Civil Engineer - Site Design - job 1 of 2

As a Civil Engineer - Site Design at Olsson, your primary responsibilities will include providing basic project design through CAD drafting, guiding drafters in creating detailed drawings of designs, and preparing project schedules. You'll also engage in research and write technical reports, in addition to traveling to job sites for observations that inform your designs.

To qualify for the Civil Engineer - Site Design position at Olsson, you will need a Bachelor’s degree in engineering and must be working towards obtaining your Engineer Intern (EI) certificate. Experience ranging from 0-2 years in civil engineering design, as well as knowledge of AutoCAD (Civil 3D being a plus), are essential to fulfill the role's responsibilities effectively.

Key skills for a Civil Engineer - Site Design at Olsson include strong communication abilities, teamwork, and a passion for ownership and responsibility in your work. Being able to collaborate effectively with your colleagues while remaining focused on the task at hand is crucial for success in this position.

As a Civil Engineer - Site Design at Olsson, you will work on a variety of projects including mixed-use, commercial, residential land developments, as well as municipal, industrial, and sports site development. This diverse range will provide you ample opportunity to apply your skills and positively impact different aspects of community development.

Olsson supports your growth as a Civil Engineer - Site Design through continuous learning and professional development opportunities. By becoming an owner in the company through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) after your first year, and accessing various wellness programs and a robust bonus system, you'll have the tools and support necessary for a rewarding career.

When describing your CAD experience during the interview, highlight specific projects you've worked on, detailing how you used AutoCAD or Civil 3D to create site designs. Discuss the complexities of those projects and any challenges you overcame, while demonstrating your understanding of how effective design contributes to successful outcomes.

Effective collaboration is crucial for the role of Civil Engineer - Site Design. Discuss methods you use to communicate clearly with team members, such as regular updates, using project management software, or setting collaborative goals. Provide examples of past projects where teamwork led to successful outcomes, showcasing your interpersonal skills.

In preparing project schedules, outline your approach to estimating task timelines, dependencies, and resource allocation. Discuss any tools or software you're familiar with that help in scheduling, and share a specific example of a previous project where your scheduling led to a streamlined workflow and timely project completion.

When discussing challenges, consider mentioning issues such as site constraints, adhering to regulations, or incorporating sustainable practices. Share how you've approached these challenges in the past, ensuring you emphasize problem-solving skills and your commitment to quality and community impact.

Staying updated is vital in civil engineering. Discuss your methods for keeping informed, such as participating in professional organizations, attending workshops, or following industry publications. Highlight any specific trends you've incorporated into your work, demonstrating your proactive approach to learning and innovation.

In your response, share a detailed account of a project where you played a significant role. Describe your responsibilities, the overall objectives, and the outcomes. Emphasize any feedback from colleagues or stakeholders that reflects your contribution, showcasing the tangible success of the project.

Explain your process for writing technical reports, from gathering data and research to structuring your findings clearly and concisely. Provide examples of reports you've written in the past, discussing how you ensured compliance with technical standards, and how those reports effectively communicated key ideas to your audience.

In your answer, emphasize the importance of sustainability in modern civil engineering. Share your views on how sustainable practices can enhance community well-being and environmental health. Discuss any specific methods or criteria you’ve employed to promote sustainability in your past projects, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach.

When discussing handling feedback, emphasize your openness to constructive criticism and your willingness to adapt. Highlight the importance of receiving input as a chance for growth and improvement and provide an example where implementing feedback successfully enhanced a design project.

Express your passion for the role by discussing specific aspects of Olsson's mission and values that resonate with you. Mention your eagerness to contribute to community improvement through design and explain how you see yourself fitting into the company's collaborative culture, highlighting both personal and professional alignment with Olsson's goals.