Why This Role Stands Out
- Direct influence on citywide transportation strategy
- Oversight of major infrastructure and traffic safety initiatives
- Leadership of multidisciplinary teams (CIP, traffic engineering, GIS, permitting)
- Executive visibility with City leadership and elected officials
- Potential leadership succession pathway to Senior Director
Savannah offers a unique environment where engineering leaders can see the real-world results of their work, from corridor improvements and safety enhancements to development integration and multimodal planning.
Key Responsibilities
The Assistant Director provides leadership and oversight for major transportation programs and operations, including:
- Transportation Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
- Private development review and coordination
- Right-of-way permitting and construction inspections
- Traffic engineering and safety improvement initiatives
- Special event traffic planning and management
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) operations
Additional responsibilities include:
- Supervising and developing engineering and technical staff
- Reviewing and approving engineering plans and specifications
- Managing consultant contracts and construction projects
- Supporting departmental budget development and financial oversight
- Establishing program goals, priorities, and operational improvements
- Providing technical guidance to developers, engineers, contractors, and the public
- Representing the department with city leadership, agencies, and community stakeholders
The Assistant Director serves as a key advisor to the Senior Director and functions as Department Head in their absence, helping guide both daily operations and long-range planning.
This position is also identified as a potential leadership succession pathway for future departmental leadership.
- Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering
- Six (6)+ years of traffic or civil engineering management experience
- Experience supervising staff and managing engineering programs
- Georgia Professional Engineer (PE) License
- Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving history
Additional Requirements:
Background investigation, including supervised drug screen, post offer/pre-employment medical screen, and verification of education, certifications, and licenses required prior to employment.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary: $112,095–$162,539 annually, with placement within the range based on qualifications and experience. Exceptional candidates with extensive executive or transportation leadership experience may be considered for a salary at the upper end of the range.
- Performance-based hiring and retention bonuses
- Public-sector retirement and benefits
- Professional development support
This position offers something different: stability, influence, civic impact, and long-term legacy-building in a growing coastal city.
Who Should Consider This Role
- Senior traffic or civil engineering managers ready for executive-level influence
- Public-sector engineering leaders seeking broader operational authority
- Private-sector professionals looking to transition into strategic municipal leadership
- Current traffic engineers seeking a leadership opportunity
Hiring & Retention Bonus:
- $5,000 upon hire
- $5,000 after six months
- $5,000 after 12 months