Project Manager IV

Richland County; United States; On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Richland County seeks a Transportation Project Manager (Class IV) to lead the Transportation Penny Program. This role involves overseeing engineering projects from design to completion, ensuring compliance with SCDOT standards and managing contractor relationships.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, a minimum of 8 years of experience, and be a Registered Professional Engineer in South Carolina. This position requires strong negotiation and project management skills in a collaborative work environment.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of relevant experience in civil or construction engineering.
• Must obtain ASPE Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) certification within 6 months.
• Valid South Carolina state driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the project planning process with staff and consultants.
• Establish project schedules involving various stakeholders.
• Negotiate scopes and fees for design contracts.

Skills

Transportation planning

Project management

Construction contract management

Negotiation

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering

Registered Professional Engineer in South Carolina

Job description

General Description

The Transportation Project Manager (Class IV) serves as the lead project manager for all projects funded by the Richland County Transportation Penny Program within the Transportation Department. The manager will implement and oversee all aspects of the program, providing in-house transportation engineering project management from design to completion. The role requires expertise in transportation planning, project scheduling, surveying, engineering and design, right‑of‑way acquisition, utility coordination, permitting, cost estimating, construction plan review, construction procurement, value engineering, construction contract management, construction inspection and standards, field revisions, and conflict resolution.

Responsibilities

• Lead the project planning process with staff and consultants to maximize deliverables efficiently.
• Prepare project estimates for use in project plans, program planning, and project selection with the Transportation Penny Advisory Committee.
• Establish project schedules based on input from staff, program management firms, and stakeholders from other government agencies such as the City, SCDOT, DHEC, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
• Negotiate scopes and fees for design contracts to include field surveying, engineering, and design for Transportation Penny projects.
• Direct plan revisions to minimize right‑of‑way acquisitions; meet with right‑of‑way agents, property owners, and condemnation attorneys to settle acquisitions.
• Facilitate meetings between designers and utility companies to identify utility impacts within project limits and oversee utility relocations efficiently.
• Submit plans for permitting and manage responses from permitting entities such as S.C. DHEC and U.S. ACE.
• Manage reconciliation meetings between designers and program management firms to finalize estimates prior to bid openings.
• Oversee construction plan reviews with staff, designers, and government agencies to address plan review comments.
• Ensure specifications and special provisions accompany final construction plans in bid documents.
• Participate in procurement of contractors, addressing questions submitted prior to bid openings.
• Manage value engineering meetings pre and post‑construction.
• Serve as construction contract manager, including field inspection, approval of revisions, and conflict resolution.
• Maintain knowledge of SCDOT and County roadway and bridge design and construction standards.
• Meet with County officials, residents, and citizen groups to discuss and resolve issues related to Transportation Penny projects.
• Assist in staffing the Transportation Penny Advisory Committee.
• Attend and participate in County Council and Committee meetings as needed.
• Supervise subordinates and support staff, providing instruction, assigning and reviewing work, coordinating activities, selecting new employees, and handling discipline and discharge.
• Perform general administrative and clerical work such as preparing reports, correspondence, filing documents, and entering data.
• Attend meetings, workshops, and conferences to maintain knowledge of current legislation, trends, and technology in the area of responsibility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, construction engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of eight years of relevant experience; preferred experience with SCDOT.
• Registered Professional Engineer in the State of South Carolina required.
• Valid South Carolina state driver’s license.
• Must obtain the ASPE Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) certification within six months.
• Project Management Institute course as sequenced and approved by the Director.

Additional Competencies

Involvement with data, people, and things requires advanced problem‑solving, customer service, negotiation, and policy development skills. The role involves reasoning, mathematical analysis, language proficiency, and mental focus to formulate crucial recommendations and make technical decisions that affect the organization.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

The position involves light physical activity, walking or standing, and handling up to 20 lbs. Exposure may include bright/dim light, dust, pollen, noise, vibration, fumes, moving machinery, electrical shock, and chemicals. Normal visual acuity, depth perception, hearing, and speaking abilities are required.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Richland County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees may discuss accommodations with the County.

ADA Compliance

Richland County complies with the Americans With Disabilities Act and will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Employees are invited to discuss accommodations as needed.