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Land Development Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Luxus

Civil Engineer- Site/Land Development

Montpelier, IA · On-site

$75K - $105K/yr

Civil Engineer - Land Development (Civil 3D) | 3-8 Years Company Name: RTM Engineering Consultants Location: • Davenport, IA Project Focus: Commercial, Education, Municipal/Public, Infrastructure ...

Luxus

Civil Engineer- Site/Land Development

Montpelier, IA · On-site

$75K - $105K/yr

Civil Engineer - Land Development (Civil 3D) | 3-8 Years Company Name: RTM Engineering Consultants Location: • Davenport, IA Project Focus: Commercial, Education, Municipal/Public, Infrastructure ...

State of Iowa

Land Surveyor

Ames, IA · On-site

$76K - $92K/yr

You will collaborate closely with our Senior Land Surveyor and Development Engineer to help lead and coordinate District Survey activities - ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and excellence in every ...

Actalent

Project Engineer

Urbandale, IA

$35 - $45/hr

Apply civil and environmental engineering principles to support land development, grading, and infrastructure associated with solid waste facilities. * Participate in project management activities ...

Olsson

Civil Engineer - Site Design

Des Moines, IA · On-site

... residential land development projects, along with industrial, sports, schools, and other site ... As a Civil Engineer for our Site Design team, you will provide basic project design through CAD ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsLand Development Engineer JobsLand Development Engineer Jobs in Iowa

Land Development Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$40.4K

$92.6K

$134.3K

How much do land development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for land development engineer in Iowa is $92,591.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,200.00 and $106,100.00 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 Iowa? For Land Development Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Land Development Engineer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Land Development Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
Land Development Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Land Development Engineer job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $92,591 per year, or $44.5 per hour.
Civil Engineer - Land Development

Civil Engineer - Land Development

Kimley-Horn

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 23 days ago

Kimley-Horn rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 355 rated engineering

Job description

Overview

Kimley-Horn's Des Moines, Iowa (IA) office is seeking a Civil Engineer with 4+ years of experience to join their Land Development team!

Responsibilities
  • 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 technical experience, other responsibilities will include research, coordination, project management, staff management, cost estimating, permitting for land disturbance and preparation of bid packages as well as technical specifications
  • Assist in monitoring project progress, budgets, and schedules
  • This is an exciting opportunity to work with a team of engineers and designers on a variety of projects
  • You will flourish on both building meaningful internal and external professional relationships
  • You will work closely and collaboratively with other industry leading professionals, various jurisdictions, and contractors
Qualifications
  • 4+ years of relevant engineering design experience
  • Professional Engineering (P.E.) License (or ability to obtain within 12 months)
  • Candidates should have experience with site civil design, permitting, and applicable software applications including hydrology modeling program, storm drainage programs, AutoCAD, and Civil 3D
  • Experience with task management, concept design, and assisting project management tasks
  • Familiar with coordinating with clients, attending client meetings, and overseeing quality standards
  • Working knowledge of AutoCAD Civil 3D
  • Ability to build plan sets and other construction documents
  • Design experience that includes utilities, site layout, drainage, due diligence and permitting

#LI-JH1

Why Kimley-Horn?

At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People, clients, and employees are at the forefront of who we are. Clients know we prioritize achieving their goals and growing their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to provide an environment for everyone to flourish. Our commitment to quality is only as good as the people behind it- that's why we welcome and develop passionate, hardworking, and proactive employees. We take pride in how our employee retention, robust benefits package, and company values have led to Kimley-Horn's placement on the Fortune "100 Best Companies to Work" list for 19 years!

Key Benefits at Kimley-Horn

  • Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to1- company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
  • Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
  • Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
  • Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
  • Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.
Education:Bachelor's DegreeEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

What Kimley-Horn employees say

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About Kimley-Horn

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We are a full-service consulting firm that provides a wide range of infrastructure and land development planning and engineering services to both public and private clients. Though we have more than 6,000 employees in 100+ offices, we pride ourselves on our small company feel. At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People--clients and employees--are at the forefront of our business. Clients know we are laser-focused on their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to see our staff flourish, one and all. Both groups know that with Kimley-Horn, they can expect more and experience better.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1967

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