Job Description

CDM Smith's Water Services Group is seeking an experienced Building Information Modeler to support site development and water infrastructure projects in Albuquerque, NM; Phoenix, AZ; or El Paso, TX. This role is intended for an appropriately experienced modeling professional who can independently develop, manage, and deliver Civil 3D models and construction plan sets across multiple disciplines with minimal guidance.

This position supports both public- and private-sector projects and requires a candidate who is detail-oriented, self-directed, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, delivery-driven environment where modeling resources are often constrained and initiative is expected.

Roles and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following regarding water infrastructure projects:
• Develop and manage Civil 3D models from conceptual and preliminary layouts through fully developed IFC-level models, often using best available or incomplete data.
• Independently establish and refine: horizontal alignments and vertical profiles; sample lines, section views, and cross-section production; complex surfaces using corridors, feature lines, grading objects, and breaklines.
• Perform pressure and gravity pipe modeling for water, wastewater, and storm systems.
• Generate automated plan, profile, and cross-section sheets in accordance with firm and client standards.
• Produce coordinated, construction-ready plan sets throughout all phases of project delivery.
• Perform earthwork determinations and volume analyses using modeled surfaces.
• Develop quantities and calculations derived directly from models, ensuring consistency with project assumptions and design intent.
• Maintain robust data management practices, including file structure, surfaces, references, and model integrity across project lifecycles.
• Apply firm and client standards, workflows, and QC procedures to all modeling and sheet production.
• Coordinate models with engineers, designers, surveyors, and other disciplines to ensure constructability and design intent are preserved.
• Provide technical direction and review as required; while this role may guide others at times, it should not assume the routine availability of junior staff support.

Minimum Qualifications

High School diploma or equivalent with vocational technical training in basic CADD drafting technology and intelligent modeling. 9 years of related experience. Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands. Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience developing federated models and surfaces with machine-grade or construction-tolerance considerations.
• Survey or geomatics knowledge, including surface control and data validation.
• Working familiarity with GIS concepts and tools and data interoperability.
• Experience with data translation and coordination between commonly used industry platforms (e.g., ESRI products, MicroStation).
• Understanding of construction phasing, model-based quantities, and contractor use of models.

Skills and Abilities

Notable experience and project examples demonstrating intermediate to expert-level proficiency in Autodesk Civil 3D, including:
• Alignments, profiles, corridors, grading tools, feature lines
• Surface creation and management
• Gravity and pressure network modeling
• Plan/profile/cross-section sheet automation
• Direct experience supporting site development projects with an emphasis on water conveyance systems and buried utility infrastructure.
• Proven ability to work independently with limited oversight; interpret sketch-level information and design intent; and manage multiple active models and deliverables concurrently.
• Experience working on both public and private infrastructure projects within multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated self-starter mentality with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to function effectively in a high-demand, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate across disciplines.
• Commitment to quality, consistency, and defensible technical work products.