Columbia, South Carolina – The City of Columbia is preparing to open a door for job seekers interested in hands-on work that helps keep the city running.
Later this spring, the city’s Human Resources team and Public Works Department will come together for a hiring event centered on the Street Division, the group responsible for maintaining and improving key parts of Columbia’s infrastructure.
The event is scheduled for Wednesday, May 13, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Public Works, located at 2910 Colonial Drive in Columbia.
City officials say the hiring push is aimed at filling important positions tied directly to the upkeep of roads, storm drainage systems, and other public spaces that residents depend on every day.
For those who step into these roles, the work will be practical and visible. Employees in the Street Division help shape the condition of the city’s streets and surrounding infrastructure through work involving asphalt, concrete, and drainage systems.
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It is the kind of labor that often happens behind the scenes, yet leaves a lasting mark across neighborhoods and roadways throughout the city.
The hiring event will include on-site interviews, giving applicants a chance to meet directly with city representatives and potentially move quickly through the hiring process.
Among the featured openings are Senior Equipment Operator, Crew Leader, and Maintenance Assistant positions. For both the Senior Equipment Operator and Crew Leader roles, candidates must hold a Class A CDL. The city also noted that experience in construction trades is strongly preferred, though some positions may be open to both entry-level applicants and those with more experience, depending on the job.
Beyond the immediate openings, the city is also highlighting opportunities for long-term growth within Public Works. In addition to the city’s broader benefits package, the department offers a CDL Step Program intended to help employees build or strengthen their commercial driving skills.
According to the city, participants in that program can work toward greater CDL proficiency and potentially earn a 15% salary increase over an 18-month period.
Officials are encouraging candidates to arrive prepared. Those planning to attend are asked to bring an up-to-date resume along with any relevant certifications that may support their application during the on-site interview process.
The event reflects more than a simple hiring push. It is also an invitation for residents to consider work that connects directly to the daily life of the city, from the pavement under passing tires to the systems that help manage rainwater after a storm.
