Director of Projects

Port of Plaquemines; Belle Chasse (LA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Port of Plaquemines Port Authority in Belle Chasse, LA seeks a Director of Projects to lead strategic planning and execution of port infrastructure projects, ensuring schedules, budgets, and safety standards are met.

The role requires coordinating with engineers, contractors, and agencies, and guiding teams through design, construction, and regulatory processes to advance the Port’s master plan.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in engineering, construction management, or a related field.
• Experience with port, waterfront, or maritime infrastructure preferred.
• Ability to obtain TWIC and valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Develops and reviews project plans, schedules, budgets, and scopes for engineering and construction initiatives.
• Oversees planning, design, and construction activities for capital and maintenance projects.
• Integrates safety, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance into all phases.
• Coordinates with engineers, consultants, and contractors.
• Prepares and reviews bid documents and contract terms; supports procurement and grant management.
• Leads risk management, emergency planning, and regulatory coordination.

Skills

Project leadership

Strategic planning

Regulatory understanding

Communication

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

NAVIS

MS Office

Job description

DIRECTOR OF PROJECTS – PORT AUTHORITY

POSITION CATEGORY: UNCLASSIFIED

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

The Director of Projects provides strategic and technical leadership to the Executive Director/CEO, overseeing the planning, design, construction, and delivery of Port infrastructure projects that support waterborne commerce. The role requires a blend of engineering insight, construction management expertise, and operational judgment to advance the Port’s strategic priorities.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities, tight deadlines, and multiple concurrent projects. They demonstrate exceptional organizational skills, sound independent judgment, and the ability to set priorities, take initiative, and manage complex technical and administrative workflows.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Management

• Develops and reviews project plans, schedules, budgets, and scopes for engineering and construction initiatives.
• Oversees in-house and contracted planning, design, and construction activities for capital and maintenance projects.
• Integrates safety, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance into all phases of project development and execution.
• Coordinates with engineers, consultants, contractors, and technical specialists.
• Prepares and supervises the development of plans, specifications, and bid documents, ensuring consistency with Port standards.
• Provides contract administration and negotiation support, including drafting, reviewing, and managing contract terms, amendments, and performance requirements.
• Assists with grant writing and grant administration, including identifying funding opportunities, preparing applications, managing reporting requirements, and ensuring compliance with grant conditions.
• Supports project documentation, procurement processes, and workflow improvements across the project lifecycle.

Strategic Advisor

• Advises the Deputy Director and Executive Director on project planning, engineering, construction, and operational impacts.
• Prepares correspondence, reports, exhibits, and presentations for the Port Commission, staff, committees, and stakeholder groups.
• Assists with Port dredging coordination with USACE and PPG.
• Supports review of tenant development plans to ensure alignment with Port design standards.
• Evaluates emerging technologies and incorporates approved innovations into Port infrastructure.

Contract Negotiation & Compliance

• Manages engineering and construction projects to ensure adherence to schedule, budget, quality, and Port objectives.
• Participates in consultant and contractor selection processes.
• Reviews design documents for completeness, consistency, and technical accuracy.
• Supports bidding, contractor selection, and construction-phase coordination.
• Negotiates change orders, contractor claims, and corrective actions.
• Oversees annual facility inspections and contributes to capital planning and budget development.
• Manages third-party dredge material placement licenses.
• Supervises assigned personnel, providing coaching, performance evaluation, and collaborative problem-solving.

Emergency Response & Risk Management

• Develops and implements emergency response plans with internal and external partners.
• Identifies and mitigates legal, operational, and compliance risks associated with Port activities.

Representation & Advocacy

• Represents the Port on local, state, and national committees and associations.
• Builds and maintains relationships with government agencies, regulatory bodies, industry partners, and community stakeholders.
• Coordinates with USACE district and local offices.
• Supports Development Department initiatives and Master Plan implementation.
• Collaborates with other Port departments as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, construction management, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
• Valid driver’s license.

EXPERIENCE & JOB KNOWLEDGE

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in project management, construction management, or related fields.
• Experience with port, waterfront, navigation, or maritime infrastructure projects preferred.
• Strong multidisciplinary knowledge of engineering principles and construction practices.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal codes, permitting, and regulatory requirements.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Skilled in applying planning, engineering, and construction management concepts.
• Ability to supervise project engineers and technical staff.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, TEAMS), AutoCAD, NAVIS, and related applications.
• Experience in contract administration, negotiation, and grant management preferred.
• Strong customer service orientation.

NON-TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Demonstrates innovative and creative problem-solving.
• Coachable and receptive to feedback.
• Fosters team collaboration and cross-functional coordination.
• Possesses a growth mindset and strong critical thinking skills.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Ability to perform essential job functions including standing, walking, sitting, speaking, hearing, typing, and occasional lifting 20 pounds.
• Ability to navigate office and industrial environments, including climbing stairs, ramps, ladders, and working at heights.
• Ability to work in outdoor conditions with exposure to weather, fumes, particulates, mechanical equipment, and moderate noise.
• Ability to wear required PPE (hard hat, steel-toed footwear, eye/ear protection).
• Ability to operate vehicles and standard office equipment and work extended hours, including evenings or weekends as needed.