Columbia County commissioners on June 4 approved a revised job description and the recruitment for an Engineering Technician I in Public Works after staff requested the changes to broaden the candidate pool.

Deion Zhang, Assistant Public Works Director, told the board the forthcoming vacancy (position to be vacated on June 6) is fully budgeted in both fiscal 2025 and 2026 and that the department removed CAD and heavy design requirements from the Engineering Technician I description because those tasks are handled by the Engineering Technician II classification. Zhang said the change was intended to widen the candidate pool for permitting and inspection work.

Commissioners moved and seconded to approve the updated job description and authorize posting. Meeting audio indicates the motion and second were approved with affirmative votes recorded as “Aye.” The job is classified as grade 26 in the 697 union and is non‑exempt.

Staff said existing employees will cover duties temporarily until recruitment is complete.