Office of Rural Water Program Manager I

State of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Long-term disability

Life insurance

Job summary

South Carolina Department of Environmental Services is seeking an ORW Program Manager to lead a statewide program addressing infrastructure and compliance for rural water/wastewater systems. You will guide operations, provide technical guidance, and support staff to improve drinking water safety and environmental resilience.

You’ll collaborate with officials, represent the program at trainings and conferences, and travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Master’s or bachelor’s degree in the natural or physical sciences, public health or related technical field.
• Five (5) years of environmental experience OR six (6) years with a bachelor’s degree.
• Institutions of Higher Learning must be recognized by CHEA.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations and management of the Office of Rural Water.
• Plan, assign and follow projects and activities for the office and staff.
• Serve as the point of contact for the ORW for inquiries and information.
• Provide expert level technical, managerial guidance to obtain financial assistance to rural water/wastewater systems.
• Represent the ORW in presentations, trainings and conferences.
• Perform site visits and work with rural systems to facilitate solutions and ensure compliance.
• Maintain engagement with elected officials and state lawmakers.

Education

Master’s degree in natural or physical sciences, public health, or related field

Bachelor’s degree in natural or physical sciences, public health, or related field

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:

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in South Carolina’s rural communities? Reliable water systems are essential, and the Office of Rural Water Program Manager leads the work that helps ensure they stay strong. As part of the Bureau of Water, the Office of Rural Water (ORW) plays a critical role in protecting and strengthening water systems across the state - especially in the communities that need it most.

As the ORW Program Manager, you will guide a statewide program that helps small rural water and wastewater systems address long-standing infrastructure and compliance challenges. In this role, you will lead staff and oversee operations that provide technical expertise and hands‑on support to rural utilities. Your work directly contributes to safer drinking water, more resilient wastewater systems, healthier communities, and long‑term environmental stability across South Carolina.

Job Responsibilities:

• Oversee daily operations and management of the Office of Rural Water. Plan, assign and follow projects and activities related to the office and staff members.
• Serve as the point of contact for the ORW for all inquiries for assistance and information.
• Provide expert level technical, managerial and/or guidance to find financial assistance to rural water and wastewater systems. Represent the ORW by participating in presentations, trainings and conferences for general and regulated audiences.
• Perform site visits and work collaboratively with rural water and wastewater systems and partners to facilitate solutions to complex problems. Assist with ensuring compliance to state and federal regulations.
• Maintain effective, professional engagement with elected officials, including mayors, council members, administrators, and state legislators.
• Support Bureau leadership by contributing to strategic objectives, preparing periodic progress reports, and managing special projects and grant activities as assigned.
• Perform additional duties as needed, including completing Employee Performance Management System (EPMS) requirements and attending meetings and trainings.

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 room for growth.
• Work-Life Balance: A career that lets you enjoy South Carolina, inside and outside of your job.

• A master’s degree in the natural or physical sciences, public health or related technical field and five (5) years of environmental experience; OR
• A bachelor’s degree in the natural or physical sciences, public health or related technical field and six (6) years of environmental experience.

Degrees in a related technical field include earth or environmental sciences, engineering, chemistry, biology, soil science, or similar disciplines.

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:

• Valid driver’s license and the ability to operate a motor vehicle; willing and able to perform routine in-state travel, occasional out-of-state travel, and work after normal work hours.
• Able to operate with limited direct daily supervision; strong prioritization and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; able to make presentations in a group setting.
• Able to supervise a team of staff and carry out management level responsibilities in an environmental program.
• Must be able to plan, manage and supervise statewide activities.

• Experience in the drinking water and wastewater field.

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
  • State Optional Retirement Program

*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.