Position Summary
The Town of Chapin is seeking a licensed Professional Engineer to serve as Town Engineer for the Utilities Department. This position is the Town’s primary technical lead for water distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, and related municipal infrastructure. Chapin Utilities serves more than 6,900 customers in a growing Lake Murray / Midlands community. The system includes purchased potable water from the City of Columbia, a 250,000-gallon elevated storage tank, approximately 40 miles of water main, a 2.4 MGD wastewater treatment plant, about 75 sewer lift stations, and roughly 158 miles of gravity and force-main sewer. The Town Engineer designs, reviews, permits, and oversees capital and development-related work so that growth is served safely, in compliance with SCDES and EPA requirements, and consistent with Town standards. Essential Duties
- Plan, design, and manage capital improvement projects for water, sewer, wastewater treatment, and related public infrastructure, including cost estimates, bid documents, construction administration, and close-out.
- Serve as Engineer of Record and seal plans, specifications, reports, and other documents as authorized.
- Review private development plans, construction drawings, and as-builts for water, sewer, pump systems, Letts tanks, and related infrastructure; ensure compliance with Town ordinances, specifications, and SCDES requirements.
- Coordinate permitting with SCDES and other agencies as required, including construction permits, capacity certifications, and operating permits.
- Support grant applications and administration for infrastructure projects (federal, state, and regional programs).
- Provide construction inspection support and coordinate with the Utilities Inspector/GIS staff, locators, and maintenance crews.
- Assist with GIS mapping of Town infrastructure and maintain accurate record drawings.
- Advise the Director and Deputy Director on system capacity, hydraulic performance, inflow and infiltration, odor and overflow issues, plant upgrades, and long-range capital needs.
- Prepare technical reports, Council briefing materials, and public-facing project information as requested.
- Work with consultants, contractors, developers, SCDOT, neighboring utilities, and the public in a professional, customer-focused manner.
- Participate in emergency response for water main breaks, sewer overflows, and similar events as needed.
- Respond to requests for information or commitments on water and sewer connections.
- Perform other related engineering and project-management duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a closely related field from an ABET-accredited program.
- Current Professional Engineer (P.E.) license in South Carolina, or the ability to obtain South Carolina licensure within six (6) months of hire.
- Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible experience in municipal water/wastewater or public-works engineering, including design and construction of distribution and collection systems. Experience with treatment facilities, lift stations, and development plan review is strongly preferred.
- Valid South Carolina driver’s license (or ability to obtain) and acceptable driving record.
- Working knowledge of SCDES drinking water and wastewater regulations, EPA requirements applicable to small-to-mid-size systems, and standard municipal construction practices.
- Proficiency with engineering design software, Microsoft Office, and the ability to work with GIS (ArcGIS or similar). AutoCAD experience preferred.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior municipal or special-purpose district experience in South Carolina.
- Experience managing CIP budgets, consultants, and construction contracts.
- Familiarity with purchased-water systems, force-main networks, and WWTP expansion or upgrade projects.
- Grant writing or administration experience (CDBG, SRF, congressional, or similar).
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong technical judgment in hydraulics, collection and distribution design, and constructability.
- Ability to read, interpret, and produce construction plans and specifications.
- Clear written and oral communication with elected officials, staff, contractors, and residents.
- Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and work independently in a small-town department.
- Commitment to public service, safety, and regulatory compliance.
Compensation and Benefits
Salary is competitive and will be based on qualifications and experience. The Town offers an excellent benefits package, including health insurance, South Carolina Retirement System (SCRS) participation, paid leave, holidays, and support for professional licensure and continuing education. How to Apply
Submit a cover letter, résumé, copy of P.E. license (or comity status), and at least three professional references by one of the following methods:
- Online: Town of Chapin employment portal at www.chapinsc.com/Jobs.aspx (Government Jobs tab).
- Email: info@chapinsc.com
- Mail: Town of Chapin, Attn: Town Engineer Search, P.O. Box 183, Chapin, SC 29036
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Apply Online for Town Engineer
