ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Land Development Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

BKF

Engineering Manager - Land Development

Chico, CA · On-site

$113K - $157K/yr

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 ...

BKF

Engineering Manager - Land Development

Lodi, CA · On-site

$113K - $157K/yr

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 ...

BKF

Engineering Manager - Land Development

Vacaville, CA · On-site

$113K - $157K/yr

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 ...

BKF

Engineering Manager - Land Development

Vacaville, CA · On-site

$113K - $157K/yr

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 ...

BKF

Engineering Manager - Land Development

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$113K - $157K/yr

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 ...

BKF

Engineering Manager - Land Development

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$113K - $157K/yr

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 ...

BKF

Engineering Manager - Land Development

Yuba City, CA · On-site

$113K - $157K/yr

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 ...

Kimley-Horn

Project Manager - Land Development

Orange, CA · On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

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 ...

Kimley-Horn

Project Manager - Land Development

Orange, CA · On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

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 ...

Kimley-Horn

Project Manager - Land Development

Orange, CA · On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

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 ...

PLSA

Land Development Project Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

The Project Manager oversees the technical execution, financial performance, and delivery of land development projects. This role leads design efforts, manages client relationships, and guides ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsLand Development JobsLand Development Manager JobsLand Development Manager Jobs in California

Land Development Manager information

See California salary details

$36.5K

$97.6K

$133.2K

How much do land development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for land development manager 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a land development manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Land Development Manager, you need expertise in civil engineering, urban planning, project management, and a relevant degree such as in engineering or land development. Familiarity with CAD software, GIS systems, permitting processes, and local zoning regulations is typically required. Strong leadership, negotiation, and communication skills help effectively coordinate multidisciplinary teams and engage with stakeholders. These skills ensure that development projects are completed efficiently, meet regulatory standards, and align with community and organizational goals.

What does a land development manager do?

A Land Development Manager oversees the process of turning raw land into developed properties, such as residential communities, commercial centers, or industrial sites. They coordinate with engineers, architects, contractors, and government agencies to ensure projects meet zoning, environmental, and legal requirements. Their responsibilities include site selection, budgeting, permitting, and managing timelines to keep projects on track. They also address challenges that arise during development, such as unforeseen site conditions or regulatory changes. Ultimately, their goal is to deliver completed, market-ready developments that align with company objectives.

What does a land development manager do?

As a land development manager, your job is to oversee the development of property from the initial planning phase through the completion of residential, commercial, or industrial construction. In this role, you ensure that each plan meets all regulatory requirements, create and manage a development schedule, help survey the land to ensure all reports are accurate, and manage relationships with contractors. Land development managers often provide regular reports to property owners about the expected schedule and budget of a project, resolve any problems that occur with the development process, and perform any other tasks as required. Land development often takes several years from beginning to end, and depending on the needs of your employer, you may oversee several properties simultaneously.

How does a land development manager typically collaborate with other departments during a project?

A Land Development Manager works closely with several teams, including engineering, planning, legal, and construction departments, to ensure successful project completion. They coordinate with civil engineers on site design, consult with legal teams for compliance and permitting, and communicate regularly with construction managers to align timelines and budgets. Frequent cross-department meetings and status updates are common, fostering a collaborative environment where issues can be addressed proactively. This teamwork is crucial for navigating regulatory requirements and keeping projects on schedule.

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

AspectLand Development ManagerCivil Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in urban planning, civil engineering, or related field; often professional licensureBachelor's degree in civil engineering; PE license often preferred
Work EnvironmentProject management, coordination with stakeholders, site planningDesign, analysis, and construction oversight of infrastructure projects
Employer & Industry UsageReal estate development firms, municipalities, private developersEngineering consulting firms, construction companies, government agencies

The Land Development Manager focuses on overseeing development projects from planning to completion, coordinating with stakeholders and managing budgets. Civil Engineers primarily design and analyze infrastructure components, ensuring safety and compliance. While both roles require engineering knowledge, the Land Development Manager emphasizes project management and development processes, whereas Civil Engineers concentrate on technical design and engineering solutions.

More about Land Development Manager jobs
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 Land Development Manager jobs in California? For Land Development Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Land Development Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Land Development Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Land Development Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Land Development Manager job openings:
Land Development Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Land Development Manager job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,613 per year, or $46.9 per hour.

Project Manager (Land Development)

Kier & Wright

Manteca, CA • On-site

$120K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

PROJECT MANAGER (LAND DEVELOPMENT) - Manteca, CA
What we're looking for?
The Project Manager serves as the lead for assigned land development projects. Working under the supervision of a senior manager, this role is responsible for not only the technical design but the management of the client, the project and the team, ensuring deliverables meet client expectations. The Project Manager 1 also facilitates coordination across disciplines, agencies, and clients, while supporting junior team members.
What you will do
Project Management
  • Project Initiation & Planning
  • Contract & Proposal Management
  • Budget & Cost Management
  • Schedule Management
  • Team & Resource Management
  • Client & Stakeholder Communication
  • Quality Assurance & Control
  • Permitting & Regulatory Compliance
  • Risk Management
  • Project Closeout

Technical
  • Prepare civil engineering plans in AutoCAD Civil 3D from concept to construction documents.
  • Produce technical exhibits for agency coordination or public presentations.
  • Independently design site grading, drainage, utilities, and stormwater systems.
  • Perform hydrology and hydraulic calculations, SWPPPs, and engineering reports.
  • Support entitlement and permitting processes with technical documents and coordination.
  • Ensure all designs comply with jurisdictional standards and environmental regulations.
  • Participate in construction cost estimation and plan reviews.
  • Develop and maintain detailed construction drawings, exhibits, and CAD models.
  • Use modeling software for utility systems, water quality, and stormwater modeling.
  • Implement QA/QC procedures throughout project phases
  • Review deliverables for accuracy, consistency, and regulatory compliance

Coordination & Communication
  • Contact for clients and subconsultants.
  • Lead internal meetings to track progress and align team efforts.
  • Support project team with timely responses to RFIs and permit comments.
  • May coordinate with project lead or accounting on monthly billing

Leadership & Mentoring
  • Manage internal task delegation, ensuring deadlines and quality expectations are met.
  • Responsible for employee utilization targets
  • Assist in performance evaluations and skill development plans.
  • Mentor junior staff for career development.

Business Development & Marketing
  • Build long term relationships with clients
  • May participate in industry events and/or client interviews

Other duties as assigned
  • Participate in all phases of project management, under the supervisor of an Associate/Principal. Executes low risk items with authority and escalates large risk and/or financial decisions.

What you have
EDUCATION + EXPERIENCE
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or an equivalent level of experience
  • Additional Experience/License
    • 5+ years of experience land development w/ Professional Engineering License,
    • 8+ years of experience land development w/out a Professional Engineering License,
  • Additional certifications a plus, e.g QSP/QSD, PMP
  • General knowledge of computers, Microsoft office, Adobe, Internet, etc.
  • Experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D and Bluebeam, required. Additional software a plus, e.g. Agtek, StormCAD, Hydrology/hydraulic modeling software.
  • Detailed understanding of civil engineering design workflows and permitting processes.
  • Detailed understanding and production of Entitlements/Planning documents
  • Detailed understanding of Topographic and boundary surveys
  • Understanding of construction management

PHYSCIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR WORKING CONDITIONS
  • Prolonged periods of sitting (up to 8 hours a day for office staff)
  • Interacting with technology (computer, cellphone, etc.)
  • Ability to lift and/or carry items ( up to 20 lbs.)
  • Prolonged periods of standing/walking (field checks)
  • Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions (field checks)
  • Occasional travel e.g. driving to offices, jobsites, client meetings, etc.

Why Join Us?
  • Great culture - Team Collaboration, Innovative problem solving, Responsive to clients, Passionate about work
  • Competitive Pay ($100,000 - $135,000 DOE + location)
  • Medical, Dental and Vision 100% paid for by Kier & Wright for you + family
  • 401(k) and Profit Sharing
  • Paid Holidays
  • Generous PTO
  • Free office snacks
  • Much more!

We welcome the opportunity to partner with recruitment agencies when additional support is needed. To ensure a consistent hiring process, all inquiries, including partnership opportunities and candidate submissions, must be directed to hiring@kierwright.com. In addition, Kier + Wright does not accept unsolicited candidate submissions from agencies that do not have an executed agreement in place or have not been specifically engaged for a particular search. Any unsolicited candidate information submitted outside of this process may be considered the property of Kier + Wright, and no placement fee or other financial obligation will be incurred.
Privacy Notice_2025.pdf

Apply