Department Leader- Land Development
About The Position
Michael Baker is seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial Land Development Civil Engineering Department Leader to lead and grow its Land Development practice in Santa Ana, California. The role will shape the practice’s future by developing a high-performing team, strengthening client relationships, expanding the company’s presence in Southern California, and delivering complex projects from concept through construction. The ideal candidate brings technical expertise, people leadership, strong client relationships, and business development experience. This position combines team building and mentoring with client service, project delivery, market strategy, and growth of the Land Development practice.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
- 15 or more years of Civil Engineering and Land Development experience with progressive leadership responsibility.
- California Professional Engineer (P.E.) license, or ability to obtain one within one year.
- Strong knowledge of the Southern California land development market, regulatory environment, municipalities, and agencies.
- Established industry and client relationships and a proven ability to develop new business.
- Broad technical experience across site development, grading, drainage/stormwater, utilities, water/sewer systems, WQMP, LID, and NPDES requirements.
- Proven success leading complex projects and multidisciplinary teams from planning and entitlement through design, permitting, and construction.
- Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop engineering professionals while building collaborative, high-performing teams.
- Strong client leadership, communication, business development, and relationship-building skills.
Responsibilities
- Lead and grow the Santa Ana Land Development team, providing technical direction, mentorship, and leadership to engineering professionals.
- Develop and execute strategies to expand Michael Baker’s Land Development presence throughout Southern California.
- Identify and pursue new clients, markets, and business opportunities while strengthening relationships with existing clients.
- Lead complex land development projects from planning and feasibility through design, permitting, and construction.
- Serve as a trusted client advisor by understanding objectives, anticipating challenges, and delivering high-quality project outcomes.
- Lead and support business development activities, including client engagement, proposal development, interviews, presentations, and pursuit strategies.
- Oversee multidisciplinary project teams and collaborate with professionals across Michael Baker to provide integrated solutions.
- Coordinate with municipalities, agencies, developers, architects, and other project partners throughout entitlement and permitting.
- Oversee project scope, schedule, budget, quality, and technical delivery.
- Mentor and develop emerging professionals, project managers, and future technical leaders.
- Represent Michael Baker within the Southern California development and professional community.
- Help define the long-term vision, market strategy, and growth of the Land Development practice.
Benefits
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Life and AD&D insurance
- Short-term and long-term disability coverage
- Professional and personal development
- Generous paid time off
- Commuter and wellness benefits
- Tuition reimbursement program
- Discretionary bonus based on corporate and individual performance
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
