Civil Designer

Job Description

Job Description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Civil Designer is responsible for performing technical design and drafting, developing construction documents and cost estimates, and project coordination work for municipal infrastructure projects including transportation systems, stormwater management, water/wastewater utilities, and public facilities. This position supports the planning, design, permitting, and construction of public works projects under the supervision of a licensed engineer or project manager. The Civil Designer collaborates closely with consultants, contractors, and regulatory agencies to deliver efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable infrastructure solutions that meet the City's operational and community needs. Work is performed under the general direction of the Utility Design Manager and is carried out with significant independent judgment and initiative.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

The tasks listed below represent most of the time spent working in this position. Supervisor may assign additional tasks within the scope of this classification, as necessary.

The essential duties and responsibilities of the Civil Designer are:

Design and Drafting:

• Prepares and reviews civil engineering design plans and technical drawings for municipal projects, including water distribution systems, wastewater collection systems, stormwater management systems, transportation systems, and miscellaneous facilities.
• Utilizes AutoCAD Civil 3D, Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite, and other design software to produce construction documents, plan sheets, profiles, grading plans, and as-built drawings.
• Ensures designs comply with FDOT, FDEP, SJRWMD, Orange County, and City of Apopka standards, as well as other applicable regulatory agencies.

Project Coordination:

• Assists the designated Project Manager or Engineer of Record with project design, permitting, scheduling, cost estimating, and coordination with consultants, contractors, and utility providers.
• Supports the preparation and review of construction documents, technical specifications, bidding packages, and contract agreements.
• Monitors design progress, performs design revisions, and assists with preparation of progress reports and project closeout documentation.

Standards Development and Quality Assurance:

• Assists with development, maintenance, and implementation of the City's Engineering Design Manual, Planning Manual, and Standard Details.
• Ensures consistent application of engineering standards and promotes continuous improvement in design practices and document management.

Research and Communication:

• Performs technical research, data collection, and cost analyses to support feasibility studies, budget development, and project prioritization.
• Develops content and visuals for presentations, public outreach materials, and City communication platforms (web, reports, and social media).
• Prepares clear, concise, and technically sound reports, memoranda, and correspondence for internal and external use.

Collaboration and Representation:

• Builds and maintains effective working relationships with local, regional, and state agencies to support permitting and project coordination.
• Responds to inquiries from the public and stakeholders regarding ongoing or planned infrastructure projects in a courteous and professional manner.

OTHER DUTIES:

Performs any other duties or tasks that may be assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

The Civil Designer shall possess the following essential competencies:

Technical Knowledge:

• Strong understanding of civil engineering principles, municipal infrastructure design, and construction practices.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D, Autodesk Infrastructure Design, Sanitary & Storm Analysis, and ESRI ArcGIS software.
• Knowledge of surveying, grading, hydrology, hydraulics, geotechnical, transportation, and environmental systems.
• Familiarity with federal, state, and local regulations including FDOT, FDEP, USACE, EPA, SJRWMD, FDEM, and FWC standards.

Analytical and Administrative Skills:

• Ability to prepare accurate cost estimates, design computations, and technical reports.
• Skilled in project coordination, task prioritization, and progress tracking across multiple assignments.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain comprehensive project records.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, technical documentation and present information effectively.
• Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams and with consultants, contractors, and regulatory agencies.
• Commitment to providing responsive and courteous service to internal and external stakeholders.

General Skills:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• General knowledge of Bluebeam Revu or equivalent PDF markup/review tools, Microsoft Project, HydroCAD, StormCAD, PONDS, MODRET, Autodesk Vehicle Tracking, AutoTURN, and other 3D visualization tools or BIM-related applications.
• Ability to operate general office and field equipment, including plotters, survey instruments, and GPS/GIS devices.
• Demonstrated initiative, sound judgment, and integrity in performing job duties with minimal supervision.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate's degree in Civil Engineering Technology, Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD), Construction, Architectural/Engineering Technology, or a related field is required.
• Minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in civil or environmental engineering design, with demonstrated proficiency in infrastructure or municipal project design.
• In lieu of an Associate's degree, a High School Diploma or equivalent may be accepted with a minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in civil or environmental engineering design, demonstrating proficiency in infrastructure or municipal project design.

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:

• AutoCAD Civil 3D Professional certification, or ability to obtain one within one (1) year of employment.
• Autodesk Certified User (ACU), Autodesk Certified Professional (ACP), or Autodesk Certified Expert (ACE) certification, or ability to obtain one within one (1) year of employment.
• GIS or ESRI Certification is desirable, but not required.
• Must possess a valid State of Florida driver's license.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered, provided that the education and experience are in a relevant and related field.

JOB LOCATION

The Administration Building within the City Public Services Complex is the primary location; however, work may be required within all City owned buildings, facilities, land, streets, rights-of-way, and any location within the City jurisdictional or utility service area. Work requires occasional travel to other locations.

ADDITIONAL POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Physical Requirements: Work involves a combination of office and field activities. Exposure to noise, fumes, hazardous materials, adverse weather conditions, and confined spaces may occur. Position requires availability for emergency response. Work requires attention to details, speaking, hearing, reading, or writing, and walking, standing, or sitting for extended periods, as well as occasional lifting of objects weighing 25+ lbs.
• Environmental Conditions: Exposure to bright/dim lights.
• Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

ADA Statement: The City of Apopka is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to achieving excellence and strength through diversity. The City seeks a wide range of applicants for its positions so that one of our core values, a qualified and diverse workforce, will be affirmed. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance requires the City to provide reasonable invited to discuss accommodations.

DISCLAIMER:

The City of Apopka reserves the right to fill positions prior to the closing date and also reserves the right to close the posting prior to the date indicated. Positions will be filled by competitive selection from among categories of qualified and available candidates. It is the policy of the City of Apopka to give first consideration to all employees and other internal applicants prior to considering external (outside) applicants. Applicants should expect a starting salary at the minimum of the pay grade range; applicants with exceptional qualifications and/or experience may be eligible for a rate of pay which is higher than the range minimum upon approval by Administration. Your social security number is requested for the purpose of payroll eligibility verification, processing employment benefits, applicant and employee background checks, and income reporting and will be used solely for those purposes. The City of Apopka participates in E-Verify. Employers are required by federal law to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. We utilize the E-Verify system to process our new hires. We provide information to the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with Information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.