Civil Drafter Jobs in California
Civil Drafter jobs in California are concentrated in Los Angeles, Sacramento, and San Francisco, where infrastructure expansion, public works, and residential development keep demand steady across entry-level through senior positions. Firms like AECOM, WSP, and Jacobs maintain large California operations and consistently hire civil drafters for transportation, land development, and municipal utility projects. Grading plans, roadway design, and utility layout are among the most sought-after specialties in California listings. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 6+ Civil Drafter jobs
INTRODUCTION
BKF is a multi-service infrastructure consulting firm providing civil engineering and surveying services across California, the Pacific Northwest, and beyond. With offices throughout California and the Portland area, BKF has served transportation, water resources, land development, government, and federal clients for over 110 years. At BKF, you'll find a unique opportunity to grow your career with intention. Our culture values professional autonomy, innovation, and meaningful collaboration across offices. We are proud to be recognized with the Great Place to Work certification for the second year in a row. We're seeking an experienced CAD Drafter / Civil 3D Technician to provide production drafting and modeling support for civil infrastructure projects across Transportation, Land Development, Water Resources, and related disciplines. This is a hands-on role that involves preparing construction documents, updating plan sets, and coordinating with engineering staff.
Responsibilities
- Produce and edit AutoCAD and Civil 3D drawings for civil infrastructure plans, including utilities, grading and drainage, horizontal layout, and details
- Translate redlines and design concepts into clear, build-ready construction drawings
- Develop and maintain 2D/3D models, layouts, and plan sets
- Generate and assemble PDF drawing packages using tools such as Bluebeam
- Support project teams with production drafting and document control
- Coordinate with engineers and project staff to ensure drawing accuracy and standards compliance
- Manage drawing revisions, version control, and documentation
- Support the office by staying up to date with Civil 3D tools and workflows, implementing best practices and assisting team members in applying them effectively
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Associate's degree or equivalent amount of professional experience is a must
- 5+ years of drafting experience with CAD Drafting, preferably civil/infrastructure drawings
- Proficiency in AutoCAD and Autodesk Civil 3D (Revit experience a plus)
- Familiarity with Bluebeam or other PDF markup tools is preferred
- Strong attention to detail, organization, and ability to meet deadlines
- Ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues within drafting and design software
- Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must be able to regularly talk, hear and operate a computer, keyboard and mouse and occasionally lift, pull/push and carry up to 20 pounds with accommodations.
WORK CONDITIONS
Exposure to constant or intermittent sounds at a low or moderate level consistent with an office setting. Exposure to high-stress, fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment. Travel to other BKF locations and client sites may be required.
BENEFITS
- The typical base salary range for this position is $64,000.00 - $85,000.00, annualized depending upon skills, experience, education, and geographical location. This is a salary position paid biweekly
- Competitive salaries, end of year bonuses, profit sharing, and 401k
- BKF pays 100% of the premiums for medical, dental, and vision coverage and 50% for your dependents
- Generous paid time off packages
- 9 Paid Holidays
- Flexible schedules
- Education reimbursement, Paid annual dues for professional and societal organizations
- BKF offers competitive and award-winning benefits and perks. To learn more click here.
BKF Engineers provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. BKF Engineers does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement and a specific solicitation for the position or other approved engagement request for the position with BKF Engineers, BKF Engineers reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited submittals are done at the risk of the recruiter.
INTRODUCTION
BKF is a multi-service infrastructure consulting firm providing civil engineering and surveying services across California, the Pacific Northwest, and beyond. With offices throughout California and the Portland area, BKF has served transportation, water resources, land development, government, and federal clients for over 110 years. At BKF, you'll find a unique opportunity to grow your career with intention. Our culture values professional autonomy, innovation, and meaningful collaboration across offices. We are proud to be recognized with the Great Place to Work certification for the second year in a row. We're seeking an experienced CAD Drafter / Civil 3D Technician to provide production drafting and modeling support for civil infrastructure projects across Transportation, Land Development, Water Resources, and related disciplines. This is a hands-on role that involves preparing construction documents, updating plan sets, and coordinating with engineering staff.
Responsibilities
- Produce and edit AutoCAD and Civil 3D drawings for civil infrastructure plans, including utilities, grading and drainage, horizontal layout, and details
- Translate redlines and design concepts into clear, build-ready construction drawings
- Develop and maintain 2D/3D models, layouts, and plan sets
- Generate and assemble PDF drawing packages using tools such as Bluebeam
- Support project teams with production drafting and document control
- Coordinate with engineers and project staff to ensure drawing accuracy and standards compliance
- Manage drawing revisions, version control, and documentation
- Support the office by staying up to date with Civil 3D tools and workflows, implementing best practices and assisting team members in applying them effectively
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Associate's degree or equivalent amount of professional experience is a must
- 5+ years of drafting experience with CAD Drafting, preferably civil/infrastructure drawings
- Proficiency in AutoCAD and Autodesk Civil 3D (Revit experience a plus)
- Familiarity with Bluebeam or other PDF markup tools is preferred
- Strong attention to detail, organization, and ability to meet deadlines
- Ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues within drafting and design software
- Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must be able to regularly talk, hear and operate a computer, keyboard and mouse and occasionally lift, pull/push and carry up to 20 pounds with accommodations.
WORK CONDITIONS
Exposure to constant or intermittent sounds at a low or moderate level consistent with an office setting. Exposure to high-stress, fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment. Travel to other BKF locations and client sites may be required.
BENEFITS
- The typical base salary range for this position is $64,000.00 - $85,000.00, annualized depending upon skills, experience, education, and geographical location. This is a salary position paid biweekly
- Competitive salaries, end of year bonuses, profit sharing, and 401k
- BKF pays 100% of the premiums for medical, dental, and vision coverage and 50% for your dependents
- Generous paid time off packages
- 9 Paid Holidays
- Flexible schedules
- Education reimbursement, Paid annual dues for professional and societal organizations
- BKF offers competitive and award-winning benefits and perks. To learn more click here.
BKF Engineers provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. BKF Engineers does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement and a specific solicitation for the position or other approved engagement request for the position with BKF Engineers, BKF Engineers reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited submittals are done at the risk of the recruiter.
See All 6 Civil Drafter Jobs in California
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Find Civil Drafter JobsCivil Drafter Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Civil Drafter Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in civil drafter jobs across California.
- Proficiency in AutoCAD and Civil 3D for California infrastructure and land development projects
- Associate degree or bachelor's degree in drafting technology, civil engineering technology, or a related field
- Experience producing grading plans, site plans, and utility drawings to California standards
- Familiarity with Caltrans drafting standards and local California municipal requirements
- Ability to read and interpret civil engineering plans, surveys, and specifications
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy when preparing construction documents for permit submittal
Civil Drafter Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a civil drafter in California?
Most California civil drafter positions require an associate degree or certificate in drafting technology, CAD, or civil engineering technology from a community college or trade program. California does not require a state-issued license specifically for civil drafters, but employers strongly prefer candidates with proficiency in AutoCAD and Civil 3D. Building a portfolio of grading plans, site layouts, or utility drawings aligned with Caltrans and local agency standards significantly improves your prospects.
Which companies hire civil drafters in California?
California civil drafter roles are posted by BKF Engineers and Forest Lawn and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. California's concentration of large infrastructure, transportation, and land development firms means openings appear across both private engineering consultancies and public agencies throughout the state.
Which California cities have the most civil drafter jobs?
Glendale, San Jose, and Pleasanton consistently show the highest number of civil drafter openings in California. Los Angeles and Sacramento lead because of ongoing state transportation projects, public works contracts, and dense concentrations of civil engineering firms, while San Diego's military infrastructure work and active land development market drive strong demand in the south.
Are there remote civil drafter jobs in California?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely analytical fields, since civil drafters often collaborate closely with engineers and project teams on evolving plan sets. About 0% of civil drafter openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, with the remote-eligible work concentrated in earlier design phases like preliminary site plans and desktop redlines rather than permit-ready construction documents.
How can I get hired as a civil drafter in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is completing an associate degree or certificate in drafting or civil engineering technology at a California community college, then applying for CAD technician or junior drafter roles at mid-size civil engineering consultancies. Firms like AECOM and Jacobs run intern and new-graduate programs in California, and public agencies such as Caltrans district offices regularly hire entry-level drafting aides. A focused portfolio showing grading or utility plan work, even from coursework, gives you a clear edge.
Where can I find and apply to civil drafter jobs in California?
You can find and apply to civil drafter jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across the state's major hiring markets. Find roles that fit your experience and specialties and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 6 Civil Drafter Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Civil Drafter Jobs