Chief Project Engineer

Chief Project Engineer (Development Review)

Are you a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a thriving community? New Hanover County is seeking a Chief Project Engineer (Development Review) to join our Engineering Department and play an important role in providing safe, sustainable, and effective infrastructure and development services to the citizens of New Hanover County.

The Chief Project Engineer is a senior-level engineering position that provides technical expertise, project management, regulatory oversight, and leadership within the Engineering Department. This position will work in a collaborative environment that values teamwork, innovation, professional development, and excellent customer service.

The Chief Project Engineer (Development Review) position focuses primarily on engineering review of private development for compliance with applicable regulations and design standards, supporting the County's responsibilities related to land development, stormwater, sedimentation and erosion control, and coastal infrastructure. The essential duties for this role include:

• Reviewing and approving private development construction plans and engineering documents for compliance with County ordinances, regulations, and technical standards.
• Providing engineering review and technical guidance related to drainage, stormwater management, and erosion and sedimentation control.
• Coordinating with developers, engineers, contractors, property owners, and regulatory agencies to resolve development-related engineering issues.
• Providing engineering support related to sedimentation and erosion control, shore protection, and coastal infrastructure as needed.
• Interpreting and applying land development ordinances, engineering standards, and regulatory requirements to support consistent and effective development review.
• Providing professional engineering expertise and leadership for County engineering programs, projects, and initiatives.
• Supervising assigned staff by prioritizing and assigning work, conducting performance evaluations, ensuring appropriate training and development, and making hiring, termination, and disciplinary recommendations.
• Managing engineering projects from planning and design through permitting, bidding, construction, and completion, including defining project requirements, preparing bids, negotiating contracts, and developing budgets and schedules.
• Providing engineering services and technical support to County departments, consultants, contractors, regulatory agencies, and the public.
• Representing New Hanover County Engineering on the Technical Review Committee (TRC) and other committees as assigned.
• Responding to inquiries and concerns related to engineering, drainage, stormwater, development, and infrastructure matters.
• Performing field inspections and site visits to evaluate existing conditions, construction activities, drainage functionality, infrastructure condition, and compliance.
• Providing technical guidance and mentorship to engineers, inspectors, and other staff; coordinates and manages consultants and contractors.
• Assisting with departmental and program budgets, grant applications, and other funding opportunities related to County engineering programs and infrastructure.
• Providing engineering support during emergency and disaster situations.

Why Join New Hanover County?

New Hanover County's Engineering Department is committed to supporting intelligent growth and economic development while protecting the community and its natural resources. The department provides engineering services in areas including stormwater management and drainage, development plan review, sedimentation and erosion control, shore protection, and coastal infrastructure.

As a Chief Project Engineer, you will have the opportunity to work on projects and initiatives that directly affect the quality, safety, and long-term sustainability of the community. You will collaborate with County departments, consultants, contractors, developers, regulatory agencies, and the public to develop practical engineering solutions and advance County priorities.

A Career with Impact

New Hanover County is committed to hiring talented professionals who are passionate about public service and making a difference in the community. Our employees work in an innovative, collaborative, and employee-focused environment where professional expertise and new ideas are valued.

Our shared values of professionalism, innovation, integrity, stewardship, and accountability guide the way we serve our community and work with our customers.

If you're a licensed Professional Engineer ready to apply your expertise to projects and initiatives that have a direct impact on the community, we invite you to join the New Hanover County Engineering team.

New Hanover County's Engineering Department is a growing team of dedicated professionals who stay committed to the County's goal of intelligent growth and economic development by providing…