PRINCIPAL ENGINEER

Salary : $108,730.97 - $119,604.07 Annually
Location : Dorchester, SC, SC
Job Type: FULL-TIME
Job Number: 02106
Department: ROAD MAINTENANCE
Opening Date: 07/16/2026


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 incumbent performs a variety of routine-to-complex technical engineering and administrative work in support of the planning, design, construction and maintenance of County public works projects; and to perform related work as required. The incumbent also works within a general outline of work to be performed and develops work methods and sequences under minimum supervision.

Duties

• Oversees department engineering projects to include planning of construction projects, the review of plans for department and development projects, the permitting for projects, and the evaluating of the existing system; designs and prepares reports; reviews contracts; coordinates projects with other County departments and regulatory agencies; and provides information to citizens and design engineers.
• Manages the Public Works Engineering plan review process (Evolve) for the approval of new development and redevelopment regarding stormwater and roads designs.
• Reviews construction plans and technical calculations for roads and drainage for new development in the County securing required permits.
• Assist with the MS4 permitting program
• Represents Public Works at Technical Review Committee meetings
• Coordinates with developers and engineers to ensure federal, state, and local design standards are met.
• Review and manage updates to the plan review process and associated forms and checklists.
• Implement and train staff using Blue Beam into the Evolve process when conducting plan reviews.
• Implement document control to enhance a paperless records management system.
• Manages the RMAA process for accepting new roads into the County maintenance system including application review, inspections and coordination with engineers and land developers.
• Project manage, budget input and technical assistance implementing the Capital Improvement Plan projects.
• Review and update County engineering standards coordinate with various departments within the County.
• Assist in implementation of the County CTC program
• Coordinates maintenance activities relating to infrastructure improvement projects.
• Coordinates with the flood plain manager on project requirements
• Research grant funding opportunities for flood and stormwater management.
• Mentor and oversee staff Civil Engineers and Civil Tech plan reviews and field inspections.
• Project manage county road construction projects and provide technical recommendations as necessary.
• Ensures departmental compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, County policies and procedures and standards of quality and safety.
• Review complex engineering calculations and reports for compliance with state and county requirements.
• Reviews all projects for completeness and accuracy; evaluate and make recommendations as appropriate; and offers technical guidance as needed.
• Review and approve encroachment permits.
• Review and approve EPSC permits.
• Plans and designs stormwater infrastructure projects ensuring good engineering construction principles and standards are followed.
• Evaluates influence of projects on total County stormwater system. Prepares applicable reports, maps, drawings, tests and Geographic Information System (GIS), Light Imaging Detection Ranging (LIDAR) to plan and direct design of Public Works and utility projects.
• Prepares and presents project cost estimates; determines feasibility of project based on analysis of data.
• Prepares and maintains accurate and complete work records and reports as required.
• Coordinates department activities and functions with those of other County divisions, departments, municipalities, developers, contractors, property owners and outside agencies as appropriate.
• Receives and responds to inquiries, concerns, complaints and requests for assistance regarding areas of responsibility.
• Directs and inspects residential and commercial construction and maintenance activities at project sites including roads and drainage.
• Directs and coordinates with Civil Technicians in preparation and update of County maps, plats, drawings and blueprints as necessary; uses both manual and computer-assisted methods; establishes and maintains GIS system showing locations of all roads and drainage systems by converting data into GIS system.
• Manages Survey Crew Supervisor and crew as needed.
• Research, compiles, and analyzes data for special studies, maps, drawings, reports and presentations. Provide disaster response and damage assessments with Emergency Management during natural disasters and represents PW in the Emergency Operations Center as directed.
• Represents and conveys Stormwater policy/management and directives at technological conferences/training events, Dorchester County Administrator and staff meetings, local/state politician meetings, County Council meetings and Homeowner Association (HOA) meetings as needed.
• Performs general administrative/clerical work as required including, but not limited to, copying, and filing documents, entering and retrieving computer data, preparing spreadsheets, maintaining various lists and logs, answering the telephone, etc.
• Attends training, meetings, conferences, seminars, etc., as appropriate to enhance job knowledge and skills.
• Represents Engineering Manager and Public Works Director in meetings as directed.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Education and Experience:

Bachelor's in Civil Engineering degree or equal from an Accredited Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) program.

Requires at least eight (8) years of related work experience with five or more years of administrative supervision experience.

Additional Requirements
Special Qualifications:

Must possess a valid state driver's license.

Must possess a Professional Engineer license.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
For more information on Dorchester County Government please view the information below:
Benefits for County Employees
County Employees may be eligible for a variety of State benefits associated with their employment. From a comprehensive health and dental insurance program, to generous annual and sick leave policies, to a solid and secure retirement system.
Healthcare Benefits
(Full-time employees)

Dorchester County is a part of the State Benefits Program. The State program offers its employees a comprehensive health and dental program, along with a wide array of supplemental insurance programs. South Carolina has long been committed to providing its employees the best possible insurance benefits at the greatest possible value. We've maintained that commitment, too, even in the face of healthcare costs that continue to soar. You may refer to the link for more information.
Retirement Benefits

In addition to our health and dental insurance programs, all county employees are a part of the South Carolina Retirement System. These programs are designed to help provide county employees secure retirement alternatives that will best meet their needs. You may refer to the link for more information.
Workplace Benefits
In addition, county employees may be eligible for other benefits, such as holidays, annual leave, and sick leave.
Note: The above benefits are available to most county employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or none of these benefits based on the benefits associated with each position. For these positions, please contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available for the particular position.
01


Do you have a minimum of a Bachelor's degree?

• YES
• NO

02


Please provide the major/minor of study.
03


Do you have at least eight (8) years of related work experience with five or more years of administrative supervision experience?

• YES
• NO

04


Please explain your prior supervisory experience.
05


Do you have a valid state driver's license?

• YES
• NO

06


Do you have a Professional Engineering License?

• YES
• NO

07


Please explain your experience with reviewing construction plans and technical calculations for roads and drainage development.
08


Please explain your experience in making presentations of civil engineering recommendations to government agencies and civic groups.
09


Please explain your experience in capital projects and storm water projects.
10


How did you hear about this position?Government Website (dorchestercountysc.gov)Career FairSC WorksIndeed.comRadio AdvertisementDorchester County EmployeeOther
11


If you answered "other", please tell us how you learned of this position.
12


If you answered "Dorchester County Employee" to the previous question, please list employee's name.
Required Question