Water Quality Compliance Inspector (EHM I)

SCDES-Regional & Lab Ops; Lancaster; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A state environmental agency in Scotland is seeking a Water Quality Compliance Inspector. This role involves conducting inspections and evaluations for industrial and construction sites, assisting with audits, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. The ideal candidate should have an associate degree or equivalent experience along with strong communication and organizational skills. This position offers a comprehensive benefits package and the option for partial remote work after one year.

Benefits

Health, dental, vision insurance

15 days annual leave

Paid parental leave

Qualifications

• An associate degree in a related technical field or high school diploma with two years of experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to conduct inspections and evaluations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct Stormwater Construction Site inspections under supervision.
• Assist with compliance inspections and follow-up inspections.
• Collect samples and prepare inspection schedules.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Teamwork

Time management

Customer service

Education

Associate degree in a related technical field

High school diploma and two years of environmental health or related experience

Bachelor’s degree in natural or physical sciences

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Overview

Careers at SCDES: Where Passion Meets Preservation

Note: The following overview content has been reformatted to use allowed tags. The original language is preserved where possible.

Under direct supervision, the Water Quality Compliance Inspector will perform assigned inspections and evaluations for industrial and construction sites and assist with MS4 Audits for the Bureau of Regional and Laboratory Services in Lancaster County, South Carolina. Develops advanced knowledge and understanding of the stormwater program or demonstrates potential for advanced understanding of the program area.

Responsibilities

• Under direct supervision, conduct Stormwater Construction Site inspections (SCR10). Provide expert level technical expertise and oversight to permittees, and MS4s by conducting joint inspections at sites needing extra attention. Provide assistance to Central Office staff during MS4 audits as needed. Assist other regional offices in meeting Stormwater Construction program goals. Submit compliance documents and enforcement referrals per procedures. Assist with training staff on these tasks as required.
• Under direct supervision, conduct Industrial Stormwater CEIs (SCR00) for accuracy and completeness. Enter data into appropriate tracking systems and submit inspections to assigned Central Office staff. Assist other regional offices in meeting Industrial Stormwater program goals. Submit compliance documents and enforcement referrals per procedures. Assist with training staff on these tasks as required.
• Perform or assist with compliance inspections and follow up inspections, as needed, at wastewater, industrial stormwater and agricultural operations for compliance with applicable regulations, permits, and according to Bureau of Water frequency. Conduct site inspections and final inspections. Prepare monthly schedule inspections with facilities.
• Collect samples from ambient monitoring stations and wastewater facilities discharge points. Prepare monthly schedules, prepare sample bottles and complete daily calibration and standardization for sampling equipment. Clean and maintain equipment to ensure good working condition. Work to be conducted in strict accordance with the Environmental Affairs standard operating procedures and the Bureau of Water schedule frequency.
• Assists with investigations of stormwater and wastewater complaints per standard operating procedures; evaluate the potential causes, initiate corrective actions, 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 and in accordance with procedures. Assist with training staff on these tasks as required.
• Perform other duties as required, which includes, but is not limited to, attending period staff meetings and training, and assisting the Water Pollution Compliance and Enforcement Division's implementation of overall program components.

Qualifications

• An associate degree in a 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.

Additional Requirements

• Must have valid state driver's license, and ability to operate personal and state-owned vehicles.
• Able 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 stormwater methods and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Thorough knowledge of applicable state and federal stormwater laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of environmental health regulations.
• Ability to prioritize and manage time effectively.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• A Bachelors Degree in natural or physical sciences.

EEO and Benefits

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.