Land Development Associate/Senior Associate

J2; Herndon (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, vision

Retirement plan contributions

Paid time off and holidays

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

J2 is seeking a Land Development Associate/Senior Associate in the Northern Virginia area. The role requires leading site civil design projects, guiding QA/QC, and coordinating rezoning and subdivision efforts.

You will manage project financials, staff, and client relations, with direct collaboration with principals and teams. The ideal candidate holds a BS in Civil Engineering with a PE license and 8-12+ years of relevant experience, including client-facing duties and familiarity with local

Qualifications

• 8-12+ years of land development engineering with leadership roles.
• B.S. in Civil Engineering; PE license.
• Experience managing project financials: budgeting, forecasting, scope control, and profitability.
• Proven ability to mentor staff and grow teams.
• Experience working with clients, reviewing agencies, and local jurisdictions; Northern Virginia preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication, and cross-disciplinary collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide design oversight and technical leadership for site civil projects through planning, design, permitting, and construction support.
• Lead and oversee QA/QC of site civil deliverables to ensure compliance with standards and client expectations.
• Guide development and review of rezoning, entitlement, preliminary, site, and subdivision plans.
• Oversee design of storm drainage, water distribution, sanitary sewer, and erosion control systems.
• Manage project financial performance: scope, schedule, budget, forecasting, profitability.
• Support workload planning and staffing to ensure proper project delivery.
• Engage in marketing and business development; assist with proposals and client interviews.
• Mentor and develop project teams; support recruiting and onboarding.

Skills

Leadership

Client management

QA/QC

Design oversight

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

Carlson

Education

B.S. in Civil Engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Tools

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

Carlson Design Software

Job description

Description

As a Land Development Associate / Senior Associate, you will provide leadership that spans project execution, team development, client management, and business growth

• Provide design oversight and technical leadership for site civil projects through all phases of planning, design, permitting, and construction support
• Lead and oversee QA/QC of site civil deliverables to ensure consistency with J2 standards, regulatory requirements, and client expectations
• Guide the development and review of rezoning, entitlement, preliminary, site, and subdivision plans
• Oversee the design of storm drainage and stormwater management systems, water distribution, sanitary sewer systems, and erosion and sediment control measures
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and VDOT standards, policies, and procedures
  
• Manage project financial performance, including scope, schedule, budget, forecasting, and profitability
• Support workload planning and resource allocation to ensure projects are properly staffed and delivered efficiently
• Assist with fee development, change management, and project planning in coordination with senior leadership
  
• Build, mentor, and develop project teams by providing technical guidance, coaching, and performance feedback
• Support staffing and team-building efforts, including identifying skill gaps and assisting with recruiting and onboarding
• Promote a collaborative, people-first culture aligned with J2’s values and commitment to excellence
  

Description

As a Land Development Associate / Senior Associate, you will provide leadership that spans project execution, team development, client management, and business growth

Project & Design Leadership

• Provide design oversight and technical leadership for site civil projects through all phases of planning, design, permitting, and construction support
• Lead and oversee QA/QC of site civil deliverables to ensure consistency with J2 standards, regulatory requirements, and client expectations
• Guide the development and review of rezoning, entitlement, preliminary, site, and subdivision plans
• Oversee the design of storm drainage and stormwater management systems, water distribution, sanitary sewer systems, and erosion and sediment control measures
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and VDOT standards, policies, and procedures
  

Financial & Project Management

• Manage project financial performance, including scope, schedule, budget, forecasting, and profitability
• Support workload planning and resource allocation to ensure projects are properly staffed and delivered efficiently
• Assist with fee development, change management, and project planning in coordination with senior leadership
  

Team Leadership & Mentorship

• Build, mentor, and develop project teams by providing technical guidance, coaching, and performance feedback
• Support staffing and team-building efforts, including identifying skill gaps and assisting with recruiting and onboarding
• Promote a collaborative, people-first culture aligned with J2’s values and commitment to excellence
  

Client Relations & Business Development

• Serve as a trusted advisor and primary point of contact for clients, fostering long-term relationships and repeat business
• Support marketing and business development efforts, including proposal development, pursuit strategy, and client interviews
• Collaborate with Principals, Associates, and others to identify new opportunities and expand existing client relationships
  

Technical Oversight

• Oversee the production and review of technical drawings and documents
• Lead planning studies, preliminary and final design plan production, and permitting efforts across multiple jurisdictions
• Stay current with evolving local, state, and federal regulations and industry best practices
  

Requirements

• 8-12+ years of progressively responsible experience in land development engineering, including leadership roles overseeing multidisciplinary teams
• Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Demonstrated experience managing project financials, including budgeting, forecasting, scope management, and fee control
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop staff while supporting workload planning and team growth
• Strong background in design oversight and QA/QC of site civil deliverables across all phases of project delivery
• Experience working directly with clients, reviewing agencies, and local jurisdictions, particularly in Northern Virginia
• Involvement in marketing and business development, including proposal development and client-facing pursuits
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across disciplines and offices
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and Carlson Design Software, with the ability to review, guide, and provide technical oversight of production work
  

What We Offer

J2 is committed to investing in our people and supporting long-term career growth. We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to promote balance, well-being, and professional development, including:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement fund with employer contributions
• Competitive paid time off and paid holidays
• Professional development and mentorship opportunities
  

Employment is contingent upon proof of valid authorization to work in the United States. Employees must maintain such authorization for the duration of their employment.