Salary: $115,116.04 - $202,582.64 Annually
Location : Alexandria, VA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: Transportation & Environmental Services
Division: LAND DEVELOPMENT SRVS
Opening Date: 10/01/2026
Closing Date: 10/23/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Bargaining Unit: N/A

Division Chief of Permits and Inspections

The Overview

The Department of Transportation and Environmental Services is seeking an experienced and collaborative Division Chief of Permits and Inspections to provide high-level leadership for permit processing and issuance, plan review and coordination, utility permitting, property information, and inspection of work within the City right-of-way. The Division Chief oversees general civil engineering functions and leads a diverse team of managers, technical professionals, inspectors, customer service, and support staff.

This is a highly collaborative role responsible for helping implement citywide development initiatives and ensuring that projects and services are delivered safely, efficiently, and in accordance with City codes, ordinances, and processes. The Division Chief works closely with the development community, property owners, consultants, contractors, City departments, and other agencies involved in the permit review and approval process to coordinate complex projects, resolve issues, and find practical solutions.

The successful candidate will bring strong leadership, sound technical judgment, and a creative, solutions-oriented approach to problem solving. The position will identify opportunities to streamline services, improve processes, and build effective partnerships while maintaining the City's regulatory and operational standards. The Division Chief will also oversee budget preparation, financial management, and the safe and efficient delivery of services.

As a senior representative of T&ES, the Division Chief will engage with residents, the development community, senior City management, elected officials, and external partners. The ideal candidate will be a collaborative leader who builds strong teams, communicates effectively, navigates complexity, and is committed to making it easier for people to work with the City while achieving the City's goals.

The Opportunity

• Lead the City's permit processing, plan review, utility permitting, property information, and right-of-way inspection functions
• Shape the implementation of complex, citywide development projects and initiatives that directly affect Alexandria's growth and infrastructure
• Build strong partnerships with the development community, City departments, and other agencies involved in the review and approval of development projects
• Solve complex problems creatively, bringing stakeholders together to identify practical solutions and keep projects moving forward
• Modernize and streamline services by developing new programs, improving processes, and identifying opportunities to make it easier to do business with the City
• Lead and develop a diverse team of managers, engineers, technical professionals, inspectors, customer service, and support staff
• Oversee the responsible management of resources, including budget development, financial reconciliation, and fund management
• Represent T&ES and the City with residents, the development community, senior leadership, elected officials, and external partners
• Work in a dynamic environment that combines strategic leadership, technical problem-solving, collaboration, and opportunities to engage directly in the field

Minimum & Additional Requirements
The Ideal Candiate
To qualify for this position all candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering. Eight years of progressively responsible engineering experience including civil engineering project management, infrastructure design and construction in the public sector, including three years of supervisory experience, and licensure as a Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth of Virginia; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Preferred Qualifications
To be considered as an ideal candidate, one should possess a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, plus five years of Civil Engineering experience preferably in the areas of project design or plan review of land development and/or public transportation projects; three years of managerial experience and driver's license from your state of residence.

Notes
This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment background check

Do you possess a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering; five (5) years of progressively responsible engineering experience including civil engineering project management, infrastructure design, and construction in the public sector; including three years of supervisory experience; and licensure as a Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth of Virginia?

• Yes
• No

Do you have experience developing and managing operating and capital budgets?

• Yes
• No

Do you have three (3) years of managerial experience?

• Yes
• No

Do you have experience working for a local or state municipality?

• Yes
• No

Do you possess a strong background in public speaking?

• Yes
• No

If you answered yes to the previous question, please explain your experience. If you answered no, write N/A.
Provide an example of when you successfully challenged the process to expedite the delivery of projects. If no example is available, write N/A.
As a supervisor of permits and inspections, please summarize the main points of emphasis you will provide a new engineer in becoming a successful plan reviewer. If no example is available, write N/A.
Required Question