Construction Manager

Job Announcement No: 26-074

Vacant Position(s): 1

Department: Engineering and Construction

Applications Accepted through Sunday, May 17, 2026

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

Grade: 111

Hours:  7:00 am – 4:00 pm (Flexible)

Position Summary:

The Construction Manager is responsible for the overall coordination and administration of CWS construction inspection for all assigned projects.  Responsibilities include direct management of construction inspection staff and all activities necessary to ensure that the administration and construction of assigned projects are in accordance with all CWS policies and CWS Minimum Standards for Design and Construction of Water and Wastewater Systems.   

Essential Functions:

• Responsible for direct supervision of Engineering & Construction department Construction Inspectors and other assigned staff.
• Interacts with Engineering & Construction, Customer Service and/or Operations staff as necessary for coordination of assigned major capital and new development projects.   
• Supervises, coordinates, and tracks Construction staff plan reviews and inspections, ensuring timely and accurate documentation of all assigned projects.
• Ensures all assigned projects are constructed in accordance with the requirements of all federal, state and local regulations, permits and codes as well as Charleston Water System’s Minimum Standards for Design and Construction of Water and Wastewater Systems.
• Prepares and maintains project status reporting for all assigned projects.
• Monitors and tracks project progress and initiates project closeout process.
• Coordinates with Asset Management & GIS staff to ensure proper coordination of project transition from construction phase to closeout phase.
• Under limited supervision, responsible for maintaining Charleston Water System’s Approved Contractors Lists by keeping all contact information current, verifying contractor qualification requirements, reviewing contractor requests to be placed on the Approved Contractors Lists for Small and/or Large Projects, and managing associated process SOIs.
• Assists in the review and update of CWS technical specifications, construction details, and Minimum Standards to ensure alignment with regulatory requirements, materials, and construction best practices.
• Leads initiatives to integrate field-based insights and industry- best practices into organizational standards, and collaborates across departments to ensure documents support efficient, compliant, and high-quality construction and operational outcomes. 
• Responsible for stakeholder outreach, including responding to inquiries from developers, contractors and the public regarding project status or requirements and resolution of any escalated complaints.
• Responsible for maintaining all assigned EMS and EMS related documents, ensuring compliance with EMS program requirements.
• Provides assistance to engineers, surveyors, technicians, developers, contractors and others involved in CWS business as may be appropriate.
• Responsible for auditing and reviewing inspector documentation in project management software, such as Cityworks PLL, for conformance with CWS policies, procedures and document retention requirements.
• Supports training and onboarding of new inspectors or junior staff by providing mentorship on CWS standard procedures and best practices. 

• 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.

Physical Requirements, Activities, and Working Conditions

• Ability to effectively communicate in writing and verbally includes comprehension of complex oral and written instruction.
• Must be able to make visual observations in daylight and night.
• Occasionally positions self to maneuver objects up to 50 pounds. Objects greater than 50 pounds require a 2-person operation.
• Ability to traverse in adverse field conditions include construction work sites, unpaved streets, uneven ground, cluttered work areas, wet conditions, etc.
• Ability to ascend and descend ladders or steps to evaluate or inspect equipment and facilities.

• 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 Engineering, Construction Management or related field with at least four (4) years of progressive experience in the design, inspection and/or construction of water and wastewater systems with increasing levels of responsibility; or a combination of education and/or experience totaling seven (7) years with increasing levels of responsibility.

• Professional knowledge of construction methods, techniques, materials testing and project management specific to water and wastewater systems, with the ability to provide technical guidance and resolve complex field and design challenges.
• Extensive knowledge of CWS’s Minimum Standards preferred, with a demonstrated ability to interpret, apply, and advise others on standards in complex and non-routine project scenarios.
• Proven ability to evaluate completed projects and provide, organize, review and complete project closeout documentation.
• Excellent writing, reporting, and communication skills, with the capacity to prepare and present reports, recommendations and project updates to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to provide detailed plan, technical specification, and constructability review of water and wastewater projects. 
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (including Word, Excel and PowerPoint), and proficiency in using Bluebeam or similar construction markup software for drawing review and annotation.
• Proficient in GIS platforms, such as ArcPro, with the ability to analyze and integrate spatial data into project planning.
• Demonstrated ability to provide exceptional customer service at a senior level, including the capacity to proactively manage stakeholder relationships, address escalated concerns and support cross-departmental collaboration.
• Ability to provide technical and procedural guidance to junior staff, ensuring consistent application of standards and best practices across all projects.
• Ability to make independent decisions and develop solutions by analyzing, reasoning, and arriving at a conclusion that will solve problems encountered while carrying out assigned tasks.

• Prior work record indicating dependability and conscientiousness.

Licenses, Certifications, Registrations

• Ability to obtain an “A” level Water Distribution Operator’s License in South Carolina within two (2) years of hire preferred.
• Ability to obtain an “A” level Wastewater Collection System Operator’s License in South Carolina within two (2) of hire preferred.
• 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.