Engineering Director POS # 109010003

Position Overview

*This position is open until filled. Potential candidates, please apply by May 22, 2026 to be included in the first review for consideration to move forward in the process*

Cumberland County (pop 337,000) is seeking a skilled and experienced professional engineer to lead the Department. The Engineering Department plays a vital role in delivering and managing Capital Improvement Projects that support the construction, replacement, and renovation of county facilities, building systems, and critical infrastructure. In collaboration with a Public Utilities Technician, the department also oversees billing, collections, and maintenance for multiple water and sewer districts, ensuring reliable and efficient service to the community. This position provides leadership and engineering project management oversight, including the supervision of staff at various levels. The role is responsible for overseeing and reviewing environmental, infrastructure, and geomatic projects, ensuring all work aligns with applicable codes and regulations. Additionally, the position offers technical engineering support to other county departments, contributing to the success of a wide range of initiatives. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated professional seeking to make a meaningful impact through innovative and well-managed public projects.

Cumberland County is comprised of 9 municipalities, including Fayetteville, the county seat, and home to the largest military base in the U.S., Fort Bragg. Situated along the Cape Fear River, the county has a total land area of 652 miles and a mix of urban and rural settings. Interstate 95 runs through Cumberland County and meets I-40 just north of the county line, providing ready access to beaches to the east and mountains to the west.

Cumberland County operates under the Commission-Manager form of government with a seven-member Board of Commissioners elected to staggered four-year terms. The County Manager serves as the Executive Officer and executes all powers and duties as assigned by the Board of County Commissioners. Due to the size and complexity of county operations, there are also four Assistant County Managers. This position will report to one of the Assistant County Managers.

Examples of Duties

• Plans, directs, and oversees all programs, services, and resource utilization for the Engineering Department

• Develops and implements departmental goals, objectives, policies, and procedures to support operational effectiveness

• Identifies current and future engineering program needs and evaluates services to recommend improvements, enhancements, or expansions

• Ensures all departmental programs, projects, and activities comply with applicable State and federal regulations

• Provides comprehensive project management for capital improvement projects from initiation through completion

• Prepares Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) and coordinates procurement of professional engineering and construction services

• Attends and facilitates pre-bid, pre-construction, and construction progress meetings to ensure project alignment and success

• Negotiates contracts, secures services, reviews and approves contractor payments, and manages change orders with appropriate justification

• Conducts site inspections of projects under construction and resolves issues to maintain project timelines and quality standards

• Supervises and manages departmental staff, including hiring, assigning work, supporting professional development, evaluating performance, and providing leadership, guidance, and discipline as needed

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major/degree in civil engineering and six (6) years of experience and/or training that includes performing professional engineering, project management and supervisory work, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Management Preference: Three (3) to five (5) years of engineering experience in a state or local government setting.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the methods, procedures, and policies of Cumberland County as they relate to the performance of the essential duties of the County Engineer

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of professional engineering, including planning, supervising department operations, and managing capital improvement projects

• Knowledge of applicable laws, ordinances, standards, and regulations governing engineering functions and responsibilities

• Knowledge of departmental organization and the functions of related departments and agencies

• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions associated with engineering work, and ability to apply them effectively

• Skill in determining program and project priorities, as well as establishing effective processes and procedures

• Ability to serve as a technical expert and represent the County in matters involving engineering principles, standards, codes, designs, statutes, and conflicting design constraints

• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing, including organizing and presenting complex engineering reports and concepts

• Ability to participate in and lead the development of long-range strategic goals and initiatives

• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with internal staff, external partners, and stakeholders, and ability to operate a motor vehicle as required

Conditions of Employment:

A formal transcript will be required. College transcripts may be submitted on-line via the attachment feature or mailed to Cumberland County Human Resources, 117 Dick St. Fayetteville, NC 28301.

Driving is an essential function of this position. To be considered, you must have a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record. If your driver's license is from another state, you will be required to obtain and show proof of a valid NC driver's license within 60 days of hire.

Successful candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment with Cumberland County must pass pre-employment screenings, including criminal history checks and drug screenings, as required by Cumberland County Policies and Procedures, prior to beginning work or receiving a final offer of employment. Refusal to submit to testing or testing positive for prohibited substances will result in the withdrawal of the conditional employment offer.

Cumberland County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions at Cumberland County are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or any other status protected by applicable laws and regulations. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.