Careers at SCDES: Where Passion Meets Preservation
Do you love South Carolina and protecting the environment?
Come join our team at SCDES, put your passion to work with us!
We are dedicated to protecting the state of South Carolina and we would love to have you as a member of our team!
Science | Service | Sustainability
About the Role:
Under direct supervision, the Water Quality Compliance Specialist (EMH I) performs assigned inspections, evaluations, and sampling for the Bureau of Regional and Laboratory Services in support of the Bureau of Water’s wastewater and stormwater programs. In this role, you will build advanced knowledge of wastewater and stormwater regulations, field sampling techniques, inspection procedures, and compliance processes while contributing to the protection of South Carolina’s water resources. You may also be requested to assist other regional offices to help meet statewide commitments. This position plays a vital role in helping SCDES safeguard waterways and communities through accurate monitoring, inspections, and enforcement.
Job Responsibilities:
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Collect environmental samples from monitoring stations and wastewater facility discharge points. You’ll prepare sampling equipment, perform daily equipment calibrations, and ensure all tools are clean and ready for use.
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Perform or participate in compliance inspections and any required follow-up visits at wastewater, stormwater, and agricultural sites to ensure compliance with regulations, permits, SOPs, and the Bureau of Water inspection schedule frequency. Submit all required compliance documents and enforcement referrals per procedures.
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Respond to and assist with investigations involving wastewater facilities, sanitary sewer overflows, fish kills, and other stormwater or wastewater-related complaints. Identify and evaluate potential causes, coordinate corrective actions with responsible parties, and track progress to ensure timely resolution. Initiate enforcement actions when appropriate and in accordance with procedures.
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Perform additional duties as assigned, including attending staff meetings, participating in training, and supporting tasks that contribute to your team’s goals and SCDES’s mission.
Why Join Us?
As a state employee, you’ll enjoy:
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Job Stability & Purposeful Work: Make an impact on your community as you contribute to protecting SC'S environment
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Great Benefits: Including paid holidays, 30 total days of leave per year, insurance options for you and your family and retirement benefit choices.
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Career Growth: Ongoing training, professional development, and a clear path for advancement.
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Work-Life Balance: A career that lets you enjoy South Carolina, inside and outside of your job.
- This role will require working in all reasonable weather conditions and the ability to access non-traditional work environments on complex terrain.
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May require overnight travel, weekend, after hours, and holiday work may be required; this position is subject to 24/7 call back due to emergencies.
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Candidates much have the ability to successfully complete prescribed technical coursework and pass any test relevant to the position within the probationary period or trial period.
SCDES is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.
The Department will not sponsor H1B visas for this position.
The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services offers an exceptional benefits package for full time (FTE) employees:-
Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.
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15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
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15 days sick leave per year
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13 paid holidays
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Paid parental leave
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S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
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Retirement benefit choices *
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State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
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State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)
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Remote Work: The option to work remotely 2 days per week is available after successful completion of 1 year of employment with SCDES, based on job functions.
- Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.
