Industrial Wastewater Engineering Associate (III)

Salary: $74,726.00 - $92,900.00 Annually
Location : Richland County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 61009226/188948
Agency: SCDES-Water
Opening Date: 06/01/2026
Closing Date: 6/14/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Class Code:: HD70
Position Number:: 61009226/188948
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Grade: GEN11
Hiring Range - Min.: $74,726.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $92,900.00
Opening Date: 06/01/2026
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: If you meet the requirements of the position and would like to be considered, you must submit a state application online. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position. The quality of the application presented (completeness and accuracy as well as grammar and spelling) will be considered prior to the offer of an interview. A criminal records check will be conducted prior to an offer of employment. Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on the stated closing date.
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.


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
Ready to protect South Carolina's environment and grow your engineering career?
Join us at the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) and put your passion to work! As part of the Bureau of Water - Industrial Wastewater Permitting Section , you'll help safeguard South Carolina's rivers, lakes, and waterways by reviewing industrial wastewater systems and developing permits that ensure environmental protection across the state.
About the Role:
Under limited supervision, the Industrial Wastewater Engineering Associate supports the Industrial Wastewater Permitting Section and the Water Facilities Permitting Division within the Bureau of Water. This role involves reviewing engineering reports, plans, models, and data analyses related to industrial wastewater discharges and treatment systems to ensure compliance with state and federal water quality regulations .This position also develops permit conditions under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and No Discharge (ND) programs and serves as a technical resource for topics such as CORMIX modeling, Water Effect Ratios (WERs), and 208 water quality planning. You will provide guidance to industry representatives, consulting engineers, public officials, and citizens to support understanding and compliance with industrial wastewater permitting requirements.

Responsibilities:
Permit & Technical Review

• Conduct technical reviews of CORMIX models, Water Effect Ratios, and 208 water quality plan evaluations.
• Develop NPDES and ND permit conditions based on data analysis, regulatory guidance, and engineering review.
• Review engineering reports, plans, and specifications for industrial wastewater treatment facilities.
• Prepare permits for issuance and coordinate with internal and external teams to resolve technical issues.

Coordination & Communication

• Meet with industrial representatives and consulting engineers during the formulation of permit conditions.
• Participate in pre-application meetings for industrial projects.
• Provide guidance and technical assistance to regulated facilities, consultants, and stakeholders.

Additional Duties

• Assist with Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request responses.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum and Additional Requirements


To qualify, applicants must meet one of the following educational/experience pathways:

• A master's degree in engineering and one year of environmental engineering experience; OR
• A master's degree in engineering and two years of engineering experience; OR
• A bachelor's degree in engineering and two years of environmental engineering experience; OR
• A bachelor's degree in engineering and three years of engineering experience.

Your engineering degree must be accredited by EAC/ABET, CEAB, and Programs Recognized in the ABET "Washington Accord" Listings, or you must provide an approved equivalency letter from The South Carolina Department of Labor Licensing & Regulation (). The approval letter from LLR must be final at time of application

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

• A valid driver's license and good driving record.
• Ability to work independently and meet strict deadlines.
• Effective communication skills for in-person, virtual, phone, and written communication.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Ability to walk through uneven terrain and inclement weather during field visits.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
• Occasional overnight travel may be required.
• Periodic travel for meetings may be required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with NPDES, No Discharge, or industrial wastewater construction permitting.
• Experience with industrial wastewater treatment systems.

• Experience reading and interpreting environmental regulations and permits.
• Experience with CORMIX, Water Effect Ratios, ePermitting, or 208 Water Quality Planning.
• Experience planning or conducting meetings with the public, government, or industrial stakeholders.

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 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
• Retirement benefit choices*
  • State Retirement Plan
  • 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.

*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.
01


Are you a current or previous DHEC or SCDES employee?

• Yes
• No

02


Will you now or in the future require SCDES sponsorship for employment visa status?

• Yes
• No

03


Please select the answer that best reflects your education and experience as it pertains to the minimum requirements for this position.

• A master's degree in engineering and one year of environmental engineering experience.
• A master's degree in engineering and two years of engineering experience.
• A bachelor's degree in engineering and two years of environmental engineering experience.
• A bachelor's degree in engineering and three years of engineering experience.
• None of the Above.

04


Which of the following describes your engineering degree?

• I have an engineering degree from an ABET accredited school.
• I have an engineering degree from a school recognized by an Accord.
• I have an engineering degree that is considered "substantially equivalent education" and I have an approval letter from SC LLR included as a supplemental attachment to this application.
• None of the above.

05


Do you have experience with CORMIX modeling, Water Effect Ratios, or 208 planning?

• Yes
• No

06


This position has a salary range of $74,726-$92,900, with most new hires starting at $74,726. Does this range align with your salary expectations?

• Yes
• No

Required Question