Job Responsibilities
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
Under direct supervision, the
Water Pollution Enforcement Specialist I performs job duties in a professional matter while serving as the Enforcement Project Specialist managing assigned enforcement referrals for the State of South Carolina. Such job duties include, but are not limited to: reviewing referrals and deciding the appropriate actions to address violations related to the Clean Water Act, the Pollution Control Act, and associated regulations for a variety of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permits (NPDES) and State permitted Sites.
Job Responsibilities
- Manage assigned enforcement referrals for Wastewater programs, Clean Water Act programs, Agricultural programs, and Sediment and Erosion Control programs. Conduct thorough and timely file reviews of assigned referrals, prepare Notices of Alleged Violation, schedule and conduct enforcement conferences, all in accordance with the appropriate statues, regulations, and Department policies and procedures. Complete all work elements within the established time frames.
- Prepare accurate and properly developed correspondence and/or orders for review and signature; assess penalties in conjunction with the Bureau of Water Penalty Assessment Guide; successfully negotiate orders and penalties in accordance with Department policies and procedures. When necessary, provide timely assistance to the Office of General Counsel and provide official testimony in court.
- Track enforcement projects in the section's spreadsheets in accordance with section standards, enter and upload data in the state (ePermitting) and federal (Integrated Compliance Information System) databases, and provide updates to Section Manager regularly. Track compliance with order requirements and initiate further enforcement action when appropriate.
- Prepare monthly enforcement reports, enter data in the Personnel Cost Accounting System (PCAS) and submit monthly PCAS reports, and other periodic reports as requested. Attend training classes as required and perform other duties as required.
Minimum And Additional Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree in the natural or physical sciences or related technical field.
- An associate degree in the natural or physical sciences or related technical field and two (2) years of environmental health or related experience
- A high school diploma and four (4) years of environmental health or related experience.
Note: Degrees in a related technical field include, but are not limited to, Earth sciences, chemistry, biology, physics, soil science, environmental science, mathematics, etc.
Institutions of Higher Learning must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application are encouraged to upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring.
Additional Requirements
- Must have valid state driver's license, and ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
- Must have experience using personal computers, WORD and EXCEL.
- Ability to read, comprehend, and appropriately apply statutory and regulatory information.
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- Ability to follow detailed instructions related to enforcement procedures and policies.
- Ability to handle multiple tasks daily in an effective manner in an office setting.
- Work after normal hours maybe required occasionally.
- May require:
- Daily travel throughout the state.
- Occasional overnight travel.
Preferred Qualifications
- Public Speaking
- Presentation Skills
- Negotiation Skills
- Problem Solving
Additional Comments
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.
- 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
- 15 days sick leave per year
- 13 paid holidays
- Paid parental leave
- S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
- Retirement benefit choices *
- State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
- State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)
- Remote Work: The option of partially remote work 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.
Benefits For State Employees
The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.
Insurance Benefits
Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.
Retirement Benefits
State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.
Workplace Benefits
State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.
Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.
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Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted or reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position. I have read and acknowledge the above statement.
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Do you have at least a high school diploma or GED, and at least four (4) years of environmental health or related experience?
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Are you a current or previous SCDHEC or SCDES employee?
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Will you now or in the future require SCDES sponsorship for employment visa status?
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The hiring range for this position is $54,866 - $61,100. Are you willing to accept a salary within this hiring range?
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What experience do you have conducting meetings or presentations. Please describe how you would prepare for a meeting or presentation?
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Please describe a situation when you have encountered an irate customer. How did you handle the situation?
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Please describe a time you provided great customer service.
