Water Quality Compliance Specialist

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!
 
Under direct supervision, the Water Quality Compliance Specialist I will perform assigned inspections, evaluations, and sampling for the Bureau of Regional and Laboratory Services as required by the Bureau of Water's drinking water and recreational waters programs. Develops advanced knowledge and understanding of the drinking water and recreational waters program.

Job Responsibilities: 

• Conduct sanitary survey inspections to determine compliance with public drinking water systems per the Bureau of Water Drinking Water Program and in accordance with the regulations, the Sanitary Survey Manual, the SCDES standard operating procedures, and the Bureau of Water schedule frequency.

• Conduct samples of public drinking water systems according to the Bureau of Water frequency schedule and sites. Daily calibration, standardization, field analysis, and sampling to be conducted with strict adherence to SCDES standard operating procedures. Clean and maintain equipment to ensure they are in good working condition. Assist with training staff on these tasks as required.

• Perform compliance inspections and follow up inspections, as needed, at recreational waters operations for compliance with applicable regulations, permits, and according to Bureau of Water schedule frequency. Conduct site inspections and final inspections.

• Respond to and investigate complaints on water, drinking water, and recreational waters facilities and private wells; evaluate the potential causes, initiate corrective actions, and/or contact responsible parties to ensure the complaint is resolved in a timely manner. Monitor progress of corrective actions taken to solve problems causing unsatisfactory reports. Initiate enforcement actions where appropriate. 

• Provide technical assistance to the regulated community and public when necessary or requested. Post public notices and advisories at facilities and public locations. Assist with training staff on these tasks as required. 

• Perform other duties as required, which includes, but is not limited to, attending periodic staff meetings and training.
  
  
  
  
  

• An associate's degree in the natural or physical sciences or related technical field

• OR a high school diploma and two (2) years of environmental health or related experience.  

Certification in the environmental field qualifies as 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 may 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.
• Ability to provide outstanding customer service in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Work effectively in a team-oriented environment and encourage positive working relationships with coworkers, industry, and government officials.
• Work independently in a field environment.
• Ability to successfully complete prescribed technical coursework and pass any test relevant to the position within the probationary period or trial period.

• Work in all reasonable weather conditions and access non-traditional work environments.
• May require: 
  • Daily travel throughout the state.
  • Occasional overnight travel. 
  • Participation on the Environmental Response Team and is subject to on call or call back 24/7. 

• Familiarity with recreational water and drinking water protection and sanitation methods and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Thorough knowledge of applicable state and federal drinking water and recreational water laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of environmental health regulations. 
• Ability to prioritize and manage time effectively.

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 6 months to 1 year of employment, 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.

Salary : $49,941 - $72,134