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Director Coastal Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

VHB

Waterfront Growth Leader

Hauppauge, NY · On-site

$160K - $210K/yr

Deep expertise in waterfront development/redevelopment, coastal adjacent infrastructure, coastal engineering, and resiliency. * Demonstrated success in business development, including securing new ...

VHB

Waterfront Growth Leader

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$160K - $210K/yr

Deep expertise in waterfront development/redevelopment, coastal adjacent infrastructure, coastal engineering, and resiliency. * Demonstrated success in business development, including securing new ...

VHB

Waterfront Growth Leader

Hauppauge, NY

$160K - $210K/yr

ABOUT THE POSITION VHB is seeking a Waterfront Growth Leader to help drive the expansion of our Coastal Engineering & Resiliency (CE&R) services team in our Northeast Region. This individual will ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsCoastal Engineering JobsDirector Coastal Engineering Jobs

Director Coastal Engineering information

See salary details

$73K

$194.7K

$254K

How much do director coastal engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for director coastal engineering in the United States is $194,709.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $141,500.00 and $253,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the main challenges a director coastal engineering typically faces when leading large-scale projects?

A Director of Coastal Engineering often manages complex projects that involve balancing environmental regulations, stakeholder interests, and technical feasibility. One major challenge is ensuring designs are resilient to climate change impacts, such as sea-level rise and increased storm frequency. Coordinating multidisciplinary teams—including environmental scientists, engineers, and government agencies—while maintaining project timelines and budgets is also a critical responsibility. Successful directors proactively address these challenges by fostering open communication, staying informed on regulatory updates, and implementing adaptive project management strategies.

What does a director coastal engineering do?

A Director of Coastal Engineering oversees the planning, design, and management of projects related to coastal areas, such as shoreline protection, harbor development, and erosion control. They lead teams of engineers and scientists, coordinate with stakeholders, and ensure projects comply with environmental regulations. Their responsibilities often include budgeting, project management, and providing technical expertise to solve complex coastal challenges. They play a critical role in protecting coastal communities and infrastructure from natural hazards like storms and sea level rise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director coastal engineering?

To thrive as a Director of Coastal Engineering, you need advanced expertise in coastal processes, project management, and civil or environmental engineering, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with modeling software (such as HEC-RAS, Delft3D), GIS tools, and regulatory compliance systems is essential. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing multidisciplinary teams and stakeholder relationships. These skills are vital for leading successful coastal projects, ensuring regulatory compliance, and mitigating environmental risks.

What is the difference between Director Coastal Engineering vs Coastal Engineer?

AspectDirector Coastal EngineeringCoastal Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Civil/Environmental Engineering, Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Civil/Environmental Engineering, PE license advantageous
Work EnvironmentLeadership role overseeing projects, teams, and strategic planningDesign, analysis, and implementation of coastal projects, site assessments
Employer & Industry UsageConsulting firms, government agencies, large engineering firmsEngineering firms, government agencies, research institutions

The main difference is that the Director Coastal Engineering holds a leadership position responsible for managing teams and strategic planning, while the Coastal Engineer focuses on technical design and project execution. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in scope and responsibilities.

More about Director Coastal Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Director Coastal Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Director Coastal Engineering job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Coastal Engineering jobs? The most popular types of Coastal Engineering jobs are:
What states have the most Director Coastal Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Coastal Engineering jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Director Coastal Engineering jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Director Coastal Engineering jobs are:
Director Coastal Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Coastal Engineering job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $194,709 per year, or $93.6 per hour.

Metro New York Area Waterfront & Coastal Engineering Practice Leader

GEI Consultants

Bloomfield, NJ

$150K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

GEI Consultants rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

272nd of 441 rated engineering

Job description

Description

Your role at GEI. 
 
GEI is seeking individuals aligned with our culture to join our growing, and industry leading, waterfront and coastal design group. If you are interested in a rewarding career and having the opportunity to work on large and complex water infrastructure projects, we encourage you to apply and find success at GEI.
 
Our waterfront and coastal design group is seeking a Waterfront & Coastal Engineering Practice Leader to join one of our Metro New York Area offices. This is a senior seller/doer role with significant business development and revenue generation responsibility. This role is an exciting opportunity to grow and develop our waterfront and coastal engineering practice in the Metro New York Area. You will work on a variety of waterfront and coastal projects including waterfront assets, commercial ports and marinas, coastal erosion and processes, dredging and beach nourishments, marine terminals, recreational piers, flood protection features, harbors, and waterfront parks.
 
Essential Responsibilities & Duties 
  • Grow our waterfront and coastal engineering practice by developing new and existing clients and markets while cross-selling GEI’s other core business areas including environmental, water resources, ecological, and civil engineering consulting. 
  • Serve as a technical leader and mentor. Assist with recruiting, managing, and training staff.  
  • Lead proposal efforts, maintain high visibility in the marketplace through regular client contact, participate in client-based professional organizations, and make presentations at industry events.
  • Manage a variety of waterfront and coastal projects.
  • Develop and manage project plans, schedules, and budgets.
  • Serve as a technical lead for the design of waterfront structures, including preparing construction drawings, specifications, cost estimates, and reports.
  • Contribute to strategic planning at the office, regional, and national level.
Minimum Qualifications 
  • Demonstrated success growing and leading a practice, inclusive of mentoring others.  
  • B.S. or M.S. in civil, marine, structural, or similar engineering and Professional Engineer’s license.
  • 15+ years of experience working on waterfront and coastal projects with 10+ years in a project/program management role. 
  • Registered Professional Engineer in New York and New Jersey.
  • Experience leading interdisciplinary design teams. 
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to travel for site visits / inspections, client meetings, and business development opportunities (to include overnight travel, as needed).
  • Possess a valid US driver’s license.
Preferred Qualifications 
  • Significant experience in the Metro New York Area and a well-established professional network
  • Experience with the laws and regulations governing the public procurement process in New York and New Jersey.
We are GEI. 
 
Some of the world’s most pressing problems – from climate change to sustainable development, to critical infrastructure and the future of our energy supply – need our brightest and diverse minds working together to create safer, more resilient communities for tomorrow.  
 
We are technical experts, collaborators, and entrepreneurs who draw from diverse backgrounds to solve our clients’ most complex challenges.  
 
With several offices across North America, we offer a range of engineering, science, and technical consulting services. Our range of expertise, project types, and culture make us the choice for top talent in the AEC industry. See all our office locations here.
 
Employee-owned. Employee-focused.  
 
As an employee-owned company, our employees support our flat leadership structure, have a say in how our business operates and benefit from our financial success. We are committed to employee growth with career development opportunities, competitive total rewards, a well-being program, flexible work arrangements and more.  Our company culture is driven by our 4 Cs – we are Client-Centered, Curious, Collaborative, and Community Minded – which support our focus on sustainability, safety, diversity, equity and inclusion. Get to know us better by visiting GEI’s career site here.
 
GEI’s Total Rewards Package Includes:
  • Market-Competitive Compensation, including Eligibility for an Annual Performance Bonus
  • Pay Range For This Position: $150,000 - $200,000/year
  • Comprehensive Benefits Program, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability and More
  • Well-Being Program and Paid Parental Leave
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Hybrid Work Schedules and Cell Phone Stipends
  • GEI University (GEIU) with Continuing Education Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement
  • Connecting Conversation Program with a Focus on Professional Development and Opportunities for Advancement
  • Support and Financial Rewards for Publication Awards, Professional Dues, and Professional Licenses
  • Paid Holidays and Generous Paid Time Off Program
  • Rewards and Recognition
  • GEI-Funded Profit Sharing and 401(k)
  • Opportunity to be an Owner and Shareholder (Learn more here)
  • A Vibrant Culture that is Focused on Partnership, Sustainability, Giving Back to Our Communities and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
  • And More…
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 
WORK ENVIRONMENT  
  
  
  
Functional Demands:    
 
 
 
X 
Sedentary
 
Light
 
Medium
Other
 
 
Activity Level Throughout Workday (check one per row) 
Physical Activity Requirements
Occasional
(0-35% of day)
Frequent
(33-66% of day)
Continuous
(67-100% of day)
Not Applicable
Sitting
 
 
6-8 hours 
 
Standing
0-1 hour 
 
 
 
Walking
0-1 hour 
 
 
 
Climbing
 
 
 
X 
Lifting (floor to waist level) (in pounds)
0-10 pounds 
 
 
 
Lifting (waist level and above) (in pounds)
0-10 pounds 
 
 
 
Carrying objects
0-1 hour 
 
 
 
Push/pull
 
 
 
X 
Twisting
0-1 hour 
 
 
 
Bending
0-1 hour 
 
 
 
Reaching forward
0-1 hour 
 
 
 
Reaching overhead
0-1 hour 
 
 
 
Squat/kneel/crawl
 
 
 
X 
Wrist position deviation
 
3-5 hours 
 
 
Pinching/fine motor skills
1-2 hours 
 
 
 
Keyboard use/repetitive motion
 
 
6-8 hours 
 
Taste or smell (taste=never)
0-1 hour 
 
 
 
Talk or hear
 
3-5 hours 
 
 
Accurate 20/40 
Very Accurate 20/20 
Not Applicable
Near Vision
X 
 
Far Vision
X 
 
 

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