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Employment Opportunities

THE CITY OF WEST COLUMBIA

IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND A DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE.

The City of West Columbia appreciates your interest in our organization. The City provides a comprehensive benefits package to all full-time city employees, which includes health and life insurance, annual leave, and sick leave. In addition, the City participates in the SC Retirement System.

Please download and complete the following City application, as it is required for all applicants. You may also submit a resume with your application.

City Employment Opportunities

APPLICATIONS ARE CURRENTLY BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS:

Superintendent for Lake Murray Water Plant

Position hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, generally

Job Duties including, but not limited to:

  • Plans, directs, coordinates, organizes and controls the operation and maintenance of the Lake Murray Water Treatment Plant, a water treatment facility with a capacity of up to 40 MGD serving up to 100,000 people.
  • Ensures that the plant, pump stations, and laboratory are operated and maintained in compliance with regulatory agency guidelines (EPA and DHEC).
  • Ensures adequate production of water for the demand of the service area and ensures that the water plant facility is safe for all persons conducting their work duties at the plant.
  • Directs and oversees the work of the water plant staff; reviews daily operations schedule and lab data for the plant; routinely conducts site inspections of all facilities and lab; provides advice and/or assistance in resolving plant process problems.
  • Reviews and directs all maintenance work schedules and ensures all plant equipment is functioning and properly maintained.
  • Ensures that operators meet certification requirements for continued education.
  • Responsible for all purchases for the plant including chemicals, equipment, supplies, etc.; establishes bid list for major purchases; receives and awards bids as appropriate.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, environmental management/engineering, or other related field and six to nine years of experience operating and maintaining water treatment plants, pump stations, and laboratories, some of which should have been at the supervisory level; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities.  Must possess “Operator A” certification and a valid SC driver’s license.

Pay info: Salary range $67,235.43 – 94,131.33 DOQ with excellent benefits package including 13 holidays and participation in the State Retirement System, the SC Deferred Compensation Plan, and the State Health Plan with the employee’s health and basic dental insurance premiums paid by the city.

How to apply: Employment application is available on line at www.westcolumbiasc.gov and at the Customer Service Counter in the West Columbia City Hall, 200 N. 12th Street, West Columbia, SC 29169.  Completed, signed applications may be mailed to Carrie Garrett, Director of Human Resources, P. O. Box 4044, West Columbia, SC 29171-4044, emailed to employment@westcolumbiasc.gov, or faxed to (803) 939-8634.

Deadline: Open until filled.

The city of West Columbia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The city does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability.

Utilities Engineer – Water/Sewer Department

The City of West Columbia has an immediate opening for Utilities Engineer in the Water/Sewer Department.  Must have a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, supplemented by zero (0) to five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in public works, municipal utility design, civil design, construction and operations; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this position. Must possess and maintain a valid South Carolina driver’s license. At a minimum must hold Engineer-in-Training certification.

Principal elements of the position are:

  • Performs design and administrative review of commercial development, site, and subdivision development plans; reviews plats, plans, specifications, site development plans and subdivision designs prepared by engineering consultants, developers and other contractors for accuracy, completeness and conformance with various laws, codes and regulations, and engineering standards.
  • Responds to requests for detailed information related to the availability of water and sewer service in the city’s service areas.
  • Assists in duties related to the compliance of the stormwater program, which is administered by EPA and SCDHEC. Coordinates work with the County of Lexington and other municipalities in the Lexington County Stormwater Consortium.
  • Prepares and/or reviews highway encroachment permits for SCDOT, and reviews work for compliance with various laws, codes and regulations, and engineering standards.
  • Assists with city capital improvement projects as needed. Provides field observation of projects to ensure general compliance to approved plans and performs periodic oversight of contractors.
  • Assists with publication of requests for proposals, approval of bid packages, estimates of quantities, and negotiates with contractors when directed by Director of Engineering and Water Plants.
  • Prepares project reports, prepares invoices for funding sources and oversees closeout of projects; gathers, analyzes, and prepares data for studies, reports and recommendations.
  • Utilizes drafting and design software, electronic devices and equipment.

Starting Salary $67,235.43or higher DOQ and excellent benefits package including 13 holidays, participation in the State Retirement System, the SC Deferred Compensation Plan, and the State Health Plan with the employee’s portion of the health and basic dental insurance premium paid by the city

Employment application is available online at www.westcolumbiasc.gov and at the Customer Service Counter in the West Columbia City Hall, 200 N. 12th Street, West Columbia, SC 29169. Completed, signed applications with resume may be mailed to Carrie Garrett, Director of Human Resources, P.O. Box 4044, West Columbia, SC 29171-4044, faxed to (803) 939-8634, or e-mailed to employment@westcolumbiasc.gov.

The position will remain open until filled.

The City of West Columbia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The city does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability.

 

Crew Chief I - Water Sewer Department

Position hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, generally.

Job Duties including, but not limited to:

• Directs and oversees the installation and maintenance of water and sewer lines and related work such as making new water and sewer taps, cleaning sewer lines, etc. Performs such supervisory duties as instructing; making daily work assignments and inspecting work to ensure quality, completeness, and conformance as instructed; coordinating activities; allocating personnel for specific jobs; acting on employee problems; and selecting new employees.

• Obtains supplies and repair materials needed for the job.

• Utilizes a variety of tools, equipment and machinery such as backhoe, dump truck, water machine, tapping machine, sewer machine, pumps, jack hammer, air compressor, shovel, hammer, saw, etc.

• Communicates professionally with immediate supervisor, subordinates, Fire Department personnel, City Hall, citizens, etc.

• Reviews maps and blueprints as needed to complete duties.

Qualifications: High school diploma and one to two years of plumbing/sewer experience; or any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities. Must possess a valid SC driver’s license. Possession of a Commercial Driver’s License is desirable.

Salary: Salary range $45,480.81 – $63,674.76 with excellent benefits package including two weeks of vacation, 13 holidays, and participation in the State Retirement System, the SC Deferred Compensation Plan, and the State Health Plan with the employee’s health and dental insurance premiums paid by the city.

How to apply: Application is available on line at www.westcolumbiasc.gov and at the Customer Service Counter in the West Columbia City Hall, 200 N. 12th Street, West Columbia, SC 29169. Completed, signed applications may be mailed to Carrie Garrett, Director of Human Resources,
P. O. Box 4044, West Columbia, SC 29171-4044, faxed to (803) 939-8634, or emailed to employment@westcolumbiasc.gov. Resumes and cover letters are optional.

The position will remain open until filled.

The city of West Columbia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The city does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability.

Water Plant Operator “B”

Position hours: rotational 12-hour shift from 7 to 7, which includes working weekends and holidays.

Job Duties including, but not limited to:

  • Operates and controls electric motors and valves to regulate the flow of water treatment facility to regulate flow of raw water treating plant.
  • Monitors panel board and adjusts controls to regulate flow rates, loss of head pressure, water elevation and distribution of water.
  • Loads specified amounts of chemicals or adjusts automatic devices that admit specified chemicals into treatment section to disinfect and clarify water.
  • Tests water samples to determine acidity, color and impurities using a variety of meters.
  • Records data such as residual content of chemicals, water turbidity and water pressures.
  • Prepares various records and reports including flow charts, filter backwash charts, turbidity charts, bacteria records, dosage charts, and calibration charts; maintains such records and reports as directed by SC DHEC.
  • Cleans filter beds using backwash system.

Qualifications: Vocational/technical school education/training in water treatment plant operations and three to five years of experience in water treatment plant operations; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities.  Must possess “Operator B” certification.

Pay info: Minimum starting salary of $41,080.23 or higher DOQ, with excellent benefits package including 13 holidays and participation in the State Retirement System, the SC Deferred Compensation Plan, and the State Health Plan with the employee’s health and basic dental insurance premiums paid by the city.

How to apply: Employment application is available on line at www.westcolumbiasc.gov and at the Customer Service Counter in the West Columbia City Hall, 200 N. 12th Street, West Columbia, SC 29169.  Completed, signed applications may be mailed to Carrie Garrett, Director of Human Resources, P.O. Box 4044, West Columbia, SC 29171-4044, faxed to (803) 939-8634, or emailed to employment@westcolumbiasc.gov.

Deadline: Open until filled.

The city of West Columbia is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Water Plant Operator “A”

Position hours: rotational 12-hour shift from 7 to 7, which includes working weekends and holidays

Job Duties including, but not limited to:

  • Operates and controls electric motors and valves to regulate the flow of water treatment facility and operates and maintains SCADA System.
  • Monitors panel board and adjusts controls to regulate flow rates, loss of head pressure, water elevation and distribution of water.
  • Loads specified amounts of chemicals or adjusts automatic devices that admit specified chemicals into treatment section to disinfect and clarify water.
  • Tests water samples to determine acidity, color and impurities using a variety of meters.
  • Records data such as residual content of chemicals, water turbidity and water pressures.
  • Prepares various records and reports including flow charts, filter backwash charts, turbidity charts, bacteria records, dosage charts, and calibration charts; maintains such records and reports as directed by SC DHEC.
  • Cleans and maintains administrative, chemical, raw water and high service pump buildings; cleans filter beds using backwash system and periodically cleans filter basins and settlement basins with a pressure washer.

Qualifications: Vocational/technical school education/training in water treatment plant operations and one-year experience in water treatment plant operations; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities.  Must possess “Water Operator A” certification.

Pay info: Salary Range $46,342.11 – $64,880.02, with excellent benefits package including 13 holidays and participation in the State Retirement System, the SC Deferred Compensation Plan, and the State Health Plan with the employee’s health and basic dental insurance premiums paid by the city.

How to apply: Employment application is available online at www.westcolumbiasc.gov and at the Customer Service Counter in the West Columbia City Hall, 200 N. 12th Street, West Columbia, SC 29169.  Completed, signed applications (resume optional) may be mailed to Carrie Garrett, Director of Human Resources, P. O. Box 4044, West Columbia, SC 29171-4044, faxed to (803) 939-8634, or e-mailed to employment@westcolumbiasc.gov.

Deadline: Open until filled.

The city of West Columbia is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  The city does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability.

Truck Driver Sanitation Department

Position hours: 40 hours per week Monday Friday, with some overtime, weekend, and on-call hours expected.  Hours may change in summer months due to heat.

 

Job Duties including, but not limited to:

Drives and operates a heavy-duty boom truck on a scheduled residential route to load, transfer, and dispose of refuse and trash at the landfill.
May drive a recycling truck to collect recyclables and transport same to the Recycle Centers.
May assist with sorting recyclables.
May direct and oversee the work of inmates and Sanitation Workers in loading, sorting, and unloading refuse and recyclables.  Performs such supervisory duties as instructing; planning, assigning, and reviewing work; maintaining standards; and coordinating activities.
Ensures that trucks are properly loaded and in proper operating condition.  Is responsible for refueling trucks daily and performing maintenance on same, including washing them and changing tires as necessary.
Communicates with supervisor via two-way radio.
Receives and submits landfill weight tickets and gas tickets to appropriate person.
Operates/utilizes various types of machinery and equipment including various trucks, pitchfork, rake, shovel, etc.
Must be able to easily pick or lift weights up to 50 lbs.

Qualifications: Junior high school education with five to eleven months of experience as a truck/heavy equipment operator or a closely related position; or any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities.  Must possess a valid SC Driver’s License with no recent major violations. Must be physically able to perform the required manual labor.

 

Salary: Salary range $27,042.23 – $37,859.14 (FY 22-23). Excellent benefits package includes two weeks of vacation, 13 holidays and participation in the State Retirement System, the SC Deferred Compensation Plan, and the State Health Plan with the employee’s health and basic dental insurance premiums paid by the city.

How to apply: Application is available on line at www.westcolumbiasc.gov and at the Customer Service Counter in the West Columbia City Hall, 200 N. 12th Street, West Columbia, SC 29169.  Completed applications may be mailed to Carrie Garrett, Director of Human Resources, P. O. Box 4044, West Columbia, SC 29171-4044, emailed to employment@westcolumbiasc.gov, or faxed to (803) 939-8634

 

Position is open until filled.

The city of West Columbia is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  The city does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.

Equipment Operator II Water Distribution Department

Position hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with some overtime, weekend,and on-call hours expected.

 

Job Duties including, but not limited to:

Operates dump trucks and operates and maintains heavy equipment such as high-velocity machine, rodding machine, back hoe, tractor, water machine, sewer machine, pump, jack hammer, air compressor, shovel, hammer, saw, etc.
Cleans sewer lines and catch basins; washes streets as needed; unclogs sewer lines; and breaks up roots and various other objects which may clog sewer lines.
Operates small gasoline motors in order to operate water pumps used in flushing sewer lines and hose reels; utilizes rods in order to clean sewer lines.
Receives and reviews work orders.
Interacts professionally with supervisors and subordinates; gives instruction, direction and guidance to subordinates as needed.
Transports personnel, equipment and tools to job sites.
Prepares and transmits required job completion/status reports in order to keep supervisor informed of job progress.
May operate snow plow and sand spreaders during winter season as needed.

Qualifications: High school diplomas and six to eleven months of work experience in equipment operation of construction, or any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the job duties.  Must possess a valid SC Commercial Driver’s Licensewith no recent major violations.  Must be able to receive certification in waste control management.  Must be physically able to perform manual labor required for position.

Salary: Salary range $30,551.06 – $42,722.01 (FY 22-23). Excellent benefits package includes 13 holidays and participation in the State Retirement System, the SC Deferred Compensation Plan, and the State Health Plan with the employee’s health and basic dental insurance premiums paid by the city.

How to apply: Application is available on line at www.westcolumbiasc.gov and at the Customer Service Counter in the West Columbia City Hall, 200 N. 12th Street, West Columbia, SC 29169.  Completed applications may be mailed to Carrie Garrett, Director of Human Resources, PO Box 4044, West Columbia, SC 29171-4044 or faxed to (803) 939-8634.

 

Position Open Until Filled.

The city of West Columbia is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  The city does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.

Equipment Operator III (CDL Driver)

The City of West Columbia has an opening for an Equipment Operator III/CDL Driver in the Sanitation Department of Public Works. This position requires a high school diploma or GED and two years of experience in operating motor equipment, sanitation trucks, etc. Must be physically able to perform manual labor and lift and/ or carry weights of approximately one hundred (100) pounds. Must possess a minimum Class B SC Commercial Driver’s License.
Salary range $34,026.56 – $47,687.57 (FY 22-23) with excellent benefits package including two weeks of vacation, 13 holidays, and participation in the State Retirement System, the SC Deferred Compensation Plan, and the State Health Plan with the employee’s health and basic dental insurance premiums paid by the city.

Principal elements of the position are:

• Operates sanitation equipment in order to pick up trash from city business locations; empties two-yard, four-yard, six-yard and eight-yard boxes of refuse onto trucks; utilizes shovel, rake, pitchfork, etc., in cleaning trucks and areas of trash; hauls and dumps refuse at transfer station and/or landfill as required.

• Receives daily work orders and ensures all garbage and debris on assigned route is picked up in a timely manner as required.

• Communicates with supervisor, co-workers, members of the public, etc. in matters relating to garbage collection and disposal.

• Performs daily vehicle inspections; checks lights, brakes, oil, tires, etc.; performs preventive maintenance and minor repairs as needed; reports major repair needs to supervisor; ensures trucks and equipment are in proper and safe working condition.

• Ensures work crews are transported safely and safety precautions are practiced in the performance of duties.

Employment application is available on line at www.westcolumbiasc.gov and at the Customer Service Counter in the West Columbia City Hall, 200 N. 12th Street, West Columbia, SC 29169. Completed, signed applications (resume optional) may be mailed to Carrie Garrett, Director of Human Resources, P. O. Box 4044, West Columbia, SC 29171-4044, faxed to (803) 939-8634, or e-mailed to employment@westcolumbiasc.gov.

The position will remain open until filled.

The city of West Columbia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The city does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability.

Sanitation and Streets Worker II

The City of West Columbia has immediate opening for a Streets and Sanitation worker in the Public Works Department. Position requirements include, but are not limited to:

• working in all weather conditions including extreme heat, cold and/or rain
• periods of prolonged standing, sitting, and walking.
• lifting up to 40 pounds to a height of about three feet above the ground.

This is an entry-level position with Salary of $26,744.48 or higher DOQ with excellent benefits package including two weeks of vacation, 13 holidays, and participation in the State Retirement System, the SC Deferred Compensation Plan, and the State Health Plan with the employee’s health and basic dental insurance premiums paid by the city
Employment application is available on line at www.westcolumbiasc.gov and at the Customer Service Counter in the West Columbia City Hall, 200 N. 12th Street, West Columbia, SC 29169. Completed, signed applications (resume optional) may be mailed to Carrie Garrett, Director of Human Resources, P. O. Box 4044, West Columbia, SC 29171-4044, faxed to (803) 939-8634, or e-mailed to employment@westcolumbiasc.gov.

The position will remain open until filled.

The city of West Columbia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The city does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability.

Police Employment Opportunities

APPLICATIONS ARE CURRENTLY BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS:

School Resource Officer (SRO) in Police Department

Position hours: 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, generally

Job Duties including, but not limited to:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Enforces all Federal, State, and local laws to ensure safety and maintain order.
  •  Identifies potential problems, responds to various criminal activity and conducts investigations dealing with school related incidents.
  • Serves as a role model, counselor, mentor and instructor while building a rapport with the students, staff and community to promote a positive and safe learning environment.
  • Instructs and conveys a variety of information, resources and referrals.
  • Gathers, evaluates, corroborates, analyzes and disseminates criminal intelligence in cooperation with appropriate law enforcement agencies.
  • Coordinates with school officials to implement effective emergency response plans while utilizing the most advanced techniques to ensure a positive outcome with school related incidents.
  • Recognizes and distinguishes the proper plan of action to facilitate the most positive outcome for all parties involved in school settings.
  • Organizes, schedules, and plans law enforcement services for extracurricular events on and off school campuses.

 Qualifications: Requires a high school diploma or GED equivalent, with two (2) years of law enforcement experience, or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities. Must possess a valid SC driver’s license; must possess Class I Law Enforcement Certification from the SC Criminal Justice Academy; must possess School Resource Officer Certification from the SC Criminal Justice Academy.

Pay info: Salary range $47,268.96 – $66,177.62, with excellent benefits package participation in the State Retirement System, the SC Deferred Compensation Plan, and the State Health Plan with the employee’s health and dental insurance premiums paid by the city.

How to apply: Application is available on line at https://www.westcolumbiasc.gov/employment/ and at the Customer Service Counter in the West Columbia City Hall, 200 N. 12th Street, West Columbia, SC 29169.  Completed applications may be submitted to Assistant Chief Bruce Wade, West Columbia Police Department, P. O. Box 4044, West Columbia, SC 29171-4044.

Deadline: Open until filled.

The city of West Columbia is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  The city does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.

Incentive Program

Deadline: Position open until filled.

The City of West Columbia is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Patrol Officer I (Non-Certified)/Patrol Officer II (Certified)

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Must be 21 years of age
• Must have a high school diploma or G.E.D.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Must have basic computer skills
• Must have a valid S.C. driver’s license and be able to safely operate a motor vehicle under normal and emergency situations, sometimes at high speeds, in fair and inclement weather
• Must not have a disqualifying incident on driving record such as driving under the influence of alcohol or dangerous drugs, reckless homicide, involuntary manslaughter or leaving the scene of an accident, etc.
• Must be able to physically restrain another individual
• Must be able to physically defend oneself
• Must be able to maintain focus and mental preparedness of shifts of 12-14 hours
• Must be able to load a weapon as well as safely and accurately fire a semi-automatic weapon
• Must be able to successfully pass a medical exam to include vision, hearing, and color blindness to S.C. Criminal Justice Academy standards
• Must be able to see well in a low light environment
• Must be able to pass a drug test
• Must be able to pass a polygraph exam
• Must be able to pass a psychological test to establish suitability for the demands and stresses of law enforcement employment
• Must have a satisfactory credit history
• Must be of good moral character as determined by a background investigation
• Must be able to successfully pass a physical agility test that includes the ability to run, climb, jump, lift, and drag heavy weight (over 100 lbs.) within standards and times established by the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy.
• Must have good communication skills
• Must have no convictions for crimes of moral turpitude as defined in law
• Must be able to tolerate exposure to extreme heat, cold, humidity, and inclement weather

Pay info:
Patrol Officer I (Non-Certified) – Starting at $43,689.95 with budgeted merit and cost of living increases
Patrol Officer II (Certified) – Starting at $45,480.81 with budgeted merit and cost of living increases.

Incentive Program

Deadline: Position open until filled.

The City of West Columbia is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Fire Department Employment Opportunities

West Columbia Fire Department WCFD Physical Ability Test: Description and video WCFD PAT

Assistant Fire Chief – Operations in Fire Department

Position hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, generally.  May require additional hours due to staff training or emergency and fire suppression incidents.

Job Duties including, but not limited to:

  • Manages and directs operations as assigned by the Fire Chief. Provides leadership and guidance to direct reports. Assists with goal setting and evaluates outcome.
  • Plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates fire suppression, fire prevention, rescue and emergency medical service programs necessary for the community’s protection.
  • Maintains compliance with departmental policies, operating guidelines, and special instructions from the Fire Chief.
  • Supervises directly or through managers and subordinate supervisors, all employees of the department; takes personal command of firefighting activities at major fires and/or other catastrophic emergencies that may occur.
  • Evaluates officers under his/her immediate supervision and collaborates with counterpart in the evaluation of personnel through indirect contact and project management.
  • Integrates dissimilar tasks, activities, and projects into effective individual unit, division, and department plans and operations to achieve organizational goals.
  • Manages and forecasts short- and long-range planning as assigned.
  • Coordinates and participates in outside activities that are beneficial to the Fire Department. Examples are: local and national fire chief’s organizations, local and national fire prevention groups, etc.
  • Assists and advises the Fire Chief in formulation and implementation of the fire department budget and monitors and approves purchasing and expenditures.
  • Directs the preparation and analysis of records and reports to secure efficient operations and to comply with city and state reporting requirements.
  • Directs the development of programs for the training, utilization and continued professional development of personnel.
    • Meets with other municipalities, County, State, or Federal agencies and/or businesses to handle issues affecting fire service. Cooperates with various city officials regarding fire safety and other relevant issues within their cities.
  • Addresses civic clubs, and other community groups regarding firefighting activities and fire prevention and emergency medical services to explain and promote public understanding.
  • Responds to fires, and other emergency scenes, and makes high-level strategic and tactical decisions as to methods of fighting fires and performing rescues, directs the work of all units in all matters concerning fire mitigation.
  • Responds to incidents that have a high profile and where questions from the governing body and/or news media are anticipated when requested by Fire Chief.
  • Responsible for assuming all duties, functions, responsibilities, and authority of the Fire Chief in his/her absence.
  • Manages the day-to-day operations of City fire companies and confers with Battalion Chiefs and Company Officers regarding administration of personnel.
  • Administers and coordinates all fire and EMS service activities; including special operations and suppression, emergency medical/rescue procedures and regulation, as well as business administration functions. Operational decisions will be data driven, utilizing performance measures, standards of cover and community risk.
  • Develops and maintains professional development requirements for the Operations Division. Oversees and administers special operations coordinators; including tech rescue and hazardous materials. Collaborates with the Asst. Chief Administration on annual curriculum development and skill evaluations to maintain and develop technicians to the risks associated with the mission.
  • Engages with the automatic/mutual aid response partners to develop, implement, and revise joint-agency response plans covering the greater metro-area, specifically associated with fire/rescue response, Mass Casualty, Haz­Mat, USAR, regional operability, Emergency Management System, and auto/mutual aid.
  • Coordinates with Local, State, and Federal Emergency Management representatives and fire department personnel on all revisions to the City’s Emergency Operations Plan and all related Annexes. Ensures fire department personnel has a working knowledge of EOC, & EOP expectations when activated.
  • In conjunction with peer Assistant Fire Chief, administers the department promotional processes. Coordinates eligibility, scheduling, and scoring. Provides necessary training to personnel participating in the promotional process. Participates in the design, implementation and scoring of the promotional process.
  • Collaborates with local EMS agency to execute Partnership Agreement and ensure effective responses for citizens.
  • Implements and evaluates risk management initiatives department wide based on performance measure indicators associated with injuries and accidents.
  • Performs the function of Fire Department liaison with other city departments, the media, and the public.
  • Conducts special studies and projects as requested.
  • Works the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with subordinates, supervisors, customers, vendors and any other persons or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals.

Qualifications: Requires Associate’s Degree and specialized training in related field with emphasis in fire science/administration or public administration supplemented by eight (8) to ten (10) years of progressive experience and training in local government fire, rescue,  and emergency medical operations; five (5) to seven (7) years of progressive fire service leadership experience; two (2) years of experience at the rank of Battalion Chief or senior fire service leadership preferred; must possess NFPA Firefighter II, NFPA Fire Officer III and National Registry EMT or Paramedic; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.  Must complete required coursework and maintain certifications as issued by the S.C. Fire Academy. Must possess a valid state driver’s license.

Compensation: Salary range $61,587.70 – $86,224.96 DOQ.  Excellent benefits package including 13 holidays, participation in the Police Officers Retirement System, the SC Deferred Compensation Plan, and the State Health Plan with the employee’s health and basic dental insurance premiums paid by the city.

How to apply: Employment application is available online at www.westcolumbiasc.gov and at the Customer Service Counter in the West Columbia City Hall, 200 N. 12th Street, West Columbia, SC 29169.  Completed, signed applications (please include cover letter and resume) may be emailed to wcfdemployment@westcolumbiasc.gov.

Deadline: The position posting will close Sunday, November 19, 2023 at 11:59 p.m.

The city of West Columbia is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  The city does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the city of West Columbia will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

City Employee

Fire Department Employee

Police Employee

Equal Employment Opportunity Plan

The City of West Columbia, South Carolina has received numerous grants through the US Department of Justice in recent years. Because of these grants, the City is required by the US Office for Civil Rights to maintain an Equal Employment Opportunity Plan (EEOP). The plan must be updated every two (2) years. In September 2015, the City updated its EEOP through a review of its employment and personnel policies and by conducting an analysis of current employee data.

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