Civil Department Head (PE)

Stratus®; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking a Department Head for Civil Engineering in Atlanta. The role requires a licensed Professional Engineer with over 10 years of design and project management experience, including 4+ years of leadership. Responsibilities include overseeing department operations, managing budgets, leading projects, and mentoring staff. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership and communication skills, alongside proficiency in civil engineering software. This position offers an opportunity to contribute significantly to departmental growth and engineering excellence.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in engineering design and project management.
• 4+ years of leading, training, and developing engineers.
• Experience in department leadership roles or large-scale project management preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of the Civil Engineering department.
• Manage department budgets, staffing, and resources.
• Lead complex engineering projects and ensure compliance with standards.
• Mentor and develop engineers.
• Conduct quality control reviews to ensure technical precision.

Skills

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Financial management

Strategic planning

Advanced technical skills

Proficiency with Civil 3D, AutoCAD

Education

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering

Licensed Professional Engineer (PE)

Tools

Civil 3D

AutoCAD

Hydraflow

Storm CAD

Job description

Job Summary

The Department Head, Civil (PE), is responsible for overseeing the operations of the Transportation Market's civil engineering department, ensuring the successful delivery of engineering projects while managing department resources, budgets, and staff. This role involves providing technical leadership, mentoring staff, and contributing to business development efforts to grow the department and its service offerings. The role requires strong technical expertise in civil/site engineering, land development, project management, regulatory compliance, and interdisciplinary coordination.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of the Transportation Market’s Civil Engineering department by providing direction and oversight for technical tasks, administrative tasks, and training.
• Manage department budgets, staffing, and resources, ensuring that the department operates efficiently and meets its financial goals.
• Lead complex engineering projects, providing technical oversight and ensuring that designs meet regulatory standards and client expectations.
• Mentor and develop engineers, fostering a culture of professional growth and continuous improvement.
• Conduct quality control reviews to ensure that all project deliverables meet internal and client standards for accuracy and technical precision.
• Collaborate with senior leadership on business development efforts, participating in proposal development, client meetings, and presentations to secure new projects.
• Ensure compliance with codes, zoning regulations, and safety standards, oversee the permitting process, and manage interactions with regulatory authorities.
• Provide input on department strategic planning, contributing insights on market trends, service offerings, and opportunities for growth.
• Develop and improve department procedures and processes needed to drive efficient delivery of quality projects.
• Evaluate employee performance to provide recommendations for career development.
• Represent the firm at industry events, conferences, and client meetings to increase visibility and build relationships with potential clients and partners.
• Stay current with industry advancements and emerging technologies, incorporating innovative solutions into department projects when applicable.
• Work collaboratively and effectively with clients and colleagues, including cross-functional teams, peers, direct reports, and leadership, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.
• Adapt to changing business needs and priorities, demonstrating flexibility in taking on new responsibilities and adjusting to evolving challenges.

Competencies

• Knowledge
  
  • Extensive knowledge of engineering principles, building systems, and construction methods.
  • Familiarity with building codes, zoning regulations, sustainability standards, ADA compliance, and local and national permitting processes.
  • Knowledge of project management principles, including budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation.
  • Understanding of business development practices and client relationship management.
  • Awareness of industry trends and emerging technologies in engineering practice.
  • In-depth knowledge of land development practices, including:
    
    • Earthwork and grading design
    • Stormwater management (including hydrology and hydraulics)
    • Erosion and sediment control
    • Utility design (sanitary, water, storm, gas)
    • Pavement and roadway design
  • Experience in a variety of land development project types, including:
    
    • Commercial
    • Industrial
    • Transportation and Infrastructure (roadway, aviation, etc.)
• Skills
  
  • Strong leadership skills for managing project teams and department operations.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills for client and internal interactions.
  • Financial management skills for overseeing budgets and ensuring department profitability.
  • Strategic planning and problem‑solving skills for managing department growth and challenges.
  • Advanced technical skills in drafting, design, and project management.
  • Proficiency with design and modeling software:
    
    • Civil 3D, AutoCAD, Hydraflow, Storm CAD, etc.
• Abilities
  
  • Ability to manage both technical and operational aspects of the engineering department.
  • Ability to provide mentorship and leadership to staff and department teams.
  • Ability to collaborate with senior leadership on strategic planning and business development.
  • Ability to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and project specifications.
  • Ability to balance client satisfaction with department efficiency and profitability.
  • Provide project fee estimates and assistance with the RFP process.
  • Ability to travel as needed by project and department requirements.

Qualifications

• Required:
  
  • Licensed Professional Engineer (PE)
  • Bachelor's degree in civil engineering from an ABET‑accredited university.
  • 10+ years of experience in engineering design and project management.
  • 4+ years of leading, training, and developing engineers.
• Preferred:
  
  • Experience in department leadership roles or large‑scale project management.
  • Aviation experience.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Stratus is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy‑related conditions, and lactation), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Stratus Team’s management Team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs, and general treatment during employment.