Mining Technician I (EHM I)

State of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work option 2 days per week

Excellent benefits package

Retirement plan

Job summary

South Carolina Department of Environmental Services is seeking a qualified candidate to support the Mining & Reclamation Program. You will review mine operating permit applications, assist in evaluating decisions, and conduct field inspections to ensure compliance with mining laws and permit conditions.

Responsibilities include technical reviews, inspections within the assigned area, and serving as a technical resource on mine reclamation practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in natural or physical sciences, mathematics, public health, engineering or related field.
• High school diploma with two years of related experience in environmental health programs or radiological health.

Responsibilities

• Review mine operating permit applications and reclamation plans for compliance with SC mining laws and regulations.
• Perform inspections to evaluate compliance with mining act, regulations, and approved reclamation plans.
• Provide guidance on reclamation practices to agency staff, permit applicants, consultants and operators.

Skills

Technical report writing

Regulatory compliance

Field inspections

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in natural or physical sciences, mathematics, public health, engineering

High school diploma with 2 years related environmental health experience

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

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, this position supports the Mining & Reclamation Program within the Bureau of Land and Waste Management. In this role, you will review mine operating permit applications, assist in the evaluation and preparation of permitting decisions, and conduct field inspections to ensure compliance with applicable mining and reclamation laws, regulations, and permit conditions. You will also provide compliance assistance to mine operators, helping promote environmentally responsible mining practices and the effective restoration of mined lands.

Job Responsibilities:

• Conduct technical reviews of mine operating permit applications and reclamation plans using established procedures to ensure compliance with the South Carolina Mining Act and associated regulations.
• Perform inspections and related follow-up activities for all mining operations within assigned area to evaluate compliance with the South Carolina Mining Act and Regulations, mine operating permit requirements, and approved reclamation plans.
• Serve as a technical resource on mine reclamation practices by providing guidance and recommendations to agency staff, permit applicants, consultants, and mining operators regarding compliance with approved reclamation plans and applicable mining regulations.
• Provide technical assistance to the mining industry on mining and reclamation requirements. Assist regulatory agencies, consultants, public officials, mining operators, and members of the public by responding to inquiries and offering guidance regarding mining and reclamation requirements
• Communicate with other regulatory agencies, non-governmental organizations, stakeholders, and the general public through meetings, hearings, written correspondence, site visits, and verbal interactions regarding the technical review and evaluation of mine operating permit applications.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

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.

• A high school diploma and two (2) years of related experience in environmental health programs or radiological health; 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 be able to perform beginner- to journey-level professional geology or hydrology work under direct supervision.
• Knowledge of personal computers and applications including Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to write clear and accurate technical reports, correspondence, and permit-related documents.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with permittees, professional consultants, elected officials, and members of the public.
• Must be able to climb steep slopes, traverse uneven terrain, and participate in site visits in fair and inclement weather.
• Must be able to lift 40 pounds.
• Must have a valid driver's license, 10-year driving record that complies with State and Agency Fleet guidelines, and the ability to drive a state vehicle.
• Some overnight travel may be required.

• Certified Erosion Prevention & Sediment Control Inspector.
• Knowledge and experience in reclamation work, which may include a degree in agronomy, forestry, soil science, ecology, or wetland management.

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.

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.