study: Prepare to discuss how you would manage a typical medium-sized site design project from start to finish, including resource allocation, risk mitigation, and stakeholder communication.

• QA/QC Process Design: You might be asked to outline how you would establish or improve a QA/QC process for a civil design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on QA/QC, senior design review, and client consultation points towards an interview process that will deeply probe your technical leadership and operational management capabilities within the civil design context. Demonstrating a structured approach to problem-solving and process improvement will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD Civil 3D: This is a core requirement, indicating extensive use for drafting, design, and documentation of site development projects. Proficiency at a senior level is expected.

• Project Management Software: While not explicitly named, effective project management for medium-sized projects will likely involve tools for task tracking, scheduling, resource allocation, and communication (e.g., Microsoft Project, Asana, Smartsheet).

• CAD Software Suites: Beyond Civil 3D, familiarity with other Autodesk products or industry-standard CAD platforms may be beneficial for interoperability.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Performance Metrics Tools: Used to track project progress, team productivity, and QA/QC effectiveness. This could involve internal dashboards or reporting features within project management software.

• Design Software Reporting: Features within AutoCAD Civil 3D or related tools that generate reports on design elements, quantities, or compliance.

• Client Reporting Tools: Software or templates used to generate progress reports, meeting minutes, and final deliverable summaries for clients.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Customer Relationship Management): While not a direct sales role, understanding CRM principles for client management and tracking project pipelines is beneficial for consultative client interaction.

• Workflow Automation: Potentially using scripting within CAD software or task automation tools to streamline repetitive design tasks, improve efficiency, and support QA/QC processes.

• Document Management Systems: Tools for organizing, storing, and collaborating on project files, ensuring version control and accessibility for distributed teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of AutoCAD Civil 3D is critical. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their advanced usage, including customization, template development, and troubleshooting, as this is fundamental to the role's technical requirements.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Responsiveness: A commitment to timely communication and action, both internally with project teams and externally with clients, crucial for managing project timelines and client expectations.

• Transparency: Openness in communication regarding project status, challenges, and decision-making processes, fostering trust within the team and with clients.

• Results-Oriented: A focus on delivering high-quality, effective design solutions that meet project objectives and client needs, emphasizing tangible outcomes and project success.

• People-Centric: Valuing employees, encouraging their growth, creativity, and well-being, which translates into a supportive team environment and a focus on mentorship.

• Community Impact: A drive to contribute positively to communities through engineering and design work, aligning personal and professional goals with a larger purpose.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Encouraging seamless collaboration between civil designers and other disciplines (structural, environmental, etc.) to ensure holistic project solutions.

• Process Review Culture: Fostering an environment where design processes, QA/QC procedures, and project workflows are regularly reviewed and improved based on feedback and performance data.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting a culture where team members share technical expertise, best practices, and lessons learned, particularly through design reviews and mentorship.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values (responsive, transparent, results-focused, people-centric) are highly relevant to an operations management role. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how they embody these values in their approach to team leadership, project execution, and client relations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Quality and Efficiency: Meeting project deadlines and client demands while maintaining rigorous QA/QC and design standards. Mitigation involves effective resource allocation, process optimization, and clear communication.

• Managing Diverse Project Needs: Adapting technical expertise and leadership style to a wide range of site development project types (mixed-use, commercial, residential, industrial). Continuous learning and cross-disciplinary collaboration are key.

• Mentoring Junior Staff: Effectively developing and guiding less experienced designers, ensuring they gain necessary skills and contribute effectively to project quality and team output.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying abreast of advancements in CAD software, design methodologies, and potentially BIM (Building Information Modeling) to maintain competitive advantage and operational efficiency.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to attend workshops, webinars, or conferences focused on specialized civil design areas or emerging technologies.

• Leadership and Management Training: Olsson's commitment to tailored development paths likely includes programs for enhancing leadership, project management, and team-building skills.

• Industry Certifications: Potential to pursue professional engineering (PE) licensure if not already held, or other relevant certifications that enhance credibility and expertise.

• Mentorship Programs: Access to senior leaders for guidance and career advice, and the opportunity to mentor junior staff, solidifying leadership capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role inherently involves managing complex projects and teams. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they proactively address potential challenges and leverage opportunities for continuous improvement and professional development within the operations framework.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to leading QA/QC for civil site design projects. What are the key components of an effective QA/QC process?" (Focus on structured methodology, checklists, review stages, and accountability.)

• "How do you ensure effective communication and coordination between different engineering disciplines on a complex land development project?" (Highlight proactive communication strategies, regular meetings, and conflict resolution.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do you see your leadership style aligning with Olsson's people-centric and results-oriented values?" (Connect your management philosophy to the company's stated principles, providing examples.)

• "Describe a time you had to provide constructive feedback to a team member to improve their performance or design quality." (Focus on tact, clarity, and developmental intent.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with Impact: Begin by summarizing the overall success and key achievements of your chosen projects, highlighting your leadership role and contributions to quality and efficiency.

• Detail Your Process: For each project, clearly explain the design and management processes you employed, specifically detailing your involvement in QA/QC and senior design review. Use visuals to support your explanation.

• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, use numbers and data to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., percentage reduction in design errors, time saved through process improvements, client retention rates).

• Address Client Interaction: Be ready to discuss how you acted as a consultative resource, managed client expectations, and built strong relationships.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your technical decisions, challenges encountered, and alternative approaches you considered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just technical competence in civil design, but also strong operational leadership, process management, and client-facing skills. Quantifiable achievements and a clear understanding of Olsson's values will be critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Civil Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Greenhouse platform.

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

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key civil site design projects that best showcase your leadership, technical review capabilities, and project management experience. Be ready to discuss your role, the processes you implemented, and the outcomes achieved.

• Research Olsson: Familiarize yourself with Olsson's company culture, values, and recent projects. Understand their approach to engineering and design and how your skills can contribute to their mission.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers for common interview questions related to technical expertise, project management, leadership, and problem-solving, specifically within the context of civil site design and operations management.

⚠️ 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.