Hazardous Waste Facility/Air Compliance Specialist (EHM I)

State of South Carolina; Florence (SC); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work after 1 year

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

South Carolina Department of Environmental Services is seeking an Hazardous Waste Facility/Air Compliance Specialist (EHM I) to perform inspections, sampling, and enforcement actions under the Bureau of Regional and Laboratory Services. The role supports hazardous waste and air quality programs statewide.

The position requires an associates degree (or equivalent) with experience in environmental health regulations, inspection procedures, and reporting.

Qualifications

• Associates degree in a related technical field or equivalent experience.
• Certification in environmental field qualifies as related experience.
• Higher education institutions must be recognized by CHEA; unofficial transcripts may be uploaded.
• Must have a valid state driver’s license and ability to operate state vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Hazardous Waste Compliance Inspections of permitted facilities per laws and SOPs.
• Air Quality Compliance Inspections of permitted air facilities; review operations and emissions controls.
• Air Sampling and Monitoring; operate and maintain sampling equipment and document results.
• Respond to and investigate hazardous waste and air quality complaints; recommend corrective actions.
• Perform additional duties and participate in meetings and training.

Skills

Hazardous Waste & Air regulations

Environmental health regulations

Time management

Customer service

Microsoft Office Suite

Education

Associates degree in a related technical field

High school diploma or GED + 2 years related experience

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

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:

Under direct supervision, the Hazardous Waste Facility/Air Compliance Specialist (EHM I) performs assigned inspections, evaluations, and sampling for the Bureau of Regional and Laboratory Services as required by the Bureau of Land and Waste Management and Bureau of Air Quality programs. Develop an understanding of hazardous waste and air programs. May be requested to assist other regional offices to meet statewide commitments.

Job Responsibilities:

• Hazardous Waste Compliance Inspections: Conduct hazardous waste compliance inspections of permitted facilities in accordance with applicable federal and state environmental laws, regulations, policies, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Evaluate facility operations to determine compliance with hazardous waste treatment, storage, disposal, and mining regulations. Collect, document, and maintain accurate, complete, and legally defensible inspection records and compliance data. Achieve 100% of assigned annual inspection goals for permitted facilities statewide. Prepare, review, and submit inspection reports and related documentation within established timeframes. Make compliance referrals and recommend corrective actions or enforcement measures when appropriate.
• Air Quality Compliance Inspections: Conduct compliance inspections of permitted air facilities to assess adherence to applicable environmental laws, regulations, permits, and agency policies. Review facility operations, equipment, records, and emissions control practices to determine regulatory compliance. Collect and maintain accurate inspection findings and supporting documentation. Meet 100% of assigned annual air inspection requirements statewide. Prepare inspection reports and recommend corrective actions, referrals, or enforcement actions as necessary.
• Air Sampling and Monitoring: Perform assigned air sampling and monitoring activities in accordance with SOPs, program guidance, and state and federal regulations. Operate, maintain, and calibrate sampling equipment to ensure data quality and reliability. Collect, analyze, and document air monitoring data to support compliance and environmental assessments. Ensure statewide air sampling objectives and schedules are completed as assigned.
• Complaint Investigation and Enforcement: Respond to and investigate hazardous waste and air quality complaints from the public, regulated community, and other agencies. Evaluate potential environmental impacts, identify sources of violations, and determine appropriate corrective actions. Communicate with responsible parties to achieve timely resolution of compliance issues. Monitor implementation of corrective actions and verify compliance with regulatory requirements. Initiate enforcement actions and referrals in accordance with agency policy and regulatory author
• Additional Duties: Perform additional duties as assigned, including attending period staff meetings and training. Assisting with other duties to support program operations.

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.

• An associates degree in a related technical field: OR
• A high school diploma or GED and two (2) years of environmental health or related experience.

Certification in the environmental field qualifies as related experience.

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:

• Must have valid state driver's license, and ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• Ability to provide outstanding customer service in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment and encourage positive working relationships with coworkers, industry, and government officials.
• Ability to 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.
• Ability to work in all reasonable weather conditions and access non-traditional work environments.
• May require:
  • Overnight travel, weekend, after hours, and holiday work may be required.
  • Subject to 24/7 call back due to emergencies.

• Knowledge of Hazardous Waste and/or Air methods and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Experience inspecting hazardous waste or air facilities.
• Knowledge of environmental health regulations.
• Ability to prioritize and manage time effectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• Occasional travel may be required.

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 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.