Project Engineer

Dan Fix Landscape Construction (DFLC) - Project Engineer

Dan Fix Landscape Construction (DFLC) with over 40 years of history is an award-winning, full-service landscape construction and maintenance specializing in exceptional high-end estate and residential site work and landscapes throughout the San Francisco, Marin, Sonoma, and Napa County Areas.

We partner with many of the region’s most respected engineers, architects, designers, and contractors along with working directly with owners and estate and property managers to collaboratively develop and construct highly sophisticated outdoor environments where craftsmanship, attention to detail, and long-term performance are equally valued.

At DFLC, we believe exceptional projects are created and maintained by exceptional people.

Our experienced team members are comprised of skilled craftsmen (masons, carpenters, irrigation technicians, horticultural specialists), project leaders, and construction professionals who take pride in their work and are committed to their trades along with continuous learning and improvement.

One of the key factors behind DFLC’s success is our investment in developing talented people. We believe great work comes from great teams, which is why we prioritize ongoing training, mentorship, and knowledge sharing across all levels of our organization. Our experienced crews have worked together for years, creating a collaborative environment where team members learn from master craftsmen, develop their skills, and take pride in delivering exceptional projects.

Position Overview:

Job Title: Project Engineer
Position Reports to: Senior Director of Operations
Location: Position is based in San Rafael, CA
Position Type: Full-Time
Hours/Days: Monday to Friday (Hours may vary based on project needs)
Salary Range: $70,000–$90,000 annually (depending on qualifications, including education, relevant construction experience, independent work capabilities, and working industry knowledge and skills). 
Performance Bonus:  Eligible.
FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary

The Project Engineer plays a critical role in the success of DFLC’s projects by connecting design intent, estimating, procurement, and field execution. We are seeking an organized, driven, passionate, and detail-oriented Project Engineer to support the planning, estimating, coordination, and execution of high-end residential landscape construction projects.

This position offers the opportunity to work directly with ownership, project managers, architects, designers, and DFLC office and field leaders while helping DFLC deliver the Bay Area’s most distinctive high end estate and residential site work and landscapes.

The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in landscape construction, general construction, or a related field through either hands-on experience or formal education. They will have exceptional communication skills, the ability to build strong relationships with clients, architects, vendors, and subcontractors, and a proactive mindset focused on developing practical, solutions-based resolutions to project challenges.

This position offers the opportunity to grow into increased project leadership responsibilities within the DFLC team.

Key Responsibilities

•  Estimating & Bidding: Play a lead role in estimating new project bids, calculating material/labor costs, assembling and analyzing project documents, drawings and specifications.
• Client & Architect Relations: Serve as a key point of contact for high-end residential clients, architects, GCs, and subcontractors, ensuring exceptional service and clear communication.
• Project Tracking & Coordination: Manage and track project timelines, submittals, and requests for information (RFIs) across multiple active projects simultaneously.  Manage change orders and accurately provide quotes and secure approvals for necessary work.
• Project Financial Management: Assist with project budgets, cost tracking, purchase orders, vendor pricing, and change order management. Monitor project performance and communicate potential cost or schedule impacts.
• Design Support: Review, interpret, and cross-reference landscape architectural drawings. Utilize AutoCAD to make design adjustments or detail field-specific updates as needed is a bonus.
• Horticultural & Material Procurement: Manage the coordination and procurement of premium plant material, hardscape materials, and specialty landscape products. Apply strong horticultural knowledge and attention to detail to ensure selections support the designer’s vision, are appropriate for site conditions, and achieve the intended aesthetic, functionality, and long-term success of each landscape installation.
• Cross-Department Collaboration: Partner closely with DFLC leadership, project managers, and field operations teams to coordinate project execution, resolve challenges, and ensure projects remain on schedule, within budget, and aligned with the designer/architect’s vision and the client’s expectations.

Qualifications & Skills

• Experience/Education: Minimum of 3 years plus of hands-on experience in landscape or construction management, OR a degree in Construction Management, Landscape Architecture, or a related field.  Equivalent combinations of industry related education, technical training, and or field experience will be considered.
• Organization & Multitasking: Proven ability to manage several tight deadlines at once without losing attention to detail.
•  Plant Knowledge: Strong foundational knowledge of plants, horticulture, and Bay Area-appropriate flora.
•  Technical Proficiency: Strong ability to read, interpret, and execute complex landscape, hardscape, and irrigation plans
•  Proficiency with AutoCAD is highly desirable (Landscape Design experience is a significant plus).
• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills for professional client and vendor interaction.

• Valid California driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Ability to visit active construction sites throughout the North Bay Counties. 
• Ability to work outdoors and walk active construction sites.
• Strong professionalism when representing DFLC with clients and design professionals.