Chief of Engineering

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Full Time Management Columbus, GA, US

13 days ago Requisition

Salary Range: $ To $ Annually

Columbus Water Works (CWW) is seeking an experienced, Georgia-licensed Professional Engineer to serve as Chief of Engineering
. This senior leadership position is responsible for directing the Engineering Division and providing strategic leadership in the planning, delivery, and stewardship of the City’s water and wastewater infrastructure. The role is integral to supporting the City’s economic development by ensuring reliable, sustainable infrastructure that promotes business growth, attracts investment, and meets the long-term needs of the community.

The Chief of Engineering provides both strategic and technical leadership to a highly skilled team of engineers and operations support staff, while overseeing capital program delivery and holding Delegated Authority with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD). This position is accountable for contract administration, construction management, and in-house design services for critical water and wastewater facilities and infrastructure.

With oversight of a comprehensive capital and in-house engineering program of approximately $7 million annually
, the Chief plays a key role in near- and mid-term planning, system expansion and rehabilitation, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives. Project responsibilities include water distribution and wastewater collection systems, treatment facilities, rehabilitation programs, utility relocations, capacity analyses, and hydraulic modeling.

At CWW, engineering excellence is rooted in collaboration, trust, and a shared commitment to public service
. This role offers the opportunity to lead within a team-oriented organization that values mentorship, professional development, and pride in serving the community.

• Bachelor’s degree in civil, Environmental, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline from an accredited university
• Georgia Professional Engineer (PE) license required
• Minimum 5+ years of progressive engineering experience
  , with increasing leadership responsibility (senior-level experience strongly preferred)
• Ability to obtain Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission (GSWCC)
  Erosion and Sediment Control certification within six (6) months
• Deep knowledge of civil engineering principles as applied to water and wastewater utilities
• Proven ability to analyze complex technical, regulatory, and operational challenges and deliver sound, practical solutions
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex technical concepts for non-technical audiences
• Demonstrated ability to represent the organization professionally with regulators, elected officials, contractors, consultants, developers, and the public
• Commitment to CWW’s Purpose, Vision, and Values
  , and the ability to model leadership behaviors that foster trust, accountability, and collaboration

* The Engineering Department must maintain an active Professional Engineer (on staff or via defined consulting agreement) with Delegated Authority in compliance with Georgia EPD requirements.

• Serve as the organization’s engineering authority for EPD permitting, compliance, and regulatory coordination
• Resolve complex permit submissions and regulatory compliance matters
• Respond to advanced technical requests requiring professional engineering judgment and approval

• Provide oversight of public water and sewer infrastructure installations by the development community (approx. $5M annually)
• Lead and manage in-house engineering design projects (. $2M in annual construction value)
• Direct system expansions for water distribution and wastewater collection systems across multiple service areas
• Manage engineering aspects of contract modifications related to the Fort Benning contract

• Proactively…