Chief of Engineering

Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority•Bluffton, SC

About The Position

SUMMARY: Under limited supervision, manages the Engineering Department and is responsible for the planning, administration, and direction of all Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority (BJWSA) activities related to engineering for water and sewer system improvements and connections. Assigns works and exercises general supervision and final authority over the work of the Engineering Department. Manages policy development and activities related to: Water & Sewer Master Plan, new design and related construction of Developer funded and BJWSA capital projects, and Development Policy and Procedure program. Ensures the necessary infrastructure and facilities are in place to support current and projected needs of the service area in accordance with best engineering practices. Provides significant input in determining and implementing policy, procedures, and continuous improvement initiatives. Specific emphasis on the importance of maintaining a safe working environment for employees.

Requirements

Requires Bachelor’s Degree in environmental, civil or mechanical engineering
Minimum 10 years’ experience in engineering design, water/wastewater utility management, asset management programs or related project management, and program management.
Each applicant must have experience in a high level supervisory or management position that demonstrates a thorough knowledge of engineering practices as they relate to the water/wastewater industry.
Professional Engineer licensed in the State of South Carolina or in a state with equivalent registration requirements. Applicants must be registered within one year in the State of South Carolina.
Requires a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

Supports, develops and implements short and long-range strategic planning and implementation of the Capital Improvements Plan, Water & Sewer Master Plan, and the Wastewater Delegated Review Program ensuring the necessary facilities are in place to support current and projected needs of customers, users and the service area.
Fulfills successfully the following leadership functions: safety, recruitment, learning and development, succession planning, employee relations concerns/resolutions, counseling, performance management, promotions, salary administration, policy development/adherence, ethics, budget preparation/adherence and disciplinary actions. Ensures employee issues are dealt with sensitively resulting in legal, fair, consistent and defensible actions
Assists with the Asset Management Program and related initiatives by supporting the identification and funding of resource requirements.
Ensures Board Committee Reports are properly and timely prepared and distributed. Such reports may include construction status, Capital Improvement costs, asset management progress, etc. Attends Board and Board Committee meetings as appropriate.
Oversees Engineering staff and project managers on all capital improvement projects regarding schedule and budget development and adherence.
Participates, as necessary, in the review and approval of engineering design plans, contracts, land purchase, irrigation, materials purchase, construction progress, specifications for projects for eventual Authority ownership to ensure proper design, good construction practice consistent with Authority construction guidelines and ease of operation and maintenance per the Authority's Development Policy and Procedure Program.
Approves and participates, as necessary, in negotiations and problem resolution with vendors, contractors, developers, outsource providers, consultant contracts and service agreements.
Confers with jurisdictional officials, consultants, contractors, and citizens regarding issues related to BJWSA projects.
Represents the Authority at public meetings and informational sessions; makes public presentations on BJWSA engineering plans and projects.
Confers with water quality authorities and environmental protection authorities at the state and federal levels for construction and product compliance.
Prepares annual budgets, prepares, monitors, and updates capital improvement plan budget for the Authority.
Monitors adherence to local, state, and national electric codes, environmental and regulatory standards, service level agreements, deadlines, quality, budget and established OSHA and Authority safety regulations and policies.
Monitors adherence to safety and security policies and implements changes when needed.
Ensures proper support is provided during emergencies including reliable after-hours response.
Performs other duties as required.