Chief Project Engineer - Development Review

Chief Project Engineer - Development Review

Salary

See Position Description

Location

New Hanover County, NC

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

202600209

Department

ENGINEERING

Opening Date

08/13/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Information

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 Countys 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 Countys 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 youre 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 Countys Engineering Department is a growing team of dedicated professionals who stay committed to the Countys goal of intelligent growth and economic development by providing services in the areas of plan review, sedimentation and erosion control, shore protection and coastal infrastructure, stormwater management, drainage and infrastructure maintenance. Our approach focuses on compliance, rather than enforcement, in an effort to remain effective, efficient, consistent, responsive and easy to do business with as we strive to assist New Hanover County be viewed as the model of good governance.

New Hanover County is dedicated to the recruitment and recognition of a talented and diverse workforce that is committed to public service. Our shared values of professionalism, innovation, equity, integrity, stewardship and accountability guide the way we conduct ourselves and deliver services to our customers. New Hanover County celebrates diversity in our employees' backgrounds, beliefs, identities, and abilities, while supporting growth opportunities for all. Our talented team has a passion for providing care and services that effect change on the everyday lives of the citizens they encounter. The differences that unite us are a reflection of the community we serve. If this sounds like an organization that models the values you uphold, we invite you to join our team at New Hanover County.

Living in New Hanover County, NC:

New Hanover County offers an exceptional quality of life with its picturesque coastal location. Enjoy the stunning beaches, water activities, and a variety of recreational opportunities right at your doorstep. Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture, indulge in diverse dining experiences, and explore historical landmarks. The county is known for its strong sense of community, excellent schools, and a thriving arts scene. With a focus on good governance and a commitment to customer service, New Hanover County provides an ideal environment for both personal and professional growth.

• • • *

Hours:

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday.

Must be available to report for emergency work assignment during emergency situations.

Salary Information:,

The target hiring range for this position is $83,256.00 - $112,394.50. The full salary range for an incumbent hired into this position is $83,256.00 to $141,533.00. Starting salary will be based on qualifications, relevant experience, internal equity, and budget. Candidates with exceptional qualifications and experience may be considered for a starting salary above the target hiring range, but not to exceed the maximum of the salary range.

New Hanover County offers:

• Employer paid 401k contributions;
• Retirement plan through the NC Retirement system;
• Flex time and telework availability, depending on your position;
• Paid sick and personal leave + 13 paid holidays per year;
• Paid parental leave;
• Paid community services leave to give back to our community;
• Education leave to obtain a degree within your line of work;
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options;
• Onsite, employer-paid health and wellness center;
• Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives;
• Opportunities to make a difference in your community;
• And so much more!

Please check out our careers page at www.nhcgov.com/careers for more information on why New Hanover County is a great place to work.

Qualifications

Bachelors Degree in a related Engineering field and five (5) years of progressively responsible engineering experience that includes two (2) years supervisory and project management experience in storm water, erosion control, public utilities, and site development.

The ideal engineer for this position will possess a strong work ethic, ability to successfully manage performance of subordinate employees, ability to prioritize schedules based on changing needs, is willing to contribute where needed, and ultimately desires to serve the citizens of our county.

Licenses/Certifications

• Valid Drivers License (if coming from out of state, NC license must be obtained within 30 days of employment)
• Professional Engineer (PE) License

Other Information

Application Deadline: This position is open until filled; however, priority consideration will be given to applications received through Tuesday, September 15th, 2026.

Next Steps:

After the priority date for this position, applications will be screened by Human Resources. Applicants referred to the department will receive an email requesting important information pertinent to the position applied for. All updates regarding an application can be viewed through your applicant portal.

New Hanover County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

New Hanover County offers a competitive benefits package designed to encourage and support your health, well-being and productivity to include

• Employer paid 401k deferred compensation contributions (5% for sworn law enforcement and 2.5% for all other benefits eligible positions);
• Retirement plan through the NC Retirement system;
• Paid sick and personal leave + 13 paid holidays per year;
• Paid parental leave;
• Paid community services leave to give back to our community;
• Education leave to obtain a degree within your line of work;
• Medical, dental, vision insurance + many other insurance options;
• Employee assistance program;
• 100% employer paid long term disability;
• Onsite, employer-paid health and wellness center which includes a nurse practitioner and physical therapist;
• Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives;
• Opportunities to make a difference in your community;
• And so much more!

Benefit options for eligible positions include medical, dental, elective supplemental insurance options including short-term disability, vision, flexible spending accounts, voluntary term life, cancer, accident, and critical illness policies. Employees who elect medical and dental insurance within the specified timelines provided during on-boarding, will have coverage effective on their date of hire. For more information about New Hanover County benefit options, including our benefit rates, please click here.

Please check out our careers page at www.nhcgov.com/careers for more information on why New Hanover County is a great place to work.

Note: All positions listed as temporary, casual part time, volunteer, and intern are not eligible to receive benefits. Part-time position with fewer than 20 scheduled hours per week will not include benefits.

01

Have you had your drivers license suspended for any reason in the last three years?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have an active Professional Engineer (PE) license? If yes, please be sure this information is listed on your application.

• Yes
• No

03

If you answered that you do have an active PE license, in what state is your license issued?

04

Please indicate your years of project management experience in storm water, erosion control, public utilities, and site development.

• Less than one year of project management experience in storm water, erosion control, public utilities, and site development.
• 1 year but fewer than 2 years of project management experience in storm water, erosion control, public utilities, and site development.
• 2 years but fewer than 3 years of project management experience in storm water, erosion control, public utilities, and site development.
• More than 3 years of project management experience in storm water, erosion control, public utilities, and site development.

05

How many years of experience do you have supervising employees in a professional setting?

• 3 years or greater
• 2 years but fewer than 3
• 1 year but fewer than 2
• No supervisory experience

06

Please indicate your education from the choices below.

• Masters Degree in a Related Engineering Field
• Masters Degree in a field unrelated to Engineering
• Bachelors Degree in a Related Engineering Field
• Bachelors Degree in a field unrelated to Engineering
• Associates Degree in a Related Engineering Field
• Associates Degree in a field unrelated to Engineering
• High School diploma or equivalent

07

Please indicate your years of work experience in a public employer setting.

• No work experience in a public employer setting.
• Less than one year of work experience in a public employer setting.
• One year but less than three years of work experience in a public employer setting.
• Three or more years of work experience in a public employer setting.

08

Are you comfortable with the targeted hiring range posted within the job description?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer New Hanover County

Address 230 Government Center Drive - Suite 135

Wilmington, North Carolina, 28403

Phone 910-798-7178

910-798-7178

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/nhc