Water Compliance Specialist I (EMH I)

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 Collect environmental samples from monitoring stations and wastewater facility discharge points, prepare sampling equipment, perform daily equipment calibrations, and ensure all tools are clean and ready for use. 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. 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. 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? Job Stability & Purposeful Work: Make an impact on your community as you contribute to protecting SC's environment. Great Benefits: Including paid holidays, 30 total days of leave per year, insurance options for you and your family, and retirement benefit choices. Career Growth: Ongoing training, professional development, and a clear path for advancement. Work-Life Balance: A career that lets you enjoy South Carolina, inside and outside of your job. Additional Requirements Ability to provide outstanding customer service in a fast-paced environment. Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment and encourage positive working relationships with coworkers, industry, and government officials. Ability to occasionally travel in-state and out-of-state; must have a valid driver’s license, a 10-year driving record that complies with State and Agency Fleet guidelines, and the ability to operate a state vehicle. Must be able to exercise considerable judgment in daily implementation of assigned duties and work independently in a field environment. Excellent organizational, verbal, and written communication skills. Ability to bend, climb, and stoop in order to take samples and conduct inspections. Able to distinguish between color variations and make visual observations of facilities, samples, plans, specifications, and reports. Able to wear the required safety equipment as needed, including, but not limited to, hard hats, safety glasses, and safety boots. Able to conduct field tests using delicate instruments and chemicals requiring steady hands. Familiarity with wastewater methods and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Experience inspecting and sampling wastewater facilities. Knowledge of environmental health regulations. Ability to prioritize and manage time effectively. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Will require working in all reasonable weather conditions and the ability to access non-traditional work environments on complex terrain. May require overnight travel, weekend, after hours, and holiday work; this position is subject to 24/7 call back due to emergencies. Must successfully complete prescribed technical coursework and pass any test relevant to the position within the probationary period. Qualifications Associate degree in a related technical field; OR High school diploma or GED and two (2) years of environmental health or related experience. Note: Certification in the environmental field qualifies as related experience. Degrees in a related technical field include, but are not limited to, earth or environmental sciences, chemistry, biology, physics, soil science, etc. Institutions of higher learning must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement 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. Benefits Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. 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. Retirement benefit choices: State Retirement Plan and State Optional Retirement Program. 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. Other Information The Department will not sponsor H1B visas for this position. #J-18808-Ljbffr State of South Carolina - SCDES-Regional & Lab Ops