Land Development Project Manager

Job Description

Job Description

WHAT WE DO

Since 1986, PLSA has provided a wide range of land development consulting services in Southern California for landowners, real estate developers, and public agencies to bring their creative visions to life. Through problem solving and innovative design approaches, we transform underutilized land into new communities, workplaces, schools, revitalized infrastructure, commercial facilities and public amenities. Throughout the company’s history, PLSA has consistently upheld three core principles:

• Commitment to our clients
• Commitment to our employees
• Commitment to the quality of our work.

At PLSA , we partner with our clients in the complete cycle of the development of their project, from preliminary project planning and entitlement through precise civil engineering design and construction administration. As innovative design specialists, the professionals at PLSA are an integral part of the development team. We provide solutions to the unique challenges specific to the Southern California region, and ensure

We’re looking for an experienced Project Manager to join our San Diego and Cardiff team who will demonstrate the ability to operate with autonomy managing a project team and utilizing the resources of the firm to provide top quality service to clients on a variety of residential, commercial, & mixed-use projects. 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 internal teams to meet quality, budget, and schedule expectations. The Project Manager collaborates across disciplines and partners with firm leadership to drive operational success and client satisfaction. The Project Manager upholds PLSA’s mission and values by modeling professionalism, collaboration and technical excellence.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Project management:

• Develop project scopes, budgets, and schedules in coordination with leadership and clients.
• Monitor financial performance, proactively managing budgets, staffing, and timelines.
• Prepare and process change orders and support proposal development.
• Oversee daily project execution, including coordination of production, operations, and QA/QC activities.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, agencies, and consultants.

Technical expertise:

• Lead technical design for site development projects including grading, drainage, utility and stormwater systems.
• Maintain a high level of engineering proficiency, applying engineering best practices to ensure compliance with local, state and federal codes.
• Make informed, independent decisions that drive project success while minimizing risks.
• Analyze and resolve complex technical challenges with innovative, cost-efficient solutions.
• Direct internal QA/QC reviews and provide technical guidance to ensure design accuracy.

Team leadership:

• Supervise and mentor engineers and designers; assign tasks and manage team workloads.
• Provide feedback through coaching, performance reviews, and development planning.

Promote collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning within the team.

• Contribute to staff development through knowledge-sharing, training, and performance management.

Administrative:

• Ensure adherence to company policies, procedures, and quality standards.
• Participate in business development activities, including client engagement and proposal strategy.
• Attend required internal meetings and contribute to firm-wide initiatives.

Maintain punctuality and consistent attendance.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Other:

• Punctuality and regular attendance.
• Additional duties as assigned.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering required.
• California PE license (Strongly preferred)
• Minimum 10 years of relevant land development experience, with at least 3–5 years managing projects.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and Bluebeam.

Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams, manage complex projects, and deliver on-time, on-budget results.

• Strong communication, leadership, and client relationship skills.
• Familiarity with Southern California entitlement, permitting, and agency processes.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to use hands and fingers to operate computer keyboards, drafting tools, and other office equipment.
• Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling objects up to 25 lbs.
• Visual acuity to read technical drawings, schematics, and computer screens.
• May require occasional travel to project sites or meetings.
• Ability to bend, stoop, and reach to retrieve or place materials.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as required when visiting a project site.
• Regularly required to speak and hear.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

PLSA is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, reproductive decision-making, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Compensation

PLSA is committed to pay equity, and as part of this commitment, have provided the annual base compensation range of $120,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year depending upon experience (performance bonuses are in addition to base compensation).

Please note : Unsolicited applications from third-party recruiters or agencies will not be considered. PLSA does not accept responsibility for any fees related to unsolicited resumes submitted by outside recruiters or agencies.

CIVIL ENGINEERING
Decades of Expert Land Development
Since 1986, PLSA has provided a wide range of land development consulting services in Southern California for landowners, real estate developers, and public agencies to bring their creative visions to life. Through problem solving and innovative design approaches, we transform underutilized land into new communities, workplaces, schools, revitalized infrastructure, commercial facilities and public amenities. Throughout the company’s history, PLSA has consistently upheld three core principles: commitment to our clients, commitment to our employees, and commitment to the quality of our work. From a project’s inception through construction completion, we advise our clients and advocate on their behalf, as we navigate the complex world of permitting and municipal regulation while actively seeking opportunities to streamline the land development process and increase project efficiency. As our industry continues to evolve, PLSA continues to provide the same consistent level of elevated consulting services that are the cornerstone of our reputation throughout Southern California.

Our Projects Create Communities
At PLSA, we partner with our clients in the complete cycle of the development of their project, from preliminary project planning and entitlement through precise civil engineering design and construction administration. As innovative design specialists, the professionals at PLSA are an integral part of the development team. We provide solutions to the unique challenges specific to the Southern California region, and ensure that our client’s vision for their development comes to fruition.

Comprehensive land development consulting in the private and public sectors
Creative land use planning and entitlements specialists
Accurate surveying and mapping services
Cutting-edge storm water mitigation strategies and modeling capabilities
Industry Involvement
We’re proud of our longstanding memberships in the following industry organizations:

American Society of Civil Engineers
Building Industry Association
California Land Surveyors Association
Encinitas/North County Chamber of Commerce
Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure
International Council of Shopping Centers
National Association of Office and Industrial Properties
North County Civil Engineers and Land Surveyors
San Dieguito Heritage Museum
Urban Land Institute

Company Description

CIVIL ENGINEERING\r\nDecades of Expert Land Development\r\nSince 1986, PLSA has provided a wide range of land development consulting services in Southern California for landowners, real estate developers, and public agencies to bring their creative visions to life. Through problem solving and innovative design approaches, we transform underutilized land into new communities, workplaces, schools, revitalized infrastructure, commercial facilities and public amenities. Throughout the company’s history, PLSA has consistently upheld three core principles: commitment to our clients, commitment to our employees, and commitment to the quality of our work. From a project’s inception through construction completion, we advise our clients and advocate on their behalf, as we navigate the complex world of permitting and municipal regulation while actively seeking opportunities to streamline the land development process and increase project efficiency. As our industry continues to evolve, PLSA continues to provide the same consistent level of elevated consulting services that are the cornerstone of our reputation throughout Southern California.\r\n\r\nOur Projects Create Communities\r\nAt PLSA, we partner with our clients in the complete cycle of the development of their project, from preliminary project planning and entitlement through precise civil engineering design and construction administration. As innovative design specialists, the professionals at PLSA are an integral part of the development team. We provide solutions to the unique challenges specific to the Southern California region, and ensure that our client’s vision for their development comes to fruition.\r\n\r\nComprehensive land development consulting in the private and public sectors\r\nCreative land use planning and entitlements specialists\r\nAccurate surveying and mapping services\r\nCutting-edge storm water mitigation strategies and modeling capabilities\r\nIndustry Involvement\r\nWe’re proud of our longstanding memberships in the following industry organizations:\r\n\r\nAmerican Society of Civil Engineers\r\nBuilding Industry Association\r\nCalifornia Land Surveyors Association\r\nEncinitas/North County Chamber of Commerce\r\nInstitute for Sustainable Infrastructure\r\nInternational Council of Shopping Centers\r\nNational Association of Office and Industrial Properties\r\nNorth County Civil Engineers and Land Surveyors\r\nSan Dieguito Heritage Museum\r\nUrban Land Institute