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Director Coastal Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kimley-Horn

Sr. Coastal Engineer

Oakland, CA

$160K - $190K/yr

Open communication with partners and team, along with growing and directing a coastal and marine engineering practice. * Manage projects profitably, transition work to qualified staff, grow and ...

Kimley-Horn

Sr. Coastal Engineer

Oakland, CA · On-site

$160K - $190K/yr

Open communication with partners and team, along with growing and directing a coastal and marine engineering practice. * Manage projects profitably, transition work to qualified staff, grow and ...

Kimley-Horn

Sr. Coastal Engineer

Oakland, CA

$160K - $190K/yr

Open communication with partners and team, along with growing and directing a coastal and marine engineering practice. * Manage projects profitably, transition work to qualified staff, grow and ...

Kimley-Horn

Sr. Coastal Engineer

Oakland, CA · On-site

$160K - $190K/yr

Open communication with partners and team, along with growing and directing a coastal and marine engineering practice. * Manage projects profitably, transition work to qualified staff, grow and ...

Woolpert

Water Program Director (TX)

Houston, TX

This position reports to the Director of National Sales and is responsible for leading and growing ... Build and expand Woolpert's water resources, stormwater, and coastal engineering services while ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsCoastal Engineering JobsDirector Coastal Engineering Jobs

Director Coastal Engineering information

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$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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $194,709 per year, or $93.6 per hour.

Sr. Coastal Engineer

Kimley-Horn

Oakland, CA

$160K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago

Kimley-Horn rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

53rd of 441 rated engineering

Job description

Overview

Kimley-Horn's Oakland office is seeking a Senior Coastal Engineer with 15+ years of experience to join their Coastal and Waterfront team! This is not a remote position.

Responsibilities

This position leads business development efforts, manages relationships with key clients, and oversees all project tasks while mentoring the growth of younger staff. The successful candidate will have a great deal of autonomy to lead, direct, and grow their business.

This individual is encouraged to pursue opportunities that fuel their professional passion and contribute to firmwide success. Our system for rewards is designed to recognize staff as they move along a path to success. Bonuses, promotions, path to ownership recognition, and other forms of advancement are performance based, because as a firm we focus on results.

Leadership responsibilities include:

  • Lead a team while building and managing relationships with key clients.
  • Operate with integrity and sound business principles.
  • Provide practice vision, business planning and strategy, establishing goals, building and maintaining positive client relationships.
  • Open communication with partners and team, along with growing and directing a coastal and marine engineering practice.
  • Manage projects profitably, transition work to qualified staff, grow and mentor staff, help recruit, and be a positive role model.

Management responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Meeting or exceeding client expectations.
  • Identifying and tracking leads.
  • Making presentations, writing proposals and scopes of work.
  • Establish budgets, ensuring quality and timeliness of deliverables, and supervising the execution of work.
  • Accounting, administrative, marketing, recruiting, IT and production support will be provided.
Qualifications
  • P.E. with 15+ years of experience in civil engineering and directly managing projects.
  • Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental or related field. California Professional Engineer license or ability to obtain certification.
  • Client contacts and relationships with local municipalities, area counties, water management authorities and local, regional, state agencies.
  • Business development skills and the proven ability to win work.
  • Experience writing proposals, scopes of work, and budgets for projected work.
  • Ability to effectively communicate at all levels of the organization.
  • Ability to manage & mentor staff, and direct resources effectively in a positive manner.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage projects profitably.
  • Ability to cross sell multiple disciplines.

Salary Range:$160,000 - $190,000

Why Kimley-Horn?

At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People, clients, and employees are at the forefront of who we are. Clients know we prioritize achieving their goals and growing their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to provide an environment for everyone to flourish. Our commitment to quality is only as good as the people behind it- that's why we welcome and develop passionate, hardworking, and proactive employees. We take pride in how our employee retention, robust benefits package, and company values have led to Kimley-Horn's placement on the Fortune "100 Best Companies to Work" list for 19 years!

Key Benefits at Kimley-Horn

  • Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to1- company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
  • Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
  • Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
  • Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
  • Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.
Education:Bachelor's DegreeEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

What Kimley-Horn employees say

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About Kimley-Horn

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We are a full-service consulting firm that provides a wide range of infrastructure and land development planning and engineering services to both public and private clients. Though we have more than 6,000 employees in 100+ offices, we pride ourselves on our small company feel. At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People--clients and employees--are at the forefront of our business. Clients know we are laser-focused on their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to see our staff flourish, one and all. Both groups know that with Kimley-Horn, they can expect more and experience better.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1967

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