Civil Design Technologist

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Civil Design Technologist Company: CIMA+ Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Job Type: Full-time Category: Civil Engineering / Transportation Operations Date Posted: 2025-12-20 Experience Level: 0-2 years Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Support the design and development of municipal infrastructure, roadway, and highway projects within the Transportation team.
• Execute technical design tasks, including data collection, calculations, and adherence to established standards and methodologies.
• Produce detailed engineering drawings and 3D models using specialized software to meet client and project requirements.
• Collaborate with project engineers and senior technical staff to ensure project success and deliver high-quality engineering solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the Civil Engineering and Transportation Operations domain, focusing on the practical application of design principles and software proficiency to support project delivery. The "0-2 years" experience level suggests an entry-to-junior technologist role, emphasizing learning and development within CIMA+'s project framework.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with project engineers and senior technical staff to execute and report on technical tasks, ensuring accuracy in data collection, calculations, and adherence to prescribed standards and methodologies.
• Participate actively in the technical design of urban and rural roadways, highways, and resource roadways, contributing to various project phases.
• Create and modify figures, drawings, and detailed design plans utilizing AutoCAD and Civil 3D software to accurately represent project specifications.
• Assist in the development and refinement of 3D models and perform necessary engineering calculations to support design integrity.
• Ensure all drafting and design standards meet current design guidelines, client specifications, and other project-specific requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on technical execution, software proficiency, and collaborative work within a project engineering context. The mention of "adherence to prescribed standards and methods" and "client standards" points to a need for meticulousness and understanding of industry best practices in design and drafting.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Civil Engineering Technology diploma or an equivalent combination of education and relevant industry experience.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: While a diploma is listed, the "equivalent combination of education and industry experience" clause offers flexibility for candidates with strong practical backgrounds.

Experience:

• 1-2 years of experience in urban roadway and highway/freeway design, encompassing areas such as alignments, geometrics, staging, signage, pavement markings, utilities, quantity take-offs, and cost estimation.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: This experience requirement is specific and practical, indicating a need for candidates who can immediately contribute to core design tasks rather than purely theoretical knowledge.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in AutoCAD and Civil 3D for creating and modifying engineering drawings and 3D models.
• Experience with Bluebeam for document review and collaboration.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction with team members and stakeholders.
• Excellent organizational skills to effectively plan, organize, and implement work within project budgets and deadlines.
• Solid understanding of drafting standards and their application in civil engineering projects.
• Ability to perform accurate calculations for design purposes.
• Experience with data collection and reporting on technical tasks.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience using AutoTurn for vehicle swept path analysis.
• Familiarity with Guide Sign software for signage design.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: Inclusion of AutoTurn and Guide Sign as preferred skills suggests a focus on detailed design aspects related to traffic flow and signage, common in roadway projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize practical software skills (AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Bluebeam) and direct experience in roadway design elements. The blend of technical and soft skills (communication, organization) is crucial for success in this collaborative, project-driven role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 1-2 years of practical experience in urban roadway and highway design projects.
• Include examples of detailed design plans created in AutoCAD and Civil 3D, demonstrating proficiency in generating alignments, geometrics, and other design elements.
• Present case studies or project excerpts that illustrate your involvement in data collection, calculations, and adherence to specific design standards.
• Demonstrate your ability to create and modify figures and drawings, highlighting accuracy and attention to detail.
• If applicable, include examples of 3D modeling contributions and cost estimation work.

Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your process for ensuring drafting standards meet current design and client requirements.
• Articulate your methods for organizing and managing design tasks to meet project deadlines and budgets.
• Explain your approach to collaborating with engineers and senior technical staff on design projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: A portfolio is not explicitly requested, but demonstrating practical experience through project examples is highly recommended for a role of this nature. The focus should be on showcasing proficiency in the required software and understanding of roadway design principles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The expected salary for this position is based on the richness and diversity of the candidate's experience, training, skills, and internal equity. The position or associated salary could vary depending on the profile of the candidate.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: As a specific range is not provided, candidates can research typical Civil Design Technologist salaries in Edmonton, Alberta, for individuals with 0-2 years of experience. Industry benchmarks suggest a range of approximately $55,000 - $75,000 CAD annually, with variations based on specific skills and the employer's compensation structure.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Group Benefits available from day one for all permanent employees working at least 20 hours per week.
• Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) providing confidential support services.
• Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) with up to a 4% employer contribution, supporting long-term financial planning.
• Opportunity to purchase shares annually as part of an employee-owned company, fostering a sense of ownership and investment.
• Flexible work schedule in a hybrid work mode, allowing for a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.
• Work/Life balance policy implemented across Canada, promoting employee well-being.
• 3-5 weeks of vacation, with the exact duration based on years of relevant experience, offering ample time for rest and rejuvenation.
• Tailored training opportunities to enhance and expand existing skills, supporting professional development.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are assumed, likely around 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through a hybrid work model and a focus on work-life balance.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: The "Hybrid work mode" and "Flexible work schedule" indicate that while full-time commitment is expected, there's a degree of autonomy in structuring the work week, which is beneficial for managing technical tasks and personal commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The compensation is performance- and experience-based, a common practice for technical roles. The comprehensive benefits package, particularly the employee ownership aspect and flexible work arrangements, represents significant value for operations professionals seeking a stable and supportive work environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Transportation / Engineering Consulting Company Size: Large (likely 1000+ employees based on typical consulting firm structures) Founded: CIMA+ was founded in 1995.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Transportation team, specifically serving public and private sector clients in Edmonton.
• This team is part of CIMA+'s larger Western Canada operations, which is experiencing significant growth.
• Collaboration is expected with project engineers, senior technical staff, and potentially other technologists and designers.

Methodology:

• The company emphasizes a collaborative and entrepreneurial mindset, encouraging employees to manage their work on their own terms.
• Projects involve data collection, accuracy in calculations, and adherence to prescribed standards and methods.
• There's a focus on delivering engaging projects and providing opportunities for learning and development.

Company Website: https://www.cima.ca/

📝 Enhancement Note: CIMA+ presents itself as an employee-owned firm that values collaboration, innovation, and employee development. The growth trajectory in Western Canada suggests a dynamic environment with opportunities for individuals to contribute to shaping projects and the company's future. The emphasis on employee ownership and work-life balance is a key differentiator.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Junior Technologist / Technologist

• This role is ideal for individuals with 0-2 years of experience looking to build a foundation in civil design within the transportation sector. It involves executing defined technical tasks under supervision and gradually taking on more complex design responsibilities.

Reporting Structure:

• The Civil Design Technologist will report to project engineers and work closely with senior technical staff. This structure facilitates mentorship and guidance.

Operations Impact:

• While not directly managing revenue, the technologist's accurate and efficient design work is critical to project execution, client satisfaction, and ultimately, the firm's profitability and reputation in the transportation sector. Their contributions directly support the delivery of successful infrastructure projects.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunities to deepen expertise in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and other design software, as well as gain experience in various aspects of roadway and highway design.
• Project Exposure: Involvement in complex and engaging projects that promote learning and skill enhancement.
• Career Advancement: Potential to progress to more senior technologist roles, project lead positions, or specialized design areas within the transportation sector as experience is gained.
• Mentorship: Learning from experienced engineers and senior technical staff within a supportive, employee-owned organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: CIMA+'s commitment to tailoring training and providing growth opportunities is a significant draw for ambitious technologists. The career path likely involves mastering design software, understanding complex design principles, and contributing to increasingly significant project components.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid Work Mode Office Location(s): Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (specifically 17187 – 114 Avenue NW #100)

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model allows for a balance between in-office collaboration and the flexibility of remote work.
• The office environment is likely collaborative, encouraging interaction with engineers and other team members to support project delivery and knowledge sharing.
• Access to industry-standard software and technology is expected.

Work Schedule:

• A flexible work schedule is offered, supporting a healthy work-life balance. Full-time hours are expected, but the distribution of these hours can be managed with a degree of autonomy.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: The combination of a hybrid model and flexible schedule caters to modern work expectations, allowing technologists to manage their personal lives while effectively contributing to project timelines and team needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment at CIMA+ is designed to foster both productivity and well-being, with an emphasis on flexibility and employee support. This is particularly appealing for operations roles that often require focused work periods alongside collaborative discussions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: Review of resume and application to assess qualifications against the job requirements.
2. Technical Interview: Likely an interview with a hiring manager or senior technical staff to discuss your experience, technical skills, and understanding of civil design principles. Be prepared to elaborate on your experience with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and roadway design elements.
3. Skills Assessment/Case Study (Potential): You might be asked to complete a short technical exercise or discuss a past project in detail, focusing on your design process, problem-solving skills, and software application.
4. Cultural Fit Interview: Discussion to assess alignment with CIMA+'s values, collaborative style, and entrepreneurial mindset.
5. Final Interview/Offer: A final discussion, potentially with higher management, leading to a job offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• While not explicitly requested, having a digital portfolio or being prepared to discuss specific projects is highly recommended.
• Focus on projects where you contributed significantly to urban roadway or highway design.
• Clearly articulate your role, the software used (AutoCAD, Civil 3D), and the specific design elements you worked on (alignments, geometrics, utilities, etc.).
• Highlight your understanding of drafting standards and your ability to adhere to client specifications.
• Be ready to discuss your experience with data collection, calculations, and any cost estimation or quantity take-off work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Prepare to discuss how you manage your time and prioritize tasks to meet project deadlines.
• Be ready to explain your process for ensuring accuracy in your design work and calculations.
• Consider how you would handle a situation where design requirements conflict with project constraints.
• Think about how you collaborate with engineers and senior team members to achieve project goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal portfolio submission isn't stated, demonstrating practical experience through discussion is key. The interview process will likely probe for specific technical competencies and an understanding of how design work fits into larger project and client objectives.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD: Essential for creating and modifying 2D drawings and design plans. Proficiency in its drafting and editing tools is critical.
• Civil 3D: Core software for 3D modeling, design, and documentation of civil infrastructure projects, including roadways and drainage systems. Expect questions about your experience with surfaces, alignments, profiles, and sections.
• Bluebeam: Used for PDF creation, markup, and collaboration. Familiarity with its features for document review and annotation is beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly an analytics role, understanding how design data contributes to project reporting and cost estimation is important. Experience with tools that facilitate quantity take-offs and cost estimations within design software is valuable.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this technologist role, but awareness of how design deliverables feed into project management systems is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in AutoCAD and Civil 3D is paramount for this role. The ability to leverage these tools for detailed design, 3D modeling, and accurate documentation will be heavily assessed. Experience with Bluebeam is also a stated requirement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Collaboration: Working closely with project engineers and senior technical staff, fostering a team-oriented approach to project delivery.
• Accuracy & Standards: A strong emphasis on meticulous data collection, precise calculations, and strict adherence to design and client standards.
• Growth & Development: CIMA+ actively promotes learning and skill enhancement, encouraging employees to develop their capabilities.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Employees are encouraged to manage their work on their own terms, suggesting a culture of autonomy and initiative.
• Employee Ownership: A fundamental value that fosters a sense of shared responsibility and investment in the company's success.

Collaboration Style:

• The role involves close collaboration with project engineers and senior technical staff, suggesting a hands-on, supportive working relationship.
• Team members are expected to share knowledge and contribute to project goals collectively.
• The hybrid work model implies a need for effective communication and collaboration both in-person and remotely.

📝 Enhancement Note: CIMA+ aims to create a culture that balances professional achievement with personal well-being. The employee-ownership model implies a strong sense of community and shared purpose, which is attractive for operations professionals seeking a stable and engaging workplace.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Project Demands: Managing multiple design tasks, adhering to strict deadlines, and maintaining high accuracy levels across different projects.
• Adapting to Client Standards: Learning and consistently applying diverse client specifications and design requirements.
• Mastering Software Capabilities: Continuously improving proficiency in complex software like Civil 3D to leverage its full potential for design and modeling.
• Navigating a Growing Team: Integrating into a rapidly expanding team and contributing effectively to its evolving dynamics.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Software Specialization: Deepen expertise in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and potentially other specialized design software.
• Project Variety: Gain exposure to a wide range of transportation projects, enhancing practical design knowledge.
• Industry Best Practices: Learn and apply current engineering standards and methodologies in roadway and highway design.
• Career Progression: Potential to move into more senior technologist roles, take on project coordination responsibilities, or specialize in particular areas of civil design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a junior technologist role, offering significant opportunities for skill development and professional growth within a supportive and expanding organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Be prepared to discuss a specific project where you utilized AutoCAD and Civil 3D for urban roadway design. Detail your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them.
• How do you ensure accuracy in your calculations and adherence to drafting standards? Provide an example.
• Describe your experience working with project engineers and senior technical staff. How do you approach collaboration and communication?
• How do you manage your workload and prioritize tasks to meet project deadlines?

Company & Culture Questions:

• Why are you interested in CIMA+ and this specific role?
• What are your thoughts on employee-owned companies and their culture?
• How do you define work-life balance, and how does a hybrid work model fit into that?
• What are your career aspirations within civil engineering technology?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• If you have a portfolio, be ready to walk the interviewer through 1-2 key projects.
• For each project, explain:
  • The project's objective and your specific contribution.
  • The software tools you used (AutoCAD, Civil 3D).
  • Key design elements you worked on (alignments, profiles, utilities, etc.).
  • How you ensured accuracy and met standards.
  • Any challenges encountered and how you resolved them.
• If no formal portfolio, be prepared to discuss specific examples from your previous work experience in detail.

📝 Enhancement Note: Focus on demonstrating your practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and alignment with CIMA+'s collaborative and growth-oriented culture. Quantify achievements where possible and show enthusiasm for learning and contributing to the team's success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Civil Design Technologist position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the SmartRecruiters platform.
• Tailor your resume: Highlight your Civil Engineering Technology education, 1-2 years of experience in urban roadway and highway design, and proficiency in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and Bluebeam. Use keywords from the job description.
• Prepare to discuss projects: Be ready to elaborate on your experience with alignments, geometrics, utilities, cost estimates, and adherence to design standards. If you have a portfolio, ensure it's easily accessible or prepare to discuss specific examples.
• Research CIMA+: Familiarize yourself with the company's values, projects, and its employee-owned structure to articulate your interest and cultural fit during the interview.
• Review technical concepts: Refresh your knowledge on roadway design principles, drafting standards, and the functionalities of AutoCAD and Civil 3D.

⚠️ 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.