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Entry Level Land Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

RICK

Be Seen First

Assistant Engineering Designer

Riverside, CA · On-site

$36.50 - $41/hr

Rick Engineering Company (RICK) is seeking a confident, entry-level design engineer to join our ... four years in land development. Completed coursework in the following areas is desired.

County of Mono

Assistant Engineer

Bridgeport, CA

$88K - $108K/yr

Job Summary Under general supervision, the Assistant Engineer performs entry-level professional civil engineering work in support of public works, transportation, land development, environmental, and ...

Mono County, CA

Assistant Engineer

Bridgeport, CA · On-site

$88K - $108K/yr

MCPE Job Summary Under general supervision, the Assistant Engineer performs entry-level professional civil engineering work in support of public works, transportation, land development, environmental ...

Placer County California

Engineer - Assistant

Auburn, CA · On-site

$48.49 - $60.56/hr

This division also reviews land development projects for consistency with applicable transportation ... entry level. This class is distinguished from the Associate Civil Engineer in that the latter ...

Placer County California

Engineer - Junior

Auburn, CA · On-site

$41.89 - $52.31/hr

This division also reviews land development projects for consistency with applicable transportation ... DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is the entry level class in the Engineer series. This class is ...

DK Engineer Corp

Civil Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Specializing in urban infill and land development, we offer a diverse array of civil engineering ... EIT for entry-level candidates. * Working knowledge of relevant codes, regulations, and standards ...

Kier & Wright

Billing Specialist 1

Livermore, CA · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

We offer a full range of services to support land development and redevelopment projects throughout ... High School diploma (associate degree plus) * Entry level position in accounting * General ...

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All JobsEntry Level Land Development JobsEntry Level Land Development Jobs in California

Entry Level Land Development information

See California salary details

$36.5K

$97.6K

$133.2K

How much do entry level land development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level land development in California is $97,613.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,400.00 and $114,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the easiest construction job to get into?

Entry level land development roles often require minimal experience and may involve tasks like site preparation, surveying assistance, or basic construction work. These positions typically prioritize a willingness to learn, physical fitness, and sometimes a high school diploma or equivalent, making them accessible for newcomers to the construction industry.

What jobs pay $10,000 a month without a degree?

Entry level land development roles typically do not pay $10,000 a month without significant experience or specialized skills. High-paying jobs in fields like sales, real estate, or entrepreneurship can reach that level, but they often require strong networking, sales ability, or business acumen rather than formal degrees. Most jobs paying this salary level without a degree are in sales, real estate, or self-employment, and they often depend on commissions or performance-based income.

What is an Entry Level Land Development job?

An Entry Level Land Development job involves assisting in the planning, design, and construction of land projects, such as residential communities, commercial properties, and infrastructure. Responsibilities often include preparing site plans, conducting research, reviewing zoning regulations, and collaborating with engineers and surveyors. This role provides hands-on experience in land use planning, permitting, and environmental compliance. It is ideal for recent graduates or individuals starting a career in civil engineering, urban planning, or real estate development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Entry Level Land Development position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Land Development professional, you should have a background in civil engineering, geography, or a related field, along with a strong grasp of site analysis and planning principles. Familiarity with AutoCAD, GIS software, and basic permitting processes is often required, and some positions may value EIT certification. Strong organization, attention to detail, and effective communication help you work collaboratively and manage multiple project tasks. These combined skills ensure projects are completed accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with local regulations.

How to land entry-level jobs?

To land an entry-level land development position, focus on gaining relevant education such as a degree in civil engineering, urban planning, or related fields. Building skills in GIS software, surveying, and project management, along with internships or volunteer work, can improve your chances; certifications like OSHA safety training are also beneficial.

What types of projects and responsibilities can I expect as an entry level land development professional?

As an entry level land development professional, you will typically assist senior engineers and project managers with tasks such as preparing site layouts, collecting field data, drafting plans, and coordinating with local agencies for permits. Your daily responsibilities may include conducting research, analyzing survey information, and helping to ensure projects adhere to zoning laws and environmental regulations. You’ll often work as part of a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with planners, surveyors, and construction staff. This role provides valuable hands-on experience and insight into the full project lifecycle, laying the foundation for advancement into more specialized or leadership positions within the field.

How to get an entry-level land surveyor job?

To secure an entry-level land surveyor position, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some roles requiring an associate's degree or technical training in surveying or geomatics. Gaining experience through internships, developing skills in surveying software and tools, and obtaining relevant certifications like a survey technician license can improve job prospects.
What are the most commonly searched types of Land Development jobs in California? The most popular types of Land Development jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Land Development jobs in California? For Entry Level Land Development jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Land Development jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Land Development jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Land Development jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Land Development job openings:
Entry Level Land Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Land Development job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 9% Temporary. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,613 per year, or $46.9 per hour.

Surveyor I - Mapping

Michael Baker International

Santa Ana, CA

$18 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Michael Baker International rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 352 rated engineering

Job description

What We're Looking For:

 Michael Baker International is seeking an entry level Surveyor I to support our Southern California Survey Practice within our Santa Ana, CA office.

What You'll Do:

 Duties will include, but are not limited to the following: 

  • Perform mapping related research, boundary analysis, calculations, exhibits, and legal descriptions for a variety of land development and public works related projects from small infill developments to large master-planned communities and 
  • Review construction plans and perform calculations for layout staking and prepare exhibits.
  • Perform survey data processing and review of field work for projects.
  • Compile topographic information, compute and manipulate digital terrain models for topographic mapping.
  • Prepare and/or oversee the preparation of final maps, parcel maps, record of survey and ALTA maps; and prepare and/or oversee preparation of legal descriptions and associated plats, and boundary analysis, as well as work closely with engineers to ensure coordination of technical surveying and engineering aspects of a project. 
  • Perform or assist with field work for surveying projects of all types. 

What You Need to Succeed:

  •  1-2+ year of experience in mapping or field surveying 
  • Demonstrated experience using AutoCAD/CIVIL3D 
  • Experience dimensioning, labeling, and plotting 
  • Experience in processing field data files

Compensation:

The approximate compensation range for this position is $18-$25 an hour. This compensation range is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting.  Actual compensation is dependent upon factors such as education, qualifications, experience, skillset, and physical work location. 

Why Choose Us:

  • Medical, dental, vision insurance
  • 401k Retirement Plan
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Life, AD&D, short-term, and long-term disability
  • Professional and personal development
  • Generous paid time off
  • Commuter and wellness benefits
Michael Baker International, a leading provider of engineering and consulting services, including design, planning, architectural, environmental, construction and program management, has been solving some of the world's most complex infrastructure challenges for more than 85 years with a legacy of expertise, experience, innovation and integrity.
Based in Pittsburgh and with over 100 offices nationwide, we partner with clients on everything from roads, bridges, tunnels, mass transit, and airports, to water treatment plants, arctic oil pipelines, environmental restoration and specialized overseas construction. We serve as a trusted adviser to the communities we serve, making them safer, more accessible, more sustainable and more prosperous.
We provide visionary leadership in facilitating transformational change for our clients. Our work delivers differentiating innovations and dedicated experts who challenge the status quo and share a world of diverse experience and an impassioned entrepreneurial spirit. We deliver quality of life.
We Make a Difference.

Michael Baker International is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Michael Baker International provides equal employment opportunity for all persons, in all facets of employment. Michael Baker International maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply for any open position for which they feel they are qualified and all will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, familial status, pregnancy or childbirth, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, status with regard to public assistance, or membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or any other legally protected status.
EEO is the Law. Applicants to and employees of Michael Baker International are protected under Federal law from discrimination.

*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.
*There is no current application deadline. Michael Baker will continue to accept applications on an ongoing basis until the position is filled or no longer needed.

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