ENGINEER 8- DIVISION CHIEF

State of Louisiana; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 177,000; Full time

Job summary

Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority seeks an experienced engineering leader to serve as Chief of the Engineering Division of CPRA. The role directs a multidisciplinary team, overseeing planning, design, construction and long-term engineering management of multi‑million-dollar projects, balancing environmental, economic and social factors for Louisiana’s coast.

The position requires a Louisiana PE license (or eligibility), supervisory experience, and the ability to coordinate across

Qualifications

• Must hold a current professional engineer license in Louisiana or be eligible to obtain licensure; license transfer allowed from other states.
• Two years of supervisory-level experience or higher required.
• Experience substitutions: master’s degree substitutes for one year, doctorate substitutes for two years; maximum two years substitute.
• No substitution for licensed engineering experience. Licensed engineers from other states may apply.

Responsibilities

• Provides leadership and oversight of CPRA’s engineering program, directing a multidisciplinary staff of 20-23 professionals and contractors on multi‑million-dollar projects.
• Oversees design, deliverables, budgets, schedules, and compliance with regulations.
• Coordinates with federal, state, and local agencies and contractors to ensure contract performance and regulatory compliance.
• Leads development and evaluation of engineering proposals and negotiates consultant costs; acts as Contract Manager for IDIQ contracts.
• Represents CPRA as senior engineering advisor for coastal restoration planning and design, coordinating with partners on risk and cost‑effectiveness.

Skills

Engineering leadership

Contract management

Regulatory coordination

Technical advisory

Job description

The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority is seeking an experienced engineering leader to serve as Chief of the Engineering Division. The incumbent directs a critical segment of CPRA’s coastal restoration and hurricane protection program, overseeing the planning, design, construction, and long-term engineering management of complex, multi-million-dollar projects. This position plays a vital role in protecting Louisiana’s coastal communities and natural resources, balancing economic, environmental, and social considerations while leading a multidisciplinary team responsible for delivering innovative engineering solutions across the state’s challenging coastal environment.

Possession of a current Louisiana license to practice professional engineering plus one of the following, which must include two years of experience at the supervisory level or above: Four years of licensed engineering experience; or Eight years of professional engineering experience. EXPERIENCE SUBSTITUTIONS: A master's degree in engineering will substitute for one year of professional engineering experience. A doctorate degree in engineering will substitute for two years of professional engineering experience. Advanced degrees will substitute for a maximum of two years of professional engineering experience. There is no substitution for licensed engineering experience. NOTES: Engineering experience gained while licensed as a professional engineer will be accepted as licensed engineering experience. Engineering experience gained after earning an ABET-accredited degree and prior to earning a professional engineer's license (e.g., as an engineer intern applicant, engineer intern, or equivalent) will be accepted as professional level engineering experience. Applications will be accepted from persons licensed to practice professional engineering in states other than Louisiana. If one of those applicants is selected for the position, he/she will be required to obtain a Louisiana license prior to appointment. The hiring agency will verify that all licensing requirements are met. Louisiana Professional Engineer licenses are issued by the Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board. Licensing requirements may be viewed at www.lapels.com. The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

Job Duties

• Provides leadership and oversight of CPRA’s engineering program, directing a multidisciplinary staff of 20-23 professionals and contractors responsible for multi-million-dollar coastal restoration projects. Oversees all aspects of in-house project design, design deliverables from consultants and contractors, budgets, schedules, and implementation while ensuring quality, fiscal accountability, timely delivery, and compliance with applicable regulations.
• Coordinates with federal, state, and local agencies, as well as engineering firms and contractors, to oversee contract performance and ensure compliance with engineering standards, specifications, and applicable regulations.
• Leads the development and evaluation of engineering proposals, making independent technical recommendations and decisions in accordance with applicable regulations. Evaluates RSIQ, RFQ, and RFP responses and negotiates consultant costs for professional service contracts to ensure effective use of state resources. Serves as Contract Manager for all professional services IDIQ contracts.
• Serves as CPRA’s senior engineering representative for coastal restoration planning and design, advising agency leadership and coordinating with federal, state, and local partners on complex technical and project risk considerations to improve project performance, longevity, and cost-effectiveness.
• Provides technical engineering recommendations on coastal projects and permits, reviews and approves engineering reports, and directs special studies and briefings for executive, legislative, and other stakeholders on coastal restoration initiatives.

Position-Specific Details

Appointment Type: Probational or Promotional

Office Location: 150 Terrace Ave Baton Rouge, LA 70802

Compensation: The maximum salary for the Engineer 8 is $177,112 annually.

Official transcripts will be required upon hire.

Contact Information

If you have any questions, you may contact: Rachel Dunbar, Human Resources Supervisor

P.O. Box 44027

Baton Rouge, LA 70804

[e-mail]