Aquatic Nuisance Plants Field Specialist I (EHM I)

State of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Vacation leave

Sick leave

Paid holidays

Parental leave

Retirement plan (SCRS/State ORP)

Job summary

South Carolina Department of Environmental Services seeks an Aquatic Nuisance Plants Field Specialist I to protect SC waterways. You’ll perform field surveys, assist with grass carp stockings, habitat projects, and public education while supporting the ANP program and state environmental goals.

The role involves data management in ArcGIS, travel across SC, boat operation, and routine equipment maintenance. A related science degree or equivalent experience is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in natural or physical sciences or related field.
• 2-year degree with two years environmental health experience may substitute.
• High school diploma with four years of relevant experience required.
• Higher learning must be recognized by CHEA.

Responsibilities

• Gather data through surveying aquatic nuisance species and monitor public waters.
• Assist in monitoring and conducting plant control operations per the annual plan.
• Develop documentation like plans, reports, and ArcGIS data for staff and public use.
• Participate in public outreach and assist with vehicle, boat, and equipment maintenance.

Skills

Data collection

ArcGIS

Excel / data management

Verbal & written communication

Education

Bachelors in natural/physical sciences

Associate degree in natural/physical sciences

High school diploma + 4 years related experience

Tools

ArcGIS

Boat operation

Driver's license

Survey equipment

Job description

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

About the Role:

As an Aquatic Nuisance Plants Field Specialist I, you will play a vital role in protecting South Carolina's waterways. Working within the Aquatic Science Division of the Bureau of Water, you'll assist with field activities such as plant surveys, triploid grass carp stockings, control operations, habitat enhancement, and educational outreach initiatives. Your efforts will directly support the Aquatic Nuisance Plants (ANP) Program and contribute to SCDES's mission of preserving healthy aquatic environments across the state. You'll also participate in Council meetings and collaborate with a dedicated team to advance environmental stewardship.

Job Responsibilities:

• Assist in gathering data through surveying known aquatic nuisance species infestations and monitoring other public waters to ensure the maintenance of healthy, diverse, sustainable, and accessible waterways. Help compile and prepare collected data for use by staff, contractors, agencies, legislators, and the public.
• Support the monitoring and conducting of aquatic plant control operations as specified in the annual Aquatic Plant Management Plan and the implementation of ANP program habitat enhancement projects.
• Contribute to the development of the SC Aquatic Plant Management Plan, monthly and annual reports, and other related documentation. Compile and perform basic analyses of water use, environmental conditions, control agents and other relevant information for inclusion in ArcGIS databases or for planning management strategies for problem water bodies.
• Participate in public awareness initiatives, including the ramp sign project, to increase the publics' understanding of the environmental impacts and loss of habitat diversity associated with the spread of aquatic invasive plants and promote the program's mission of educating, expanding, and diversifying the community of public water body users.
• Assist with managing the schedule for maintenance and repair of program vehicles, boats, trailers, and field equipment.
• Attend relevant professional meetings and regular trainings to expand base of knowledge. Provide support for all public education related events.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Why Join Us?

As a state employee, you'll enjoy:

• 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.

This posting will be used to fill two (2) Aquatic Nuisance Plants Field Specialist I (EHM I) vacancies. Qualified applicants will be considered for both positions 61165515 and 61165516.

• A bachelor’s degree in the natural or physical sciences or related technical field; OR

• An associate degree in the natural or physical sciences or related technical field and two (2) years of environmental health or related experience; OR
• A high school diploma and four (4) years of environmental health or 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.

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:

• Basic knowledge of the principles of principles and practices utilized in Aquatic Biology.
• Basic knowledge of federal state and local laws related to the area of program responsibility.
• Skill in the use of instruments, tools, and equipment utilized in evaluations.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Must have working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and/or other data management software.
• Ability to travel across the state using a state vehicle which requires a valid driver’s license and a 10-year driving record that complies with State and Agency Fleet guidelines.
• Ability to access non-traditional work environments is required.
• Must be able to lift 60 pounds
• Must be able to swim.

• The ability to properly operate various types of boats and tow/back up boat trailers.
• Drone license.

Work Schedule: Monday - Thursday (Friday off). Daily start and end times may flex based on operational needs.

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)

*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.