Junior Soil Evaluator (EHM I)

State of South Carolina; South Carolina; Hybrid; USD 38,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision, disability & 1

Job summary

The State of South Carolina's Department of Environmental Services is seeking a Junior Soil Evaluator to perform inspections and evaluations for the Onsite Wastewater program under supervision.

You will work with senior staff to assess site suitability, review regulations, and help ensure compliance while developing OSWW policy knowledge.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with relevant environmental health experience, or
• Bachelor's degree in a natural/physical science or related field may substitute work experience.
• Familiarity with onsite wastewater methods and SOPs is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct initial site evaluations for onsite wastewater permits.
• Support permitting by applying state regulations and seeking senior reviews.
• Inspect installed onsite systems for regulatory compliance.
• Investigate complaints and recommend corrective actions per procedures.
• Attend meetings and training as required.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Soil evaluation

Fieldwork

Communication

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree in natural/physical sciences, math, public health, engineering

Tools

Soil auger

Driving license

Job description

About the Role

Under direct supervision, the Junior Soil Evaluator performs assigned inspections, evaluations, and complaint investigations for the Bureau of Regional and Laboratory Services' Onsite Wastewater (OSWW) program. In this role, you will work closely with senior staff to assess site suitability, evaluate installed systems, and help ensure compliance with state laws and regulations. This position offers the opportunity to develop advanced knowledge of OSWW policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements while contributing to the protection of public health and the environment.

Job Responsibilities

• Conduct or participate in initial evaluations of proposed sites for the purpose of issuing onsite wastewater permits.
• Support permitting activities for suitable sites by applying state regulations and policies. Request senior reviews as required.
• Participate in inspections of installed onsite wastewater systems to ensure compliance with state regulations.
• Help investigate complaints by assessing validity, recommending corrective actions, and taking appropriate enforcement actions in accordance with state laws, regulations, agency policies, and standard operating procedures.
• Perform other duties as required, such as attending periodic staff meetings and training.

Why Join Us

• 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.

• A high school diploma or GED and experience in environmental health programs or related work experience; OR
• A bachelor's degree in the natural or physical sciences, mathematics, public health, engineering or a related technical field may be substituted for the required work 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 driver's license, ability to operate personal and state-owned vehicles, and ability to travel throughout the state to complete job duties.
• Strong customer service skills and ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication, organization, and teamwork skills; able to build positive relationships with colleagues, industry partners, and government officials.
• Ability to work independently in a field environment, successfully complete required technical coursework, and pass any test relevant to the position within the probationary period or trial period.
• Willing and able to work in all reasonable weather conditions, access non-traditional work environments, and walk on complex terrain.
• Able to operate a manual soil auger to six feet and perform physical tasks including lifting up to 50 pounds, bending, climbing, and stooping during sampling and inspections.
• Able to make visual observations of facilities, samples, plans, specifications, and reports, including distinguishing color variations.
• Able to wear the required safety equipment as needed, including, but not limited to, hard hats, safety glasses, and safety boots.
• Able to conduct field tests using delicate instruments and chemicals requiring steady hands.
• Familiarity with onsite wastewater methods and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Training or experience in describing or classifying soils.Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Overnight travel, weekend, after hours, and holiday work may be required.
• Position is subject to 24/7 callback due to emergencies.

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
• 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.