Job Details

The Civil Project Manager is responsible for overseeing horizontal land development projects from due diligence support through construction completion and lot delivery. This role manages civil engineering coordination, permitting, budgeting, scheduling, contractor oversight, and municipal compliance for residential, and some commercial development projects.

The ideal candidate has strong experience in civil sitework (clearing, mass grading, utilities, drainage, roadways) and understands how to move projects efficiently through entitlement, design, and construction while protecting margins and minimizing risk.

This is a hands-on leadership role requiring technical competence, financial accountability, and proactive problem-solving.

Primary Responsibilities

1. Pre-Development & Due Diligence

• Support site feasibility analysis (topography, utilities, floodplain, access, zoning)
• Coordinate with civil engineers on preliminary layouts and yield optimization
• Review ALTA surveys, geotechnical reports, environmental reports, and utility availability
• Assist in budgeting and pro forma development
• Identify entitlement risks and permitting timelines

1. Design & Entitlement Management

• Manage civil engineering consultants through plan development
• Coordinate drainage studies, utility plans, roadway design, grading plans
• Oversee agency submissions and revisions
• Attend planning commission and council meetings when required
• Ensure compliance with parish, state, and federal requirements

1. Budgeting & Cost Control

• Develop detailed horizontal construction budgets
• Solicit and level bids from site contractors
• Negotiate contracts and scopes of work
• Track committed costs vs. budget
• Approve pay applications and manage change orders
• Maintain accurate cost forecasting

1. Construction Management

• Oversee clearing, earthwork, underground utilities, storm systems, road construction, and final grading
• Coordinate inspections and testing (compaction, density, utility testing)
• Conduct regular site visits and progress meetings
• Manage construction schedule and sequencing
• Ensure safety and quality standards are met
• Troubleshoot field issues in real time

1. Utility & Agency Coordination

• Coordinate with water districts, sewer authorities, and power providers
• Secure capacity letters and service agreements
• Manage utility relocations and tie-ins
• Ensure timely release of lots for vertical builders

1. Builder & Stakeholder Coordination

• Coordinate with production homebuilders
• Manage lot delivery schedules
• Resolve field conflicts between civil and vertical construction
• Maintain strong relationships with inspectors and municipal officials

Qualifications

Required:

• 5+ years experience in civil construction or land development
• Strong understanding of grading, drainage, underground utilities, and roadway construction
• Experience managing budgets and contractor negotiations
• Ability to read and interpret civil construction drawings
• Proficiency with construction scheduling software (MS Project or similar)
• Strong communication and leadership skills

Preferred:

• Civil Engineering degree or Construction Management degree
• PE license (not required but valued)
• Experience with subdivision development
• Familiarity with Parish/County permitting processes
• Experience working with production homebuilders

Key Competencies

• Strong field decision-making
• Financial discipline
• Negotiation skills
• Schedule control
• Risk identification and mitigation
• Detail-oriented documentation
• Ability to balance speed with precision

Compensation Structure

• Base Salary: Competitive based on experience
• Performance Bonus:
• Budget performance
• Schedule performance
• Project profitability
• Vehicle allowance or company vehicle
• Health benefits
• PTO