CAD Operator - Land Development - job 4 of 6

As a CAD Operator at Kimley-Horn, your main responsibilities will include designing and producing sets of plans for various Land Development projects. You will manage AutoCAD drafting standards, develop technical drawings, carry out quality checks on complex drawings, and possibly perform multifaceted calculations. Additionally, you may oversee CAD staff and coordinate work activities to meet project schedules while ensuring top-notch quality control.

To apply for the CAD Operator role at Kimley-Horn, candidates should have a high school diploma (an associate's degree is preferred) and at least three years of relevant experience in CAD operations. Proficiency in Autodesk or Bentley products is essential, along with a professional attitude, strong attention to detail, and excellent communication skills. A desire to learn and work both independently and as part of a team is also important.

CAD Operators at Kimley-Horn primarily utilize Autodesk software. An advanced knowledge of this software is critical for drafting and producing plans efficiently. Familiarity with Bentley products can also be beneficial, as they may be used for specific projects or tasks within the Land Development team.

Kimley-Horn is committed to the continuous professional development of its employees, including CAD Operators. The company offers tuition reimbursement for further education and extensive internal training programs to help employees enhance their skills and advance in their careers. This reflects our dedication to fostering a growth-oriented work environment where team members can thrive.

CAD Operators at Kimley-Horn enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes an exceptional retirement plan with a 2-to-1 company match, low-cost medical, dental, and vision coverage, and generous time off policies such as flexible scheduling and half-day Fridays. Additionally, Kimley-Horn offers family-friendly benefits, including new parent leave and childcare resources, ensuring that you have the support needed both professionally and personally.

In your response, detail the specific CAD software you've used, particularly focusing on Autodesk and Bentley products. Highlight any projects you've worked on using these tools, emphasizing how your experience has prepared you for the CAD Operator role at Kimley-Horn, and how you effectively utilize these software for land development plans.

You can answer this by explaining your systematic approach to quality checks, such as reviewing plans for accuracy, ensuring compliance with company standards, and implementing peer reviews. Illustrate with an example where your attention to detail prevented errors in a project, aligning with Kimley-Horn’s commitment to high-quality deliverables.

Discuss a specific project that showcases your ability to manage complexity. Focus on your particular contributions, responsibilities, the challenges encountered, and how you overcame them. This response should reflect your problem-solving skills and relevant experience while ensuring to highlight how you contributed to the project successfully.

Illustrate your organizational skills by discussing tools or methods you use for task prioritization, such as to-do lists or project management software. Provide an example that demonstrates your ability to handle multiple deadlines effectively while ensuring that quality is never compromised.

Express your appreciation for constructive criticism and how it contributes to your professional growth. Detail a specific instance where you've received feedback, how you responded, and what changes you made to improve your work as a CAD Operator at Kimley-Horn, reinforcing a culture of continuous improvement.

Talk about your collaboration skills by sharing techniques you use, such as open communication, active listening, and being supportive. Mention a situation where you successfully collaborated with colleagues on a land development project, showcasing the positive outcomes of your teamwork skills aligned with Kimley-Horn’s values.

Demonstrate your knowledge of Kimley-Horn by discussing specific aspects that attract you, such as its reputation in the industry, commitment to quality, and employee development. Share how these values resonate with your own professional goals, positioning you as a perfect fit for their team.

Provide a concise narrative of a scenario where you identified a potential improvement in a project design, your rationale behind the suggestion, how you communicated it to your team, and the eventual impact it had on the project. This response illustrates your proactive approach, knowledge of engineering principles, and ability to enhance project outcomes.

Discuss your methods for staying current, such as attending workshops, participating in online forums, or subscribing to industry publications. Emphasize your commitment to lifelong learning and how it enhances your skills as a CAD Operator, ensuring that you provide the best solutions for Kimley-Horn's projects.

Reflect on aspects of the job that inspire you, such as the satisfaction of seeing your designs come to life, solving complex problems, or contributing to significant land development projects. Personalizing your motivation will give interviewers insight into your passion for the role and how it aligns with Kimley-Horn’s mission.