ASSISTANT CITY ENGINEER

ASSISTANT CITY ENGINEER

Salary

$90,000.00 - $1,150,000.00 Annually

Location

Columbia, SC

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

202600279

Department

ENGINEERING

Division

ENG: ENGINEERING DIV

Opening Date

10/21/2026

Closing Date

11/4/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Pay Grade

119

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

This position administers the operations of an Engineering Division; plans and directs the design, development and implementation of City projects, renovation and installation of projects; and performs related professional, administrative and supervisory work as required. The incumbent plans, organizes and implements programs within major organizational policies, reporting program progress to executive-level administration through reports and conferences.

The work is considered light in nature and involves walking or standing much of the time and involves exerting up to 20 pounds of force on a recurring basis, or skill, adeptness and speed in the use of fingers, hands or limbs on repetitive operation of mechanical or electronic office or shop machines or tools within moderate tolerances or limits of accuracy. The work requires the following physical abilities to perform the essential job functions: climbing, fingering, grasping, hearing, mental acuity, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, talking, visual acuity, and walking.

Work environment may involve exposure to bright/dim light, dusts and pollen, extreme heat and/or cold, wet or humid conditions, extreme noise levels, vibration, fumes and/or noxious odors, traffic, moving machinery, electrical shock, heights, toxic/caustic chemicals, explosives; and involves decisions that could lead to major community or organizational consequences.

Essential Job Functions

• Plans, organizes and directs all activities and operations ensuring compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, policies, procedures and standards of safety;
• Develops and manages portions of the capital improvement program budget; develops and maintains cost-tracking methods for projects; prepares related reports;
• Provides special assistance to the City Engineer as needed;
• Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as the Assistant City Manager, City Manager, City Council, Mayor, City department heads and staff, various boards and commissions, attorneys, community / civic organizations, professional peers, news media, various outside professionals, various other government agencies, and the general public;
• Supervises support staff. Supervisory duties include instructing; assigning, reviewing and planning work of others; maintaining standards; coordinating activities; selecting new employees; acting on employee problems; allocating personnel; approving employee discipline and discharge, and recommending employee promotions, transfers, and salary increases;
• Reviews the work of subordinates for completeness and accuracy; evaluates and makes recommendations as appropriate; offers advice and assistance as needed;
• Provides for adequate staff training and development opportunities;
• Develops and implements departmental policies and procedures;
• Develops and administers assigned budgets; monitors expenditures and prepares related reports; ensures effective and efficient use of budgeted funds, personnel, materials, facilities and time;
• Approves departmental requisitions;
• Provides direct assistance in matters pertaining to areas of responsibility, and regarding various special projects;
• Directs and provides expertise in the planning, design and project management of the construction, renovation and installation of various City projects;
• Develops budgets for approved projects, and closely monitors expenditures to ensure that each project remains within initial proposed budget;
• Develops and/or reviews plans and specifications for compliance with established codes, ordinances and standards;
• Develops requests for proposals and requests for bids; administers contracts;
• Assists with verification of contractor pay applications and invoices;
• Assists with inspection of construction work in progress and at completion for compliance with established policies, procedures, regulations, codes, contracts, and standards of quality and safety;
• Coordinates projects with local, state and federal agencies, as well as other City and county departments, contractors, developers, engineers, land surveyors, architects, attorneys, environmental agencies / special interest groups, and other parties as necessary;
• Provides special assistance to the Senior Assistant City Manager as needed;
• Represents the department and City at various civic and community meetings as required; serves on committees, boards and task forces as appropriate;
• Receives and responds to inquiries, concerns, complaints and requests for assistance regarding areas of responsibility;
• Performs general administrative work as required, including conducting and attending meetings, preparing reports and correspondence, reviewing mail and literature, etc.;
• Attends professional conferences, meetings, training, seminars, etc., as necessary to maintain and enhance job knowledge and skills; and
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture, construction management or closely related field;
• Eight (8) years of relevant prior experience;
• Valid South Carolina Class "D" Driver's License;
• PE (Professional Engineer) Certified in S.C.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of algebra working with such factors as exponents, logarithms, linear and quadratic equations; concepts of analytic geometry, differentiation and integration of algebraic functions; statistics, applying such functions as frequency distribution, reliability, validity and correlation techniques; finance and economics using financial and econometric models;
• Knowledge of personal computer equipment with skill in the use of Microsoft Office, utilizing Outlook, word processing, spreadsheet and database software programs. Skill in the use of presentation software programs preferred;
• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely both orally and in writing using excellent organizational and interpersonal skills;
• Ability to synthesize or integrate analysis of data or information to discover facts or develop knowledge or interpretations; changes policies, procedures or methodologies based on new facts, knowledge or interpretations;
• Ability to negotiate, exchanging ideas, information, and opinions with others to formulate policy and programs or arrive jointly at decisions, conclusions, or solutions;
• Ability to establish policy for the acquisition, installation, testing, operation, maintenance and repair of complex machinery, equipment or systems; includes establishing specifications for the acquisition of major pieces of equipment, rolling stock, machinery and technology systems; establishing budgets for major construction repairs or new construction; determining the allocation of materials, equipment and supplies with respect to major construction projects.;
• Ability to perform work involving the application of principles of logical thinking or scientific practice to diagnose or define problems, collect data and solve abstract problems with widespread unit or organizational impact;
• Ability to read professional literature and technical manuals; speaking to groups of employees, other public and private groups; writing manuals and complex reports;
• Ability to perform advanced professional-level work methods and practices in the analysis, coordination or interpretation of work of a professional, engineering, fiscal, managerial or scientific nature and the ability for formulate important recommendations or make technical decisions that have an organization-wide impact. Requires sustained, intense concentration for accurate results and continuous exposure to sustained, unusual pressure; and
• Ability to make decisions, affecting most segments of the organization and the general public; works in a highly dynamic environment; responsible for establishing goals, objectives and policies.

The City of Columbia is proud to offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees. This package includes health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

Part-time or temporary employees, including interns, are not eligible for City benefits.

To learn more details, visit our benefits page at:

https://hr.columbiasc.gov/benefits/

01

Do you have a Bachelors degree in engineering, architecture, construction management or closely related field?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have at least eight (8) years of relevant prior experience?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have a valid Drivers License?

• Yes
• No

04

Are you a S.C. Registered Professional Engineer?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Columbia

Phone 803-545-3010

Website https://www.columbiasc.gov