Engineering Assistant (26-004)

Job Description Engineering Assistant Job Announcement No: 26-004 Vacant Position(s):

1

Department:

Engineering & Construction

Applications Accepted through Sunday January 18, 2026 Salary Range:

$

57,366.40 ($27.58/hr.) – $88,940.80 ($42.76/hr.) Grade:

108

Hours: 7:00am – 4:30 pm

Position Summary

Under limited supervision, provides engineering support for a variety of projects and programs.

Essential Functions

- Reviews development plans, specifications, and calculations for conformance with CWS Minimum Standards for the Design & Construction of Water and Wastewater Systems.

- Tracks and manages water and sewer development projects from initial submittal to start of construction.

- Prepares fee determinations and issues invoices to developers for CWS impact and tap fees.

- Determines availability and non-availability of water and wastewater service for development projects.

- Acts as liaison between CWS and developer engineers to obtain hydraulic flow analyses of water distribution systems and capacity analyses of wastewater collection systems.

- Prepares permit applications for submission to local, state, and federal permitting agencies.

- Prepares maps and exhibits by compiling data from record drawings, valve cards, GIS, and other applicable sources.

- Prepares written correspondence to developers and engineers.

- Organizes and conducts hydrostatic flow tests on CWS’ water distribution system.

- Assists process and/or project engineers in all aspects of project administration.

- Maintains correct knowledge of regulatory requirements and CWS minimum standards for water and/or wastewater.

- May be required to work during emergency conditions.

- Regular attendance is required.

- Job performance must conform to all CWS policies and procedures.

- Specific knowledge of CWS Environmental Management System Policy and Procedures.

Additional Duties

- Performs other related duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

Physical Requirements, Activities, and Working Conditions

- Ability to exert up to 50 lbs of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 lbs of force frequently, and/or up to 10 lbs of force constantly to move objects. Objects greater than 50 lbs require a two-person operation.

- Constantly works in internal / external environmental conditions. Subject to atmospheric conditions of one or more of the following that affect the respiratory system or skin: Fumes (paint), odors, dusts, gases, etc. Personnel Protective Equipment Required.

- Routinely ascend/descend ladders, stairs, and ramps as high as thirteen (13) stories at Plum Island and three (3) stories at Hanahan.

- Constantly positions self to move, traverse for long distances as necessary to perform required work.

- Ability to make visual observations of all basins and equipment, obtain instrument-reading data, and collect samples and field test readings from numerous sample points. (Hanahan)

- Must be able to turn large valve operator wheels and chain mechanisms (Hanahan).

- Ability to lift and/or transport up to 50 lbs. Objects greater than 50 lbs requires a two-person operation.

- May be required to wear a respirator.

- Using upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, drag, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion.

- Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward or outward.

- Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make fine discriminations in sound, such as when to make fine adjustments to equipment.

- Ability to convey detailed instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, and quickly.

- Ability to observe and comprehend computer screens.

- Ability to work at elevated height levels as needed to perform various tasks.

- Ability to operate and maintain motor vehicles.

- Must be able to wear Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) as defined in the Job Safety Analysis (JSA) to perform the required essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

- Associate Degree in Civil, Mechanical (Engineering Dept. position only) or Chemical Engineering, or closely related science and two (2) year’s related experience; or combination of education and progressively complex work experience to equal five (5) years.

- Knowledge and understanding of Charleston Water System’s water distribution and wastewater collection systems.

- Knowledge and understanding of Charleston Water System’s Minimum Standards for the Design & Construction of Water and Wastewater Systems.

- Have working knowledge and experience with GIS software.

- Working knowledge and experience with the theory and operations of water and wastewater systems.

- Must have excellent organizational skills.

- Ability to multi-task on numerous projects in varying stages of review, approval, and permitting.

- Operate a personal computer and efficiently use Microsoft Office software programs.

- Ability to evaluate problems and develop and implement solutions.

- Application of engineering/surveying principles and practices.

- Prior work record indicating dependability and conscientiousness.

Licenses, Certifications, Registrations

- Valid South Carolina Driver’s License required.

Training Needs

- OSHA and Departmental safety training as required.

- Skills Based Training

- Standard Operating Instruction (SOI) per department requirements

- ISO 14001 standards for department and company.

- See Department Competency and Training Matrix for this position

Potential Career Path

ELIGIBILITY FOR PROMOTION TO VARIOUS POSITIONS THROUGHOUT THE COMMISSION DEPENDS UPON INDIVIDUAL QUALIFICATIONS, AND NOTED JOB PROGRESSIONS ARE NO GUARANTEE OF CAREER PATH TO THESE OR ANY OTHER JOB(S) AT THE COMMISSION.

- Engineer

- New Development Program Manager