Project Manager (EHM III)

State-of-South-Carolina; South Carolina; Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

15 days annual leave

S.C. retirement program

Remote work option after 1 year

Job summary

South Carolina Department of Environmental Services seeks a Project Manager for the Facilities Permitting/Groundwater Protection division to guide groundwater-related permitting and monitoring for wastewater facilities across the state.

The role emphasizes hydrogeology expertise, regulatory interpretation, and proactive engagement with the public, industry, and agencies to ensure compliant project delivery and accurate records in the ePermitting system.

Qualifications

• Requires master's degree in natural/physical sciences or related field and 1 year of environmental health experience; or bachelor's degree and 2 years; or associate degree and 4 years; or high school diploma and 6 years.
• Strong knowledge of environmental regulations and compliance strategies is expected.
• Experience performing field inspections and providing technical assistance.
• Ability to interpret regulatory requirements and prepare written evaluations and recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Perform hydrogeological site evaluations and feasibility assessments for land application sites.
• Provide written review comments and recommendations for Permit Engineers.
• Maintain accurate project records in the ePermitting system.
• Review groundwater monitoring plans and related data for industrial facilities.
• Assist with land application questions and inspections for agricultural sites.
• Communicate with public and stakeholders and coordinate tasks across teams.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

Field inspections

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Program evaluation

Education

Master's degree in natural/physical sciences or related field

Bachelor's degree in natural/physical sciences or related field

Associate degree in natural/physical sciences or related field

High school diploma with six years environment health experience

Tools

ePermitting

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

As the Project Manager for the Facilities Permitting/Groundwater Protection division, you’ll play a key role in helping South Carolina’s regulated community understand and meet environmental requirements. This position focuses on providing expert consultation on groundwater issues encountered during wastewater facility permitting. Reviews applications and technical submissions for domestic and industrial wastewater permits involving new projects, closures, expansions, modifications, and ongoing groundwater and soil monitoring. Maintains accurate and up-to-date electronic project records within the ePermitting system.

Key Responsibilities

• Site Evaluation & Feasibility
  Perform hydrogeological site evaluations and project feasibility assessments, including review of historical and background monitoring data for existing and proposed land application sites.
• Technical Review & Recommendations
  Provide written review comments and recommendations for Permit Engineers. Request intra-agency input and coordinate tasks with enforcement and permitting personnel as appropriate.
• Project Tracking & Public Assistance
  Maintain accurate project status information in the database. Provide information to the public, industrial representatives, agricultural representatives, and appropriate DES personnel.
• Industrial Facility Monitoring & Plan Review
  Review and initiate groundwater monitoring plans, Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans, and related data and specifications for industrial wastewater facilities following established policy and guidance.
• Agricultural Permitting Support
  Assist the Agricultural Permitting Section with land application questions and compliance inspections. Review and initiate groundwater monitoring plans, data, and specifications for agricultural sites using policy and guidance.
• Additional Responsibilities
  Perform other duties as assigned by the Section Manager, Division Director, Assistant Bureau Chief, and Bureau Chief.

What We’re Looking For

• Strong knowledge of environmental regulations and compliance strategies.
• Experience conducting field inspections and providing technical assistance.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Familiarity with SCDES permits, processes, and guidance documents.
• Ability to plan, lead, and evaluate environmental programs.

A master’s degree in the natural or physical sciences or related technical field and one (1) year of environmental health or related experience; or a bachelor’s degree in the natural or physical sciences or related technical field and two (2) years of environmental health or related experience; or an associate degree in the natural or physical sciences or related technical field and four (4) years of environmental health or related experience; or high school diploma and six (6) years of environmental health or related experience.

Additional Requirements:

• Must have a valid SC driver’s license.
• Required to drive a state vehicle.
• Overnight travel, weekend, and after-hours work may be required.
• Familiarity with environmental regulations, laws, and compliance strategies.
• Knowledge of hydrogeological principles, soil science, and groundwater monitoring methodologies.
• Ability to interpret environmental data, technical guidance documents, and regulatory requirements.
• Skill in preparing clear and concise written evaluations and recommendations.
• Ability to use databases, spreadsheets, and digital tools for project tracking and data analysis.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and meet deadlines.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders, including the public, regulated community, and government officials.

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. If selected for an interview, a copy of the college transcript will be required via email or at the time of the interview. Please note that some departments within the agency may require an official, certified copy of the transcript prior to hiring or within a specific timeframe required by that area, after hiring. Failure to produce an official, certified transcript may result in not being hired or termination.

• Coursework or experience in geology, hydrology, and groundwater, and the ability to understand key principles in these disciplines.
• Database experience in ePermitting or a similar software platform is beneficial.
• Knowledge of soil science and mapping programs.

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 of partially remote work is available after successful completion of 1 year of employment with the agency, based on position 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.