Water Quality Compliance Inspector (Environmental Health Manager I)

The State of South Carolina is hiring a Water Quality Compliance Inspector to conduct inspections, evaluations, and sampling related to wastewater and agricultural programs. Responsibilities include collecting samples, performing compliance inspections, investigating complaints, and providing technical assistance. Candidates should have an associate degree or high school diploma with relevant experience. Strong communication and organizational skills are required. This position is based in Richland County, SC, indicating it is not remote.
Job Responsibilities

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Job Purpose:
Under direct supervision, the Water Quality Compliance Inspector performs assigned inspections, evaluations, and sampling for the Bureau of Regional and Laboratory Services, as required by the Bureau of Water wastewater and agricultural programs. Develop advanced knowledge and understanding of these programs.

Job Duties:
• Conduct or participate in the collection of samples from monitoring stations and wastewater facility discharge points. Prepare monthly schedules; prepare sample bottles and complete daily calibration and standardization for sampling equipment. Clean and maintain equipment to ensure it is in good working condition. Work to be conducted in strict accordance with the SCDES standard operating procedures and the Bureau of Water schedule frequency.
• Perform or participate in compliance inspections and follow up inspections, as needed, at wastewater, stormwater and agricultural operations for compliance with applicable regulations, permits, and according to Bureau of Water schedule frequency. Conduct site inspections and final inspections.
• Respond or participate in the investigation of complaints on wastewater facilities, sanitary sewer overflows, and fish kills; evaluate the potential causes, initiate corrective actions, or contact responsible parties to ensure the complaint is resolved in a timely manner. Monitor progress of corrective actions taken to solve problems causing unsatisfactory reports. Initiate enforcement actions where appropriate.
• Assist with providing technical assistance to the regulated community and public when necessary or requested. Post public notices and advisories at facilities and public locations..
• Perform other duties as required, which includes, but is not limited to, attending periodic staff meetings and training.

Minimum and Additional Requirements
• An associate degree in a related technical field;
• OR a high school diploma and two (2) years of environmental health or related experience. Certification in the environmental field qualifies as related experience.
Note: Degrees in a related technical field include, but are not limited to, Earth sciences, chemistry, biology, physics, soil science, environmental science, etc.

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:
• Able to provide outstanding customer service in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Work effectively in a team-oriented environment and encourage positive working relationships with coworkers, industry, and government officials.
• Work independently in a field environment.
• Ability to successfully complete prescribed technical coursework and pass any test relevant to the position within the probationary period or trial period.
• Able to swim and work comfortably in a boat in open water and in rough water conditions.
• Work in all reasonable weather conditions and access non-traditional work environments.
• May require:
• Daily travel throughout the state.
• Occasional overnight travel.
• Participation on the Environmental Response Team and is subject to on call or call back 24/7.

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience or knowledge in drinking water, agricultural, and/or wastewater programs.
• Thorough knowledge of applicable state and federal agricultural and/or wastewater laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of environmental health regulations.
• Data management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft office professional (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access).
• Experience using tablets and other electronic equipment in a field environment.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage time effectively.

Additional Comments

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 6 months to 1 year of employment, 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.