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Land Development Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

This role is ideal for a California licensed Professional Engineer with 7+ years of experience. The ... Lead technical delivery of small to medium land development projects, ensuring high-quality design ...

This role is ideal for a California licensed Professional Engineer with 7+ years of experience. The ... Lead technical delivery of small to medium land development projects, ensuring high-quality design ...

This role is ideal for a California licensed Professional Engineer with 7+ years of experience. The ... Lead technical delivery of small to medium land development projects, ensuring high-quality design ...

This role is ideal for a California licensed Professional Engineer with 7+ years of experience. The ... Lead technical delivery of small to medium land development projects, ensuring high-quality design ...

This role is ideal for a California licensed Professional Engineer with 7+ years of experience. The ... Lead technical delivery of small to medium land development projects, ensuring high-quality design ...

In this role, you'll support Land Development projects, working alongside seasoned engineers to prepare designs using standard techniques and sound judgment. Contribute to a variety of assignments ...

In this role, you'll support Land Development projects, working alongside seasoned engineers to prepare designs using standard techniques and sound judgment. Contribute to a variety of assignments ...

Perform site development engineering and project management tasks for residential and commercial projects * Projects will include a variety of land development site designs * In addition to strong ...

Perform site development engineering and project management tasks for residential and commercial projects * Projects will include a variety of land development site designs * In addition to strong ...

In this role, you'll support Land Development projects, working alongside seasoned engineers to prepare designs using standard techniques and sound judgment. Contribute to a variety of assignments ...

In this role, you'll support Land Development projects, working alongside seasoned engineers to prepare designs using standard techniques and sound judgment. Contribute to a variety of assignments ...

In this role, you'll support Land Development projects, working alongside seasoned engineers to prepare designs using standard techniques and sound judgment. Contribute to a variety of assignments ...

In this role, you'll support Land Development projects, working alongside seasoned engineers to prepare designs using standard techniques and sound judgment. Contribute to a variety of assignments ...

Manager, Land Development

San Ramon, CA · On-site

$150K - $165K/yr

Bachelor's degree preferred, ideally in Civil Engineering or Construction Engineering & Management ... land development processes. * Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Microsoft Project (or ...

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Land Development Engineer information

See California salary details

$42.4K

$97.3K

$141.1K

How much do land development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for land development engineer in California is $97,287.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,000.00 and $111,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Land Development Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Land Development Engineer, you need a solid background in civil engineering, site design, and regulatory compliance, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Proficiency with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, stormwater modeling software, and GIS systems is commonly required. Strong project management, problem-solving, and communication skills help you collaborate with stakeholders and manage complex projects efficiently. These abilities are essential to ensure safe, sustainable, and cost-effective land development projects that meet client and regulatory requirements.

What is the difference between Land Development Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectLand Development EngineerCivil Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Civil Engineering or related field; PE license often preferredBachelor's in Civil Engineering; PE license typically required
Work EnvironmentDesigning and planning land development projects, site layout, grading, drainageDesigning infrastructure, transportation, and public works projects
Industry UsagePrimarily in land development, real estate, and construction sectorsBroader, including infrastructure, transportation, and public sector projects

Land Development Engineers focus on preparing land for construction, including grading, drainage, and site planning. Civil Engineers have a wider scope, designing various infrastructure projects. While both roles require similar credentials and often work in related environments, their project focus differs, with Land Development Engineers specializing in land-specific projects.

What are some common challenges Land Development Engineers face during project execution, and how can they be addressed?

Land Development Engineers frequently encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders, navigating complex permitting processes, and adapting to unforeseen site conditions. Effective communication and collaboration with planners, surveyors, contractors, and local authorities are essential to keep projects on track. Proactively addressing regulatory requirements and maintaining flexibility in design can help mitigate delays. Staying organized and up-to-date with local codes ensures smoother project progression and successful outcomes.

What is a Land Development Engineer?

A Land Development Engineer is a professional who designs, plans, and oversees the development of land for residential, commercial, or industrial use. They are responsible for ensuring that projects comply with zoning laws, environmental regulations, and infrastructure requirements. Their work includes tasks such as site analysis, grading, drainage design, utility planning, and coordination with local municipalities. Land Development Engineers play a crucial role in transforming raw land into usable, safe, and sustainable properties.
What are popular job titles related to Land Development Engineer jobs in California? For Land Development Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Land Development Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Land Development Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Land Development Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Land Development Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Land Development Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,287 per year, or $46.8 per hour.

Engineering Manager - Land Development

BKF

Chico, CA • On-site

$113K - $157K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Be an early applicant


Job description

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 a Civil Infrastructure Engineering Manager with expertise in land development to support and guide our Sacramento team. This role is ideal for a California licensed Professional Engineer with 7+ years of experience. The right candidate will mentor junior staff, guide complex site development projects, and support overall project delivery. You’ll collaborate with project managers and production teams to deliver grading, drainage, utility, and other civil designs, helping shape BKF’s continued leadership in land development across the region.

Responsibilities

  • Lead technical delivery of small to medium land development projects, ensuring high-quality design and execution
  • Support financial management activities including budgeting, invoicing, and monthly billing
  • Supervise, mentor, and support the career development of engineering staff
  • Plan and organize project tasks; delegate assignments and coordinate team efforts effectively
  • Serve as professional-in-charge, making final decisions and consulting on complex technical issues
  • Manage grading, drainage, and utility design (water and sewer) for site development projects
  • Oversee preparation of reports, master planning studies, specifications, and cost estimates
  • Ensure quality control (QA/QC) and identify out-of-scope services to maintain project integrity
  • Collaborate with design teams and provide cross-team training and technical support
  • Prepare proposals including scope, schedule, and fee estimates for new and ongoing projects
  • Act as primary client contact; attend project meetings and manage sub-consultants
  • Apply knowledge of federal, state, and local standards to ensure regulatory compliance
  • Support business development through cross-selling services and identifying new opportunities

Requirements

  • B.S. in Civil Engineering or a related field from an ABET-accredited program (required)
  • 7+ years of progressive experience delivering land development projects, including residential and commercial subdivisions, site design, utilities, roadways, and public works
  • Professional Engineer (P.E.) license in the State of California (required)
  • Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or comparable civil design platforms
  • Demonstrated expertise in grading, drainage, utility coordination, and land development infrastructure
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey information to various audiences such as clients, subcontractors, and across teams
  • Mentor and support junior engineers through hands-on training, technical oversight, and clear communication

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 $113,300.00 - $157,000.00, annualized depending upon skills, experience, education, and geographical location. This is a salary position paid biweekly.
  • Competitive salaries, profit sharing, and 401k.
  • 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.

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