JOB DESCRIPTION

Under the general direction of the Public Works Director, the Project Specialist performs advanced administrative and project management work supporting the planning, coordination, tracking, and administration of capital projects and grant-funded initiatives. Serves as the central point of coordination between County departments, consultants, contractors, funding agencies, and external partners to ensure projects remain on schedule, within budget, and compliant with applicable regulations. Responsible for maintaining project documentation, monitoring grant requirements, preparing reports, and providing administrative oversight throughout the project lifecycle.

WORKIG CONDITIONS

Typical office-type working conditions and general fieldwork with outdoor exposure. Must be able to pass a pre-employment physical that screens for acceptable eyesight and hearing (with or without correction), the ability to sit for extended periods, and manual dexterity needed to operate office machinery.  

These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.  

SALARY: $30.40 per hour plus benefits  

DEADLINE FOR RECEIVING APPLICATIONS: 09/15/2026 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

•    Coordinates the administrative management of capital improvement projects from project initiation through completion.

•    Assists the County Engineer in monitoring project schedules, budgets, milestones, deliverables, and deadlines.

•    Maintains comprehensive project files, contracts, permits, easements, and supporting documentation.

•    Monitors project performance measures, reporting deadlines, reimbursement requests, and required documentation.

•    Prepares and reviews project correspondence, reports, agendas, presentations, and status updates for County leadership and the Board of County         Commissioners.

•    Maintains project schedules and monitors progress to identify potential delays or issues requiring management attention.

•    Reviews consultant and contractor invoices for accuracy and compliance prior to processing.

•    Maintains project budgets and tracks expenditures, encumbrances, reimbursements, and available funding.

•    Coordinates with the BOCC Finance Manager regarding project funding and budget reporting.

•    Serves as a liaison between Public Works, Engineering, Finance, Purchasing, and other County departments to facilitate successful project delivery.

•    Develops and maintains project tracking systems, dashboards, and performance reports.

•    Ensure project records comply with public records retention requirements.

•    Responds to inquiries from internal departments, contractors, consultants, regulatory agencies, and the public regarding assigned projects.

•    Identifies administrative process improvements to enhance project efficiency and accountability.

•    Required to work during a local state of emergency.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred AA or AS in Business Management, Construction Management, or Project Management, or a closely related field; and two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in project coordination, capital project administration, engineering support, construction administration, or a related field. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be substituted for years of experience.

Possession of a valid Florida driver’s license required. Columbia County residency required within six months of the date of employment. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

•    Knowledge of project management principles and practices.

•    Ability to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.

•    Ability to interpret contracts, construction documents, and project schedules.

•    Strong organizational and analytical skills.

•    Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

•    Ability to establish effective working relationships with department directors, consultants, contractors, regulatory agencies, and the public.

•    Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, project management software, spreadsheets, and database applications.

•    Understanding of GIS Mapping.