Director - Land Development

LJA Engineering, Inc.; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 170,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Work Options

Generous Time Off

Comprehensive Benefits

Education Support

Referral Bonuses

Community Impact

Professional Development

Career Growth

Fun Culture

Job summary

LJA Engineering, Inc. in Denver seeks a Director of Land Development to lead multiple projects, mentor staff, and maintain strong client relationships. The role centers on delivering high-quality entitlement and engineering services while fostering an ESOP-driven, collaborative culture.

You will coordinate teams across residential and commercial projects, ensuring design quality, regulatory compliance, and client satisfaction. A PE license and 10+ years of experience are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE).
• Minimum 10 years of experience in land development entitlement and engineering.
• Proven ability to lead teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients and team members.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of EITs, designers, and CAD technicians to develop construction plans and client deliverables.
• Oversee day-to-day operations of multiple land development projects (residential and commercial).
• Coordinate large, complex projects or multiple smaller projects with diverse challenges.
• Interact with clients, consultants, and agencies to ensure alignment.
• Apply advanced engineering techniques to solve technical challenges.
• Mentor staff and provide quality assurance across projects.

Skills

Team leadership

Client relations

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

BS in Civil Engineering

PE license

Tools

CAD

Job description

LJA is offering an exciting opportunity that will allow you to reach your full career potential. The structure of our organization is designed to amplify your capabilities while gaining the benefits of being an employee-owner. What truly sets this opportunity apart is the chance to collaborate every day with dedicated, skilled, and supportive leaders. Whether you are in the office, in the field, or behind the scenes, working at LJA gives you the chance to grow through hands‑on experience and exposure to a broad range of clients and services.

WHAT MAKES LJA DIFFERENT

At LJA, our employee-owners take pride in their work and their workplace. We’re guided by leaders who foster a culture of respect, collaboration and a shared vision of success. Our difference is evident in the experiences and opportunities we provide:

• Employee-owned. Client-focused
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Consistently ranked as a Top Workplace
• Internal recruitment team, in-house training, and a marketing department specific to our industry
• We celebrate flexibility, allowing every team and office to lead with their proven approach
• Our culture champions continuous learning and personal growth
• We believe success comes through constant evolution and communication
• We are passionate about having fun and making money, all while creating impact

POSITION OVERVIEW

As a Director at LJA Land Development, you will lead and manage multiple land development projects while coordinating project execution, mentoring staff, and maintaining strong client relationships. You’ll serve as a technical and operational leader ensuring quality, efficiency, and client satisfaction in every project.

Salary Range

$170,000 - $185,000

A TYPICAL DAY MIGHT INCLUDE

• Leading a team of EITs, designers, and CAD technicians to develop construction plans, exhibits, reports, and other client deliverables.
• Managing the day‑to‑day operations of multiple single‑family residential and commercial development projects.
• Coordinating and directing large, complex engineering projects or multiple smaller projects with diverse challenges.
• Interacting directly with clients, consultants, and public agencies to ensure clear communication and project alignment.
• Utilizing advanced engineering techniques, theories, and practices to solve technical and logistical challenges.
• Providing mentorship, technical guidance, and quality assurance for project teams.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/LICENSE/CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE)

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 10 years of experience in land development entitlement and engineering.
• Proven ability to lead teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients and team members.

IDEALLY, YOU SHOULD ALSO HAVE

• Experience with residential master‑planned communities and commercial site design.
• Strong technical expertise in grading, drainage, and utility design.
• Experience with business development or client account management.
• Familiarity with local Colorado land development regulations and permitting processes.

LEVEL UP WITH LJA

• Flexible Work Options: Schedules to help you balance life and work.
• Generous Time Off: PTO, paid holidays, and a full office closure between Christmas and New Year’s.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Multiple plan options for health, dental, and pets. Along with mental health support.
• Family Support: Paid maternity and parental leave to help you focus on what matters most.
• Education Support: Tuition reimbursement and in‑house courses provided by our Learning and Development team.
• Referral Bonuses: Know great talent? Get rewarded for helping us grow.
• Community Impact: Company-sponsored volunteer days and philanthropic initiatives.
• Professional Development: Memberships to industry organizations to keep you connected and growing.
• Career Growth: Great internal mobility opportunities to advance your career.
• Fun Culture: LJA social events, employee sports teams, bring your kid to work day, etc.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.