Land Development Civil Drafter (Bend, OR)
Full-Time Purpose: The reason the job exists
This role is the technical bridge between Land Development and the Architecture, Sales, Operations, Production, and Land teams, applying civil design and residential architecture knowledge to ensure lots, grading, and utilities work with the homes built on them. This role performs due diligence and code analysis during the feasibility stage, before acquisition or design commitment, and owns the technical handoff between horizontal (land development) and vertical (home construction) work. By bringing dedicated ownership and continuity to a function currently spread across multiple teams, this role reduces rework, protects the sales schedule, and gives each team a single, reliable technical partner from feasibility through construction.
Attributes: These behaviors/traits reflect our core values and must be consistently evidenced in our team:
- Intentional
- Servant's Heart
- Innovative Spirit
Responsibilities: The essential actions required of the job
*Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with communicated disabilities to perform these essential functions.
- Perform CAD-based lot fit analysis and produce lot fit exhibits confirming each home plan fits its lot, accounting for setbacks, easements, grading, driveways, and utilities
- Integrate aerial survey inputs and lot fit software outputs into CAD workflows, keeping site data accurate and consistent for use across teams
- Conduct feasibility-stage code analysis and due diligence, evaluating site constraints, entitlement and code requirements, and product fit prior to acquisition or design commitment
- Review civil plans at a deeper technical level alongside Land Development project managers, evaluating grading, drainage, and retaining wall designs for constructability, code compliance, and their effect on the home
- Identify and resolve utility conflicts, driveway locations, drainage issues, and retaining wall solutions between civil and home plans before construction begins
- Prepare and maintain master plan layout files, including fencing and other master layout documents
- Serve as the technical point of contact between Land Development and the Architecture, Sales, Operations, Production, and Land teams, supporting a clean transfer from horizontal to vertical construction
- Other duties as assigned
Requirements: The specific skills, experience, and specialized certifications/education required to do the job.
- 5+ years of experience in civil design or drafting, preferably in land development or residential homebuilding
- Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD and Civil 3D (or comparable CAD software)
- Background in residential architecture or home design strongly preferred. The ability to work in both civil and architectural plans is what allows this role to catch conflicts between the site and the home.
- Ability to read and interpret both civil and architectural plans and understand how grading, drainage, and utilities affect the home
- Experience working with aerial survey and topographic data; ability to learn lot fit and other site planning software tools
- Working knowledge of grading, utility design, driveway, and municipal code requirements
- Degree or certificate in civil engineering technology, drafting/design, architecture, or a related field, or equivalent hands-on experience; engineering degree or PE license not required
- Strong communication skills to work effectively across departments (Architecture, Sales, Operations, Production, and Land)
Competencies: The generic skills required to succeed at Pahlisch
- Taking Responsibility: Completing tasks without being prompted; working constructively with others to complete projects; and exercising initiative beyond just the scope of a job description. Creating a full workload by seeking new tasks and initiatives during slow times.
- Communication: The ability to interact and exchange information effectively with others; keeping stakeholders informed of important information in a timely manner and engaging in meaningful dialogue that results in greater clarity.
- Individual Development: Taking ownership over developing holistically as a person: mentally, socially, spiritually, emotionally, &/or physically...enhances balance and improves the workplace experience.
- Embracing a Growth Mentality: Believing abilities/skills can be developed through effort, learning, and persistence. Challenges, mistakes, and feedback become opportunities to improve, not signs of failure. This mindset builds resilience, creativity, and success by focusing on improving yourself rather than proving yourself.
*Role is eligible for a 10% bonus opportunity
Pay Range: $85,289 - $93,818 per year
