Project Manager (Land Development)

Kier & Wright • Escondido, CA

1d • $120,000 - $135,000

About The Position

The Project Manager (Land Development) serves as the lead for assigned land development projects under the supervision of a senior manager. The role manages technical design, clients, projects, and teams to ensure deliverables meet client expectations. It coordinates across disciplines, agencies, and clients, and supports junior team members. The Project Manager participates in all phases of project management under an Associate or Principal, executes low-risk items with authority, and escalates significant risk or financial decisions.

Responsibilities span project initiation and planning, contracts and proposals, budgets and costs, schedules, resources, client and stakeholder communications, quality assurance and control, permitting and regulatory compliance, risk management, and project closeout. Technical work includes preparing civil engineering plans in AutoCAD Civil 3D from concept through construction documents; designing grading, drainage, utilities, and stormwater systems; performing hydrology and hydraulic calculations; preparing SWPPPs and engineering reports; and supporting entitlement and permitting processes. The position also develops technical exhibits and construction drawings, uses modeling software, participates in cost estimating and plan reviews, and ensures designs meet jurisdictional standards and environmental regulations.

The Project Manager serves as a contact for clients and subconsultants, leads internal progress meetings, supports timely responses to RFIs and permit comments, and may coordinate monthly billing with project leads or accounting. The role delegates tasks, monitors deadlines, quality, and employee utilization, assists with performance evaluations and development plans, and mentors junior staff. It also builds client relationships and may participate in industry events or client interviews.

The position is based in Escondido, California. Physical requirements and working conditions include prolonged sitting, use of computers and cellphones, lifting or carrying items up to 20 pounds, prolonged standing or walking during field checks, working outdoors in varied weather during field checks, and occasional travel to offices, jobsites, or client meetings.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent level of experience.
• At least 5 years of land development experience with a Professional Engineering License, or at least 8 years without a Professional Engineering License.
• Experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D and Bluebeam.
• General knowledge of computers, Microsoft Office, Adobe, and the internet.
• Detailed understanding of civil engineering design workflows and permitting processes.
• Detailed understanding and production experience with entitlements and planning documents.
• Detailed understanding of topographic and boundary surveys.
• Understanding of construction management.

Nice To Haves

• Additional certifications such as QSP/QSD or PMP.
• Experience with Agtek, StormCAD, or hydrology and hydraulic modeling software.

Responsibilities

• Lead assigned land development projects, managing technical design, clients, projects, and teams.
• Coordinate project work across disciplines, agencies, clients, and subconsultants.
• Manage project initiation and planning, contracts and proposals, budgets and costs, schedules, resources, communications, quality, permitting, risks, and closeout.
• Prepare civil engineering plans in AutoCAD Civil 3D from concept through construction documents.
• Produce technical exhibits for agency coordination and public presentations.
• Design site grading, drainage, utilities, and stormwater systems.
• Perform hydrology and hydraulic calculations and prepare SWPPPs and engineering reports.
• Support entitlement and permitting processes through technical documents and coordination.
• Ensure designs comply with jurisdictional standards and environmental regulations.
• Participate in construction cost estimation and plan reviews.
• Develop and maintain construction drawings, exhibits, and CAD models; use modeling software for utility systems, water quality, and stormwater modeling.
• Implement QA/QC procedures and review deliverables for accuracy, consistency, and regulatory compliance.
• Lead internal meetings to track project progress and align team efforts; support timely responses to RFIs and permit comments.
• May coordinate monthly billing with a project lead or accounting.
• Delegate tasks and ensure deadlines and quality expectations are met; manage employee utilization targets.
• Assist with performance evaluations and skill development plans, and mentor junior staff.
• Build long-term client relationships and may participate in industry events or client interviews.
• Execute low-risk items with authority and escalate large-risk or financial decisions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance paid 100% by Kier & Wright for the employee and family.
• 401(k) and profit sharing.
• Paid holidays.
• Generous PTO.
• Free office snacks.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level