PRINCIPAL ENGINEER

Dorchester-County,-Sc; South Carolina; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Dorchester County Public Works in Dorchester County, SC seeks a qualified Civil Engineer to lead planning, design and construction of roads and stormwater projects. The role includes oversight of reviews, permits, and asset inclusion in the county systems, with responsibility for projects from cradle to grave.

The candidate will supervise engineers and inspectors, coordinate with utilities and regulators, and ensure schedules, budgets and safety standards are met.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from ABET-accredited college or university.
• Eight years of progressive engineering and project management experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage the planning, design, construction, inspection and maintenance of roads and stormwater infrastructure.
• Oversee the Road Maintenance Acceptance Application (RMAA) process and asset integration.
• Supervise engineers, inspectors and staff; conduct performance reviews and staffing decisions.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws, ordinances and County procedures.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Engineering judgement

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering (ABET accredited)

Job description

This position is designated as hard to fill and is eligible for the Employee Referral Incentive Program.

THIS POSITION IS AUTHORIZED FOR RELOCATION OR MOVING EXPENSE ASSISTANCE.

The purpose of this position is to manage the planning, design, construction, inspection and maintenance of roads and stormwater infrastructure in Dorchester County. This position works independently under limited supervision. The physical location is Dorchester County Public Works, 2120 E Main St, Dorchester, SC.

• Manages the Public Works Engineering plan review process for new developments and redevelopments regarding roads and stormwater infrastructure design and construction; Responsible for the review of construction plans and engineering calculations/reports related to land disturbance and encroachment permit applications to ensure all new developments and redevelopment plans comply with Federal, State and Dorchester County ordinances and design requirements. Participates in Technical Review Committee Meetings.
• Manages the Road Maintenance Acceptance Application (RMAA) process for accepting new roads, rights of way, easements and associated sidewalk and stormwater maintenance infrastructure into the County maintenance system; Including application review, inspections, coordination with developers and engineers, and coordinating the addition of assets into the asset management system.
• Plans, coordinates and supervises stormwater and engineering capital projects from cradle to grave as assigned by the Director of Public Works. Develops project scope and budgets, monitors progress and expenditures, and prepares related reports.
• Oversees and manages all construction phases of assigned projects, including approving contractor payment applications, ensuring all permits and rights-of-way have been obtained, coordinating with local utilities, developing change orders and contract amendments, resolving contractor disputes and problems, visiting construction sites to provide an engineering perspective to construction activity, and providing detailed project updates.
• Supervises assigned staff of engineers, inspectors and a project coordinator. Supervisory duties include training, assigning, reviewing and planning work of others; maintaining standards; coordinating activities; hiring new employees; responding to employee problems and concerns; preparing annual performance evaluations; recommending and performing disciplinary actions; and recommending discharge as appropriate.
• Manages engineering, stormwater, construction and CEI consultant contracts;
• Ensures departmental compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations, County policies, ordinances and procedures, and standards of quality and safety.
• Performs field investigations and provides engineering guidance to field operations staff in the construction and maintenance of County-maintained roads, sidewalks and stormwater infrastructure.
• Provides on-site construction supervision to ensure that activities are being constructed in accordance with plans, specifications, permits, established schedules and contracts; Coordinates accordingly with other County departments, contractors, developers, engineers, land surveyors, architects, attorneys, utility companies, environmental agencies, special interest groups and other parties as necessary.
• Reviews and recommends updates regarding County roads and stormwater design standards and ordinances.
• Works closely with the Stormwater Manager to ensure compliance with Dorchester County’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit
• Coordinates closely with other Public Works divisions, County departments, municipalities, regulatory agencies, utility companies, developers, contractors, property owners and other outside agencies as appropriate.
• Receives and responds timely, courteously and effectively to inquiries, concerns, complaints and requests for assistance regarding areas of responsibility.
• Investigates drainage complaints to determine root cause and recommends appropriate solutions.
• Coordinates the use of available resources to obtain maximum effectiveness and efficiency and to ensure project schedules and deadlines are met.
• Keeps Director of Public Works fully and accurately informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems.
• Conducts and participates in meetings, committees and media interviews to present, review, evaluate, or explain the Department’s programs, projects, policies, procedures, methods, materials, or budgets.
• Attends training, meetings, conferences, seminars, etc., as appropriate to enhance and maintain knowledge of current legislation, trends and technology in assigned areas of responsibility.
• All County employees are considered public servants for the citizens of Dorchester County. When requested before, during, or after an emergency event, County employees are expected to work and serve the public in coping with the emergency.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline from an ABET accredited college or university.

AND

• At least eight (8) years of progressive engineering and project management experience.

Special Qualifications, Certifications and Licenses:

• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.
• Must possess a Professional Engineer license.
• Must have experience in reviewing complex engineering reports/calculations, civil construction plans and specifications.
• Exprerience working with United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) is preferred.

Unavoidable Hazards (Work Environment):

Work is performed in a safe and secure work environment that may periodically have unpredicted requirements or demands.

Dorchester County has the right to revise this job description at any time. Thisdescription does not represent in any way a contract of employment.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position; typical work hours and days are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Some flexibility in hours is allowed, but employees must be available during the “core” work hours of 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and must work 40 hour each week to maintain fulltime status. Employees must be available to work evenings, weekends and holidays during emergencies or as requested.

E.O.E. Dorchester County does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability or military service in employment or the provision of services.