Investigator IV, Beaufort, SC

CLEMU Clemson University; Beaufort (SC); On-site; USD 47,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

Clemson University in Beaufort, SC seeks a Pesticide Inspector to enforce state and federal pesticide laws, conduct investigations, inspections, and prepare reports. The role requires knowledge of pesticide use patterns, and investigative procedures, with duties spanning outreach and for-cause investigations.

Location is Beaufort area in South Carolina, with standard 37.5-hour weeks and competitive 47k–57k salary range. Employment type: Regular FTE staff.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma and experience conducting investigations or performing other law enforcement duties.
• A bachelor's degree may be substituted for the required work experience.

Responsibilities

• Reporting: Writes narrative reports detailing findings of each inspection or investigation.
• Inspections and Compliance: Inspects pesticide dealers, retailers, producers, pest control offices, farms, and other locations to monitor regulatory compliance.
• Other Duties As Assigned: Collaborates with other units and agencies to meet goals and participates in emergency preparedness and agroterrorism prevention activities.
• Education and Outreach: Participates in public outreach and educational programs to inform regulated communities about services.
• Investigations: Conducts for-cause investigations, collects affidavits and evidence, and ensures labeling and regulatory compliance.

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

JOB SUMMARY:

Assures the safe and proper use of pesticides in South Carolina by enforcing State and Federal laws governing pesticide use. Conducts investigations, inspections, and reports within an assigned territory to determine compliance. Establish knowledge and experience in pesticide use patterns, pest control activities, and investigative and law enforcement procedures. Performs other duties as assigned. This position is located in Beaufort area in South Carolina.

JOB DUTIES:

• 10% - Reporting: Writes narrative reports detailing the findings of each inspection or investigation using proper grammar, accurate facts, and conclusions drawn from legally supportable evidence developed or obtained during inspection.
• 50% - Inspections and Compliance: Inspects Restricted-Use Pesticide Dealers, pesticide retailers (marketplaces), pesticide producer establishments, pest control business offices, farms, nurseries, structures and other locations to monitor compliance with State and Federal pesticide regulations. Inspects records and physical facilities of pesticide applicators for compliance with State and Federal regulations. Conducts inspections and interviews to monitor compliance with the Federal Worker Protection Standard, the Endangered Species Act, the South Carolina Pesticide Control Act, the SC Chemigation Act and other related legislation.
• 10% - Other Duties As Assigned: Serves in an assigned role, often in collaboration with other units or agencies, to meet operational goals. Develops and maintains an understanding of emergency preparedness and agroterrorism prevention strategies, such as IC training and exercises, to protect the State from threats. Assists other units within the Division of Regulatory and Public Service Programs as well as other state and federal agencies as needed.
• 10% - Education and Outreach: Participates in educational programming and public outreach activities emphasizing regulation through education. Collaborates with University staff, State agencies, or Federal cooperators to organize and attend events. Informs members of the regulated community and other stakeholders about relevant services through participation in trade shows, conferences, public events, and classroom presentations. Provides assistance to the regulated community.
• 20% - Investigations: Conducts for-cause investigations to monitor pesticide use and alleged misuse. Secures affidavits, reviews records, obtains physical evidence (formulation, use-dilution, and environmental samples) and documentary samples in accordance with agency established protocols. Inspects locations to which pesticides have been applied to determine if applications were conducted in compliance with the labeling of the products used, State and Federal law, and State Standards.

JOB CODE: JA20

EMPLOYEE TYPE: Regular FTE Staff

Minimum Requirements:

• A high school diploma and experience conducting investigations or performing other law enforcement duties.
• A bachelor's degree may be substituted for the required work experience.

JOB KNOWLEDGE

Fundamental working knowledge of concepts, practices and procedures and ability to apply in varied situations.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Not responsible for supervising employees.

BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES

No fiscal responsibility for the department's budget.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Perceive, observe, clarity of vision: %
• Extend hands or arms in any direction: %
• Move, transport, raise or lower 50 lbs or more: %
• Recognize or inspect visually: %
• Communicate, converse, give direction, express oneself: %
• Position self to accomplish task (i.e. stoop, kneel, crawl): %
• Ascend or descend (i.e. stairs, ladder): %
• Use hands or feet to operate or handle machinery, equipment, etc.: %
• Walk or move about: %
• Sit (stationary position) for prolonged period: %
• Stand for Prolonged Period: %

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Electrical hazards: %
• Chemical hazards: %
• Wet and/or humid: %
• Exposure to dust/fumes: %
• Exposure to heat or cold: %

WORK SCHEDULE: Standard Hours: 37.5

COMPENSATION INFORMATION:

Expected Salary Range $47,000 - $57,000 Salary is dependent upon several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's previous experience, knowledge, skills and performance in accordance with Clemson's compensation guidelines.

ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL LEVEL: Essential Support - In the event of an emergency closure or modified operations, this position is necessary to maintain/resume essential support functions, deliver direct care services, and/or provide recovery support before normal operations resume. Some positions in this category may be required to work remotely or be on-call.

JOB LOCATION: Beaufort, SC

APPLICATION DEADLINE: September 29, 2026

MILITARY AND VETERAN:

Military Equivalency: Clemson University is proud to allow educational equivalency for military technical certifications and trainings that directly relate to the job duties.

Veteran Preference: South Carolina provides employment preference to eligible veterans for qualifying full-time permanent positions. To be considered, applicants must meet the minimum qualifications, have been discharged under honorable conditions, and indicate their veteran status in the application by uploading a DD-214 for confidential review. A request for Veteran Preference can be made via the application process.

CLOSING STATEMENT:

Clemson University is an EEO/AA employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to characteristics protected by applicable law including disability and protected veteran status.

One of the most productive public research universities in the nation, Clemson University attracts and powerfully unites students, faculty and staff whose greatest desire is to make a difference in the lives of others. Clemson has recently been named a top 25 public college in the country by the Wall Street Journal, a top South Carolina employer by Forbes and a Military Friendly Employer for five years running. Through our research, outreach and entrepreneurial projects, Clemson University and its employees are driving economic development and improving quality of life in South Carolina and beyond.