Associate Engineer Jobs in Charleston, SC (NOW HIRING)

Job Description

Associate Plant Engineer

Job Announcement No: 26-102

Vacant Position(s): 1

Department: Environmental Resources

Applications Accepted through Sunday, August 9, 2025.

Hiring Range:

$78,457.60 ($37.72/hr.) – $98,072.00 ($47.15/hr.)

Salary Range:

$78,457.60 ($37.72/hr.) – $121,617.60 ($58.47/hr.)

Grade: 111

Hours: 7:00 am – 3:30pm

Position Summary:

Under limited supervision prepares project designs, drawings, construction documents, cost estimates, material orders, reports, addenda and change orders, and planning recommendations for infrastructure and process improvements at domestic wastewater treatment facilities.  Provides technical guidance to assist in the operations and maintenance of the wastewater treatment facilities.

Essential Functions:

·Develop capital projects for plant optimization, manpower efficiency, and regulatory compliance.

• Develop and prioritize equipment upgrades and new purchases.
• Routinely inspect and spot-check all facilities to identify physical plant deficiencies and needs.
• Supervise the Engineering Co-Op as needed.
• Perform studies and engineering investigations and provide cost estimates.
• Provide project management for projects assigned to outside engineering consultants.
• Coordinate with Engineering & Construction department engineers on completion of major capital projects.
• Manage technical aspects of implementing net recurring projects.  Coordinate with all stakeholders.
• Evaluate work process that are labor intensive and develop systems and procedures to automate and simplify work processes.
• Assess and develop projects that leverage use of manpower.
• Identify, locate, and evaluate equipment to maximize use of personnel and reduce other operating cost.
• Assist operations department in identifying and developing improvement opportunities.
• Job performance must conform to all CWS Policies and procedures
• Specific knowledge of CWS Environmental Management System policies and procedures.
• May be required to work during emergency (hazardous) 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

• Subject to 24-hour on-call.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

Physical Requirements, Activities, and Working Conditions

• Routinely ascend/descend ladders, stairs and ramps as high as thirteen (13) stories at Plum Island.  Ability to work at elevated height levels as needed to perform various task.
• Ability to make visual observations of repairs, construction, equipment installation and field work in progress to ensure compliance.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing, verbally and with a 2-way radio, to include comprehension of complex oral and written instructions.
• Ability to move about extensively for long distances over an extensive plant site with varied topography and features.
• Occasionally positions self to exert up to 50 lbs of force and/or up to 25 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.
• May be required to wear a respirator and/or self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
• Required to work with chemicals used in wastewater treatment processes.
• Frequently positions self to move, traverse to perform required work.
• Frequent sedentary work with extended sitting required.
• Occasional exposure to loud machinery. Hearing Protection Required.
• Ability to issue, receive and understand complex oral and written instructions.
• Ability to observe and comprehend computer screens. 
• Must be able to make visual observations in daylight and night.
• Ability to operate and maintain motor vehicles.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing, verbally and with a 2-way radio to include comprehension of complex oral and written instructions.
• 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

• Bachelor's degree in engineering from ABET (Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology) accredited program.
• At least 3 years’ experience managing capital projects strongly preferred.
• Computer skills:  must have extensive experience with windows-based word processing and spreadsheet software (prefer Word or Excel).  Including use of complex, menu driven programs.
• Good public speaking skills enabling the presentation of reports, project concepts and other information to regulatory boards, environmental groups, town or city councils or others as required.
• Prior work record indicating dependability and conscientiousness.

Licenses, Certifications, Registrations

• Engineer-in-Training registration required within 24 months of hire.
• "B" Biological Wastewater Treatment Operator License required within 24 months of hire.
• 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.

• Plant Engineer
• Engineer