Environmental Lab Coordinator - Public Works

CHARLESTON COUNTY; North Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 61,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PEBA retirement

14 paid holidays

Leave benefits

Training and advancement opportunities

Job summary

Charleston County Public Works Department seeks an Environmental Lab Coordinator for Stormwater to lead water testing and analysis, oversee testing programs, and ensure data integrity for sound stormwater management. This role includes lab and field work, DES certification maintenance, SOP development, budget and inventory management, and preparing clear technical reports for department leadership.

Qualifications include an Associate’s Degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry or

Qualifications

• An Associate’s Degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Engineering, or a related field is required.
• 2–3 years of experience in environmental or water quality testing is preferred.
• Experience with stormwater regulations and field/lab work is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory and field analyses of surface water samples for regulatory compliance and quality of life in the community.
• Collect multi-parameter data using field instruments and conduct visual observations.
• Maintain DES certification, develop SOPs, and prepare technical reports.

Skills

Water quality testing

QA/QC practices

Technical reporting

Data entry

Written communication

Verbal communication

Bacteriological testing

Chemical analysis

Education

Associate’s Degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Engineering, or related field

Tools

IDEXX Quanti-tray systems

Job description

The Opportunity: Shape the Future of Your Community

Charleston County Public Works Department is looking for a highly motivated, qualified individual to join our team! This position will be the primary resource for the department’s water testing and analysis needs. As an Environmental Lab Coordinator for Stormwater, you will play a vital role in protecting the health, safety, and resilience of our community. Your expertise will help ensure clean waterways, safeguard wildlife habitats, and support sustainable development throughout the region. This position offers the opportunity to directly contribute to long-term environmental quality by overseeing critical testing, monitoring, and data integrity that guide responsible stormwater management.

Your work will make a meaningful difference—both for the people who live here today and for the future of our local environment.

Why you’ll love working here:

• Excellent work-life balance with consistent, predictable weekly schedules, minimal expected overtime
• Retirement pension through participation in the South Carolina Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA) Retirement System
• Great benefits package including (14) paid holidays, vacation, sick, maternity, and parental leave, as well as training and advancement opportunities

HIRING SALARY RANGE: $60,840 - $79,685**

**Hiring salary dependent upon applicant’s education, experience, skill level, and other job specific qualifications

OPEN UNTIL FILLED, APPLICATION REVIEW BEGINS IMMEDIATELY

What you will do:

• Conduct laboratory and field analyses of surface water samples in support of MS4 regulatory compliance and quality of life for Charleston County citizens including IDEXX Quanti-tray bacteriological testing and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) measurements
• Collect multi-parameter data using various field instruments including tipping bucket rain gauges, water data sondes, and visual observation
• Participate in training for construction inspection methods, regulations, engineering principles, and professional development topics
• Assist the Stormwater Utility Manager in meeting the NPDES SMS4 program requirements
• Equip, maintain, and operate a water testing laboratory to include developing and managing a budget, managing inventory, obtaining and maintaining DES certification, maintaining regulatory documents, developing SOPs, maintaining and calibrating equipment, writing technical reports, preparing invoices, and advising senior leaders on water and environmental issues.
• Maintain detailed and accurate records.
• Provide technical guidance to staff regarding water quality concerns and advising department leadership on environmental issues.
• Investigate and identify illicit discharges by testing and sampling of stormwater
• Educate citizens on pollution prevention, stormwater, and engineering practices
• Assist in County Emergency Operations

What we are looking for:

An Associate’s Degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Engineering, or a related field, plus around 2–3 years or more of experience in environmental or water quality testing. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are also welcome.

Experience with stormwater regulations (NPDES Phase II and SCDES Construction General Permit), basic civil engineering concepts, and surface water sampling. Helpful background includes working in both lab and field settings—such as construction sites, marine environments, or private property—and communicating with citizens. You should be comfortable reading and applying environmental laws and regulations.

Solid knowledge of laboratory and field methods for water quality testing, including bacteriological and chemical analysis, IDEXX Quanti-tray systems, TSS procedures, QA/QC practices, and MS4 stormwater requirements. This role requires skill in using and maintaining testing equipment, accurate data entry and recordkeeping, and preparing clear technical reports. Strong communication skills—both written and verbal—are important for sharing technical information effectively.