Civil Design Manager - Site Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Civil Design Manager - Site Design

Company: Olsson

Location: Lincoln, NE or Omaha, NE

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering / Site Design Operations

Date Posted: January 18, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in ensuring the highest standards of civil site design through robust quality assurance and quality control processes.

• It involves leading and mentoring a team of technical staff, providing senior-level design expertise, and serving as a primary point of contact for client interactions.

• The position requires a deep understanding of project lifecycle management, from preliminary design through construction, with a focus on driving efficiency and technical excellence.

• Success in this role hinges on the ability to translate complex technical requirements into actionable project plans and foster a collaborative, results-oriented team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title and description focus on "Civil Design Manager," the responsibilities clearly indicate a strong operational component, particularly in quality assurance, team management, and process oversight. This role is best categorized under Engineering/Site Design Operations due to its emphasis on managing the process and quality of design delivery, rather than purely individual design contribution. The "Operations" aspect is critical for candidates seeking roles that blend technical expertise with management and process improvement.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership & Design Review: Provide senior-level design review for site development projects, ensuring technical accuracy, compliance with standards, and constructability. Act as a subject matter expert to resolve complex technical challenges for the design team.

• Quality Assurance & Control (QA/QC): Lead and oversee the quality assurance and quality control processes for all project deliverables, implementing and refining procedures to minimize errors and enhance design integrity.

• Project Staff Management: Direct and manage project staff, including engineers, designers, and technicians, on technical aspects of projects. Coordinate effectively with all disciplines involved to ensure seamless project execution.

• Client Engagement & Relationship Management: Attend client meetings to provide consultative support, discuss project progress, and contribute to problem-solving, thereby strengthening client relationships.

• Process Improvement & Efficiency: Promote and implement efficiencies in design production workflows, identifying opportunities for process optimization and the adoption of best practices to enhance overall team productivity and output quality.

• Mentorship & Staff Development: Supervise and review the assignments of less experienced staff, providing guidance, feedback, and support to foster their professional growth and technical development within the firm.

• Project Support: May assist in the preparation of project feasibility studies by contributing drawings, sketches, and data acquisition as needed.

• Site Visit Coordination: Travel to job sites at various construction stages to observe progress, address site-specific issues, and ensure design intent is met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical oversight and management. The emphasis on "quality review process," "promoting efficiencies," and "directs and manages staff on technical aspects" strongly points to an operations-focused role within civil engineering. Candidates should prepare to discuss their experience in establishing and enforcing design standards, managing project workflows, and improving team productivity.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Associate Degree in Drafting or a related technical field.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: While an Associate Degree is listed, individuals with a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline and equivalent experience may also be considered, especially if their experience aligns directly with the senior-level design review and project management aspects of the role.

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of hands-on experience with CAD software, with a strong emphasis on AutoCAD Civil 3D.

• Demonstrated experience in project management for medium-sized land development projects.

Required Skills:

• AutoCAD Civil 3D Proficiency: Expert-level command of AutoCAD Civil 3D for site design, including grading, drainage, utility design, and earthwork calculations.

• Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC): Proven ability to develop, implement, and manage robust QA/QC processes for engineering design deliverables.

• Project Management: Strong project management skills, including planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and risk management for civil site development projects.

• Technical Leadership: Demonstrated ability to provide senior-level design review, mentor junior staff, and lead technical problem-solving efforts.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for client interaction, team coordination, and report generation.

• Team Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team environment and foster a collaborative spirit.

Preferred Skills:

• Site Design Expertise: In-depth knowledge of land development principles, including grading, stormwater management, utility design, and transportation infrastructure.

• Client Relationship Management: Experience building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, understanding their needs, and providing effective solutions.

• Process Improvement Methodologies: Familiarity with methodologies for process optimization and efficiency gains in design workflows.

• Regulatory Knowledge: Understanding of local, state, and federal regulations pertaining to land development and civil engineering projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a deep technical skill set in AutoCAD Civil 3D combined with practical project management and leadership experience. For operations-focused candidates, highlighting experience in standardizing design processes, implementing QA/QC protocols, and managing project timelines and budgets will be crucial. The "10 years of CAD software experience" implies a senior, hands-on technical background that informs their management capabilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Standards & QA/QC Examples: Showcase examples of design standards you have helped develop or implement, or documentation demonstrating your role in quality assurance and control processes for civil projects.

• Project Management Case Studies: Present 1-2 case studies of medium-sized land development projects you have managed, detailing your responsibilities, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and project outcomes (e.g., on-time delivery, budget adherence).

• Technical Review Documentation: Include samples or descriptions of how you have conducted senior-level design reviews, highlighting your approach to identifying and resolving technical issues.

• Process Improvement Initiatives: Document any initiatives you've led or contributed to that improved design efficiency, workflow optimization, or team productivity, ideally with quantifiable results.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Evidence of creating or refining design workflows to improve efficiency, collaboration, and deliverable quality. This could include flowcharts, process maps, or descriptions of implemented changes.

• Implementation & Automation: Examples of how you’ve guided the implementation of new design tools, software updates, or automated processes to streamline project execution.

• Performance Measurement: Demonstrate how you have tracked and reported on design team performance, project metrics, or QA/QC effectiveness, using data to drive improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role with a strong "Manager" component in a technical field like civil design, a portfolio is essential. It should not just show finished designs but demonstrate the candidate's ability to manage processes, ensure quality, lead teams, and drive efficiency. The focus should be on the how – how they achieved results, managed challenges, and improved outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Includes medical, vision, and dental insurance to support employee well-being.

• Retirement Savings: A competitive 401(k) match program to aid in long-term financial planning.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous PTO allowing for work-life balance and personal rejuvenation.

• Wellness Program: Participation in a company-sponsored wellness program designed to promote healthy lifestyles.

• Bonus System: Opportunity to participate in a performance-based bonus system, rewarding individual and company achievements.

• Career Development: Tailored development paths and empowerment for career growth within the firm.

• Flexible Work Arrangements: Possibility for flexible work schedules, allowing for better integration of professional and personal commitments.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week. The role may necessitate occasional overtime to meet project deadlines or client demands. The company offers the possibility for flexible work arrangements, which may include adjusted start/end times or hybrid options, subject to team and project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on typical compensation for similar roles in the Nebraska region. The benefits listed are directly from the provided text and are highlighted for their value to operations professionals, particularly the 401(k) match, performance-based bonus, and flexible work arrangements.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering & Design Services, with a focus on Infrastructure, Land Development, and Environmental solutions. Olsson has a strong presence in mixed-use, commercial, and residential land development, as well as industrial and institutional projects.

Company Size: Olsson is a significant player in the engineering and design consulting space, indicating a medium to large-sized firm that offers stability and a broad range of project opportunities. This size typically supports structured career paths and established operational processes.

Founded: Founded in 1956, Olsson has a long-standing history and deep roots in the industry, suggesting a stable and experienced organization with established practices and a culture that has evolved over decades.

Team Structure:

• Operations Focus: The Civil Design Manager will lead a team focused on the technical execution of civil site design projects. This team likely comprises civil engineers, drafters, and designers.

• Reporting Structure: The role reports to a higher-level management position, possibly a Director of Engineering, Principal Engineer, or a Sector Lead, who oversees broader technical operations and client relationships.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The Civil Design Manager will collaborate extensively with other disciplines within Olsson (e.g., structural, mechanical, electrical engineering, environmental services, surveying) and external stakeholders such as clients, contractors, and regulatory agencies.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on utilizing data and technical analysis to inform design decisions, particularly in areas like grading, drainage, and utility planning.

• Process-Oriented Execution: A structured approach to project management and design delivery, prioritizing quality, efficiency, and adherence to established workflows.

• Client-Centric Solutions: A commitment to understanding client needs and delivering responsive, results-focused engineering solutions that positively impact communities.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Olsson's people-centric philosophy, focus on results, and commitment to improving the world provides context for the company's operational priorities. For an operations role, this means a focus on efficiency, quality, and client satisfaction is likely embedded in the company's DNA.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level management position within the civil design discipline. It bridges the gap between individual technical contribution and broader operational oversight, demanding expertise in both design execution and team/process management. The scope includes direct leadership of design staff and responsibility for the quality and efficiency of project deliverables.

Reporting Structure: The Civil Design Manager will report to senior leadership within the engineering department, likely a Director or Principal. They will, in turn, manage and mentor junior engineers and design staff. This structure allows for clear lines of communication and accountability.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts Olsson's revenue and client satisfaction by ensuring the timely, accurate, and high-quality delivery of civil design services. Effective QA/QC and project management contribute to reduced project costs, minimized rework, and enhanced client trust, all critical for business growth and profitability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of civil site design (e.g., stormwater management, sustainable design, urban planning) and become a recognized subject matter expert within the firm.

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance into higher management roles, such as Director of Civil Engineering, Principal Engineer, or a broader operational leadership position overseeing multiple disciplines or regions.

• Business Development: Develop skills in client relationship management and contribute to business development efforts by supporting proposals, client presentations, and fostering client loyalty.

• Process Innovation: Lead initiatives to adopt new technologies, software, or methodologies that enhance design processes, improve efficiency, and position Olsson at the forefront of the industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, growth is often tied to expanding scope of responsibility, increasing impact on business outcomes, and developing leadership capabilities. This role offers a clear path for progression from managing a team and processes to influencing broader business strategy and client acquisition.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site, indicating a traditional office environment within Olsson's Lincoln or Omaha locations. This setting is conducive to direct team collaboration, spontaneous problem-solving, and immediate access to resources.

Office Location(s): Lincoln, NE and Omaha, NE. These are established professional hubs, offering access to a strong talent pool and professional networks.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office space is likely designed to foster collaboration, with shared workspaces, meeting rooms, and common areas for interaction among team members and across departments.

• Technology & Tools: Access to industry-standard hardware and software, including high-performance workstations, plotters, and the full suite of AutoCAD Civil 3D and related design/project management tools.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for direct interaction with the design team, project managers, and other engineering disciplines, facilitating knowledge sharing and problem resolution.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is likely aligned with typical business hours (e.g., Monday-Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM), totaling approximately 40 hours per week. However, the company mentions the "possibility for flexible work arrangements," which may allow for some adjustment in daily start/end times or hybrid options, subject to operational needs and management approval. This flexibility can be advantageous for managing personal commitments alongside demanding project schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role is key. For operations roles, an office environment often facilitates better team cohesion, direct oversight of processes, and more immediate problem-solving compared to fully remote setups. The mention of "flexible work arrangements" is a positive differentiator.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application by HR or a recruiting specialist to assess basic qualifications and fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the Civil Design Manager's direct supervisor (e.g., Director of Engineering) focusing on your technical expertise, leadership experience, project management approach, and understanding of QA/QC principles.

• Technical/Team Interview: This may involve a panel interview with other senior engineers or team members. Expect questions related to your experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D, design problem-solving scenarios, and your approach to team collaboration and mentorship.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present selected projects from your portfolio, demonstrating your design capabilities, project management successes, and contributions to process improvement or quality control.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader or HR to discuss cultural fit, career aspirations, and finalize terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project presented, focus on quantifiable results: project scope, budget managed, timeline adherence, efficiency gains achieved, or specific quality improvements implemented.

• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate your role in managing the design process, implementing QA/QC measures, and leading your team. Use diagrams or flowcharts if helpful.

• Highlight Problem-Solving: Detail specific technical challenges encountered and how you, as a manager, guided your team to effective solutions.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Provide examples of how you mentored junior staff, resolved team conflicts, or motivated your team to achieve project goals.

• Tailor to Olsson: Research Olsson's recent projects and values. Frame your portfolio presentation to align with their stated mission and areas of expertise.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical civil design challenge. This might involve a problem related to grading, drainage, or site layout, where you'll need to outline your approach to analysis and solution development, focusing on process and quality considerations.

• Process Improvement Task: You might be asked to outline how you would assess and improve the current design workflow for a specific type of project, or how you would implement a new QA/QC protocol.

• Team Management Discussion: Prepare to discuss how you handle underperforming team members, motivate a team, or delegate tasks effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "Portfolio Presentation" and "Challenge Preparation" indicates that Olsson values practical demonstration of skills and problem-solving abilities, especially for management roles. Candidates should prepare to articulate their process-driven approach and leadership style, not just their technical skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD Civil 3D: This is the core software requirement. Proficiency is expected for design, drafting, and potentially basic modeling. Candidates should be ready to discuss their advanced features usage.

• Project Management Software: While not explicitly listed, experience with tools like Microsoft Project, Asana, Monday.com, or similar platforms for task management, scheduling, and resource allocation is highly beneficial.

• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with systems for organizing and sharing project documentation, such as SharePoint, Procore, or internal company systems.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Microsoft Excel: Essential for data analysis, calculations, reporting, and potentially creating custom spreadsheets for tracking project metrics or QA/QC compliance.

• Reporting Tools: Experience with tools that can generate project status reports, performance dashboards, or financial summaries. This could range from built-in features of project management software to more advanced BI tools if the company uses them.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Customer Relationship Management): While not directly for design, understanding how design projects fit into the broader client relationship lifecycle managed by CRM systems (like Salesforce, if Olsson uses it) can be advantageous for client-facing aspects.

• Automation Tools: Any experience with scripting in AutoCAD Civil 3D (e.g., LISP) or using other automation tools to streamline repetitive design tasks would be a significant plus, demonstrating an efficiency-focused mindset.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of AutoCAD Civil 3D is critical. For an operations-focused role, understanding how these design tools integrate with project management and reporting systems is key to demonstrating an ability to manage the entire design delivery process efficiently.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Results-Oriented: A strong drive to achieve project goals, deliver high-quality work on time and within budget, and ensure client satisfaction.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A belief that collective effort and open communication lead to better outcomes. This means actively engaging with colleagues, sharing knowledge, and supporting team members.

• Continuous Improvement: A commitment to learning, adapting, and refining processes to enhance efficiency, quality, and innovation in design delivery.

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

• Community Impact: A desire to apply technical skills to projects that benefit society and improve the built environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Communication: Regularly engaging with team members, stakeholders, and clients to ensure alignment, address issues promptly, and maintain transparency.

• Constructive Feedback: Willingness to give and receive feedback in a way that promotes growth and improves processes and individual performance.

• Cross-Disciplinary Integration: Actively working with engineers from other disciplines to ensure holistic project solutions and avoid design conflicts.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing best practices, lessons learned, and technical insights to elevate the collective expertise of the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Olsson's stated values of being "responsive, transparent, and focused on results" are directly applicable to an operations role. For candidates, demonstrating how they embody these values in their daily work, especially in managing teams and processes, will be crucial for cultural fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Quality and Speed: Effectively managing design resources to deliver high-quality work within demanding project timelines and client expectations.

• Technical Complexity: Handling intricate design challenges in diverse project types, requiring continuous learning and problem-solving skills.

• Team Dynamics: Leading and motivating a team with varying skill levels and personalities, ensuring cohesive performance and professional development.

• Adapting to Evolving Technology: Staying current with advancements in CAD software, design methodologies, and project management tools to maintain efficiency and competitiveness.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized training in AutoCAD Civil 3D features, new design modules, or related software to enhance technical proficiency.

• Project Management Certifications: Opportunities to pursue certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional) or other industry-recognized credentials.

• Leadership Development Programs: Participation in internal or external leadership training to hone management, communication, and strategic planning skills.

• Industry Conferences & Seminars: Attending events to stay abreast of industry trends, network with peers, and gain insights into best practices in civil engineering and site design.

📝 Enhancement Note: Recognizing potential challenges and framing them as growth opportunities is a key strategy for operations professionals. Highlighting how one can leverage these challenges for skill development and career advancement is important.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you implemented a new quality assurance or quality control process for a design team. What was the outcome?" (Focus on process implementation, metrics, and impact.)

• "How do you balance the need for thorough design review with project deadlines? Provide an example." (Focus on prioritization, efficiency, and stakeholder management.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on our company description, what aspects of Olsson's culture do you find most appealing, and how do you see yourself contributing to it?" (Research Olsson's values and connect them to your experience.)

• "How do you ensure that your team's work aligns with client expectations and Olsson's commitment to improving the world?" (Connect technical work to broader company mission and client satisfaction.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role (emphasizing management/QA/QC aspects), the process followed, challenges encountered, solutions implemented, and quantifiable results.

• Visuals: Use clear, concise visuals. Highlight key design elements, process maps, or data dashboards that illustrate your points.

• Focus on Process: Don't just show the final design. Explain how you managed the project, how you ensured quality, and how you led the team.

• Quantify Impact: Use numbers whenever possible – e.g., "Reduced design errors by 15% through implementation of X process," or "Managed a project budget of $Y and delivered on time."

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for operations roles should focus on demonstrating process understanding, problem-solving capabilities, leadership, and the ability to drive measurable results. Candidates should be ready to articulate their methodologies and impact.

📌 Application Steps

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

• Submit Your Application: Complete the online application form via the provided link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 10+ years of AutoCAD Civil 3D experience, project management accomplishments for medium-sized projects, and any experience in QA/QC or team leadership. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your technical design skills, project management capabilities, and leadership in quality assurance. Be ready to discuss your specific contributions and the processes you employed.

• Research Olsson: Familiarize yourself with Olsson's mission, values, and recent projects. Understand their focus on engineering solutions that improve communities.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers for common interview questions, focusing on behavioral examples that showcase your leadership, problem-solving, and process management skills. Practice articulating your portfolio projects concisely and effectively.

⚠️ 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.