Job Title: Civil Drafter / Designer
Job Description
The Civil Drafter / Designer uses CAD tools to produce high-quality civil and pipeline design drawings, supporting engineers, project managers, and senior designers on transmission pipeline routing and related infrastructure projects. This role focuses on preparing detailed plats, property sketches, alignment sheets, permit and hydrostatic drawings, and typical construction method packages while ensuring accuracy, quality, and consistency across all deliverables.
Responsibilities
Use CAD software, including AutoCAD Civil 3D and AutoCAD Map, to prepare plats, property sketches, alignment sheets, permit drawings, hydrostatic drawings, and typical construction methods packages for civil and pipeline projects.
Support senior designers (Mappers), engineers, and project managers on transmission pipeline routing projects by translating engineering concepts and survey data into clear, constructible drawings.
Utilize Excel tables and other data sources containing engineering information to accurately add and update information on drawings.
Perform thorough self-checks of all drawings to ensure quality, accuracy, and adherence to standards before submitting work for peer review.
Participate in QA/QC activities by reviewing the work of other designers and drafters, identifying discrepancies, and recommending corrections.
Incorporate civil survey data, topographic information, easements, and right-of-way details into mapping and design deliverables.
Apply knowledge of pipeline routing, pipeline design, and pipeline construction methods to produce drawings that support engineering and construction teams.
Work with mapping and GIS information to support alignment mapping, topographic maps, and related project documentation as needed.
Collaborate closely with project managers and engineers who are located nearby in the office to clarify design requirements and resolve issues quickly.
Contribute to a variety of project @types, including natural gas distribution, water pipelines, land development, and renewable energy-related work as assigned.
Maintain organized drawing files, documentation, and version control in accordance with company and project standards.
Support the broader project lifecycle by providing design and drafting input for project development, engineering and design, land and right-of-way services, surveys, mapping/GIS, construction management, inspection, and operations and maintenance consulting as needed.
Essential Skills
Proficiency with AutoCAD Civil 3D for civil drafting and design.
Experience using AutoCAD Map for mapping and pipeline-related drawings.
Civil survey and drafting experience, including working with survey data and understanding how it informs design.
Understanding of topography and topographic surveys, including how to interpret topo maps and apply them to design work.
Understanding of survey principles, including why features are located where they are and how survey information impacts design decisions.
Experience with pipeline routing, pipeline design, and pipeline construction concepts.
Ability to work with mapping and topographic map software to produce accurate alignment and routing drawings.
Strong attention to detail with the ability to self-check drawings for quality and accuracy before peer review.
Ability to perform basic QA/QC reviews of other designers' and drafters' work.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel, to work with engineering tables and data.
For experienced or remote candidates: demonstrated Civil 3D experience and strong understanding of topography and survey.
For entry-level candidates: at least 1+ years of Civil 3D experience.
Diploma required.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
GIS experience or understanding, particularly as it relates to mapping and pipeline routing.
Experience in the natural gas or water pipeline industry, including exposure to pipeline projects and related design standards.
Experience with GIS software for mapping and data integration.
Experience with land development, grading design, and civil site design concepts.
Familiarity with easements, right-of-way, and alignment mapping for linear infrastructure projects.
Associates degree in a related field preferred.
Interest in long-term career growth into more advanced design or project management roles within an EPCM environment.
Ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams that include project management, land/ROW services, surveys, engineering and design, mapping/GIS, construction management, inspection, and operations and maintenance consulting.
Motivation to contribute to a diversified portfolio that includes natural gas distribution and renewable energy projects.
Ability to thrive in a setting that rewards high performance with lucrative bonus opportunities in strong years.
Work Environment
The role starts in an in-office setting with an individual desk and multiple monitor setup to support efficient design work. The typical schedule evolves into a hybrid work arrangement, with approximately three days per week in the Lexington office for many employees, and flexibility may increase as designers gain tenure and demonstrate proficiency. The office operates in a business casual environment. You will work under a lead designer with support from other designers on assigned projects, and project managers and engineers are located only steps away, enabling quick collaboration and decision-making. The organization functions as a full-service EPCM provider involved in project development consulting, project management, land and right-of-way services, surveys, engineering and design, mapping/GIS, construction management, inspection, and operations and maintenance consulting. The company offers a strong backlog of repeat and new business, a diversified portfolio including natural gas distribution and renewables, and an extremely competitive bonus structure for full-time employees in high-performing years. During the consultant period, you receive a standard 40-hour workweek structure with paid time off and paid holidays.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lexington, KY.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $30.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Lexington,KY.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 31, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
