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Posted: February 25, 2026 (1 day ago)

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Computer Aided Design (CAD) Drafter - Engineering Aide 4 - Permanent - 2026-01696

State of Washington

Dept. of Fish and Wildlife

Fresh

Location

Washington, 98504

Salary

$5,137 - $6,906

per month

Closes

March 12, 2026

Job Description

Summary

This job involves creating detailed technical drawings using computer software to support engineering projects for wildlife facilities, infrastructure, and environmental restoration.

The role requires designing complex plans for construction and maintenance, reviewing others' work, and mentoring junior staff.

It's a good fit for someone with strong drafting skills and experience in multiple engineering fields who enjoys applying innovative solutions to real-world projects.

Key Requirements

  • Proficiency in CAD programs for preparing complex 3D drawings across architectural, civil, electrical, mechanical, and structural disciplines
  • Ability to make independent design decisions, including specifying materials like piping and construction components
  • Experience in site layout, design functionality, and ensuring constructability from drawings
  • Skills in performing calculations for designs, such as earth moving quantities and hydraulic systems
  • Knowledge of construction standards, techniques, and principles for critical systems and structures
  • Ability to review and mentor junior engineering aides on drafting standards, procedures, and CAD tools
  • Availability to work in Olympia, Washington, with potential telework but required on-site presence as needed

Full Job Description

WDFW recruitment banner

Working Title- Computer Aided Design (CAD) Drafter

Classification- Engineering Aide 4

Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent

WDFW Program- Capital and Asset Management Program (CAMP) – Engineering Division

Duty Station- *Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

*While this position may offer a telework option, the successful candidate must be available to report to the duty station as needed.


Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!


Heavy equipment preparing a construction site.

Photo Caption – Leque Restoration Project – Photo Credit: WDFW



Embrace this role to deliver technical and professional engineering, construction, and maintenance to sustain facilities, infrastructure, and ecosystems!


This is an opportunity to provide senior-level skilled computer-aided design (CAD) drafting and design of complex drawings and specifications by using professional and innovative knowledge of construction standards and techniques.


With your experience, you will prepare complex drawings generated from topographical maps.



WHAT TO EXPECT -

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position will:


Drafting.

  • Prepare original drawings of a complex nature encompassing multiple disciplines, moving or motorized parts, 3-dimensional drawings, utilizing CAD programs.
  • Independently make design decisions and specify material components such as piping materials or construction materials.
  • Responsible for site layout, design functionality, and constructability from drawings.
  • Prepare complete architectural, civil, electrical, mechanical, and structural drawings including site plans, profiles, mechanical and/or electrical schedules, welding plans, and structural details.


Architectural, Civil, Mechanical, Structural, and Hydraulic Design.

  • Prepare calculations and complex designs for review and use in drafting or by other employees.
  • Understand design principles of critical systems and structures in order to ensure proper implementation and desired outcomes.
  • Compute yardages and other earth moving quantities.


Drafting Review, Training, and Instruction.

  • Review permit and construction plans produced by engineering aides for completeness and compliance of CAMP Drafting Standards.
  • Direct other Engineering Aides in the interpretation and use of design calculations and drawing and drawing procedures.
  • Mentors Engineering Aide 2’s and 3’s in more complicated design development and CAD tools.
  • Serves as project lead for program level standards, innovative design solutions, and reviewing existing design for functionality and efficiency.


Administration.

  • Order drafting and technical materials for the office.
  • Help manage Software Licenses.
  • Assist with Software Updates.


Inspection.

  • Inspect all phases of construction projects on an occasional basis.
  • Review both internal (plans prepared by CAMP staff) and external (plans prepared by Consulting Engineering firms) construction plan sets for accuracy, completeness, constructability, and to ensure that CAMP’s Drafting Standards are met.
  • Review Request for Information (RFI) and project submittals as requested by Project Managers.


Coordinates with survey crews.

  • Coordinate with Survey Crew for property and project surveys
  • Obtain data for project control and prepare calculations for field staking of coordinates for construction layout and control.
  • Complete field research, assist in information collection, inspect and measure existing structures for accurate drafting later, and measure stream flows.



Working Conditions:

Work setting: May work long hours at computer workstation performing drafting duties.

Must have the ability to sustain physical effort while working out in the field on uneven terrain or exert sustained physical effort during inclement weather in field.

This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments as well as active construction sites.

Both require proper training and use of PPE at all times.


Schedule: Normally Monday-Friday, but may be required to work in excess of 40 hours per week or on weekends.


Travel requirements: Occasional travel as required.


Customer Interactions: Primarily Project Managers, Engineers, Engineering Aides, Inspectors, Permitters, Wetland Specialists, and occasionally vendors.



QUALIFICATIONS:


Required Qualifications:


High School diploma or equivalent.


And


Five (5) years of experience applying engineering techniques. (Please note: College level course work with major emphasis in Computer Aided Drafting may be substituted year-for-year for up to two (2) years for the required experience.)


And


Two (2) years of experience working with Civil 3D producing and manipulating surfaces, profiles, and sections.


And


Strong working knowledge of Microsoft computer software (e.g. Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.).


And


One (1) year of experience leading skilled and semi-skilled designers/drafters in a variety of projects.



License: Valid Driver’s License and acceptable driving record.



Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

Five (5) years of experience using Auto Desk Civil 3D software.

Three (3) years of experience leading skilled and semi-skilled designers/drafters in a variety of projects.


Experience in other disciplines such as:

Architectural Engineering.

Civil Engineering.

Mechanical Engineering.

Structural Engineering.



Your application must include the following:

  • A COMPLETED online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
  • An up-to-date resume.
  • A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
  • At least three (3) professional references with current contact information.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.


Important Note:

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work.

If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States.

For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents


Union - WAFWP:

This position is in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals.

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Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice:

Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following:

  • Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at Cheri.Potter@dfw.wa.gov.
  • Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
    • Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
  • Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2024-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran).
  • Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.


WDFW diversity logo


Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer


As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications.

Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully.

All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.


The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer.

We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity.

Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.


Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.


Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com.


Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to Cheri.Potter@dfw.wa.gov and reference job number/title from the top of this posting.


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Posted on NEOGOV: 2/25/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 2/26/2026

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-washington-5250629