Civil Engineering Group Leader, Land Development

Civil Engineering Group Leader – Tustin, CA Join David Evans and Associates, Inc. as a Civil Engineering Group Leader. Our Land Development team is recognized for thoughtful innovation and responsive service, delivering comprehensive land planning, urban development, landscape architecture, civil engineering, and environmental stewardship. The Civil Engineering Practice seeks a Group Leader / Civil Engineering Manager within the Southern California Land Development Business Unit. This leadership role drives group operations, staff development, project delivery excellence, and expansion of DEA’s private and public‑sector land development presence across the region. What You’ll Do Key Responsibilities Group Leadership & Operations Lead a Land Development group with responsibility for operations, utilization, profitability, and staffing aligned with DEA’s performance metrics and growth strategies. Implement the vision and strategic direction for the assigned Southern California group or segment. Oversee short- and long‑term group utilization, workload forecasting, and capability assessment to ensure technical resources align with project and market needs. Promote a culture of quality, accountability, safety, and operational excellence. Staff Development & Talent Management Supervise, mentor, and coach project managers, engineers, designers, and technical staff. Support career development, training plans, performance reviews, and recruiting/retention strategies to build a high‑performing team. Ensure staffing levels and technical capabilities are in place to meet client demands and growth targets. Project & Technical Leadership Serve as Project Manager and/or technical lead for complex land development projects. Oversee preparation of civil engineering plans, reports, permit packages, and cost estimates. Develop and implement quality assurance/quality control procedures. Guide project scoping, budgeting, scheduling, resource planning, and risk management. Ensure client expectations are met through consistent communication, timely delivery, and proactive issue resolution. Business Development & Client Relationships Maintain and grow client relationships within the Southern California private development and municipal markets. Lead project pursuits, including strategy development, teaming, proposal oversight, and presentations. Identify incremental, cross‑discipline, and new business opportunities aligned with DEA’s services. Collaborate with Market Leaders and the LDBU leadership team to position DEA for strategic wins. What You Bring Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or related field. 10+ years of progressive civil engineering experience within a complex consulting environment. Extensive background in land development, including residential, commercial, and/or industrial site development. Demonstrated experience managing all aspects of a project portfolio: financial performance, client satisfaction, staff leadership, risk management. Proven ability to win work, negotiate contracts, and drive profitable growth. Strong skills in leadership, communication, mentoring, critical thinking, and collaborative problem solving. Preferred Qualifications California Professional Engineer or ability to obtain within 6 months. Experience leading operations or managing a group/team within a consulting environment. Established Southern California private development client network. Membership in professional organizations (e.g., ULI, NAIOP, APA, ASCE). Experience working within multidisciplinary teams across multiple office locations. What We Offer We foster an environment where talented professionals have the freedom and support to do their most meaningful work. Our values and company culture form the foundation of our success, creating a positive and collaborative work environment that is vital to our continued achievements and unwavering commitment to improving the world around us. As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to cultivate and develop your skills and work alongside talented colleagues who are committed to improving the quality of life while demonstrating stewardship of the built and natural environments. Benefits Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance Financial wellness: Health Savings Account (HSA) and Lifestyle Spending Account with employer contributions Professional development: Support for continuing education and training opportunities. Work‑life balance: Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holiday Pay Work Schedule: Flexible 9/80 schedule—every other Friday off Retirement: 401k plan Wellbeing focus: Holistic Wellbeing Program centered on physical, emotional, financial, career, and community health Growth opportunities: Access to mentorship, professional support, and pathways for career advancement Potential salary range: $85.00/hr. - $109.00/hr. The posted salary range represents the typical range for this position and is provided in accordance with applicable state and local pay transparency laws. Actual compensation will be commensurate with experience, qualifications, and geographic location. If you are a recruiter, search agency, or otherwise wish to refer a candidate to DEA, you will not be compensated in any way for your referral of a candidate to DEA without an active and signed written agreement in place in advance with DEA Human Resources. Any resume submitted to any DEA employee by an external recruiter without a written agreement in place at the time of submission will be considered the property of DEA and DEA will not be liable for the payment of a placement fee. If you would like to notify DEA of your interest in initiating a written agreement for services, please e‑mail . Potential office locations include: Los Angeles, CA; Tustin, CA; Ontario, CA; Santa Clarita, CA. Seniority level Mid‑Senior level Employment type Full‑time Job function Engineering and Information Technology Civil Engineering #J-18808-Ljbffr