Environmental Engineering Associate

The State of South Carolina is seeking an Environmental Engineering Associate to work in Richland County, SC. This entry-level role involves analyzing industrial air pollution sources, issuing construction and operating permits, and attending public meetings. A bachelor's degree in engineering is required, with a preference for those with EIT certification or experience in environmental permitting. The position emphasizes communication skills and a commitment to public service.
Job Responsibilities

Careers at SCDES: Where Passion Meets Preservation

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Come join our team at SCDES, put your passion to work with us!
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Science | Service | Sustainability

Purpose:
Under direct supervision of Air Permitting Section Head, the Environmental Engineering Associate will perform entry-level work by developing and planning for analysis and evaluation of industrial sources of air pollution concerning construction and operating permits.

Responsibilities:
• Analyzes and evaluates air pollution sources and control equipment, through plans and specifications, located at industrial facilities, which are proposed for construction or modification. Issues construction permits as needed according to state and federal regulations. Attends public meetings and/or hearings related to these permits and serves as an agency representative.
• Analyzes and evaluates applications and supporting data and issues operating permits for industries, including major source Title V operating permits, as needed according to state and federal regulations. Attends public meetings and/or hearings related to these permits and serve as an agency representative.
• Keeps up to date with procedures, guidance, and permitting regulations.
• Conducts compliance activities and provide compliance assistance. Consults with industrial officials concerning regulations and air pollution control.
• Performs related duties as assigned by section manager.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in engineering.

The education must qualify the applicant to become registered as a Professional Engineer in South Carolina and must meet one of the education requirements outlined on the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulations website. If the applicant is utilizing the 'substantially equivalent education' pathway, the approval letter from LLR must be final at time of application.

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.
Preferred Qualifications
• An engineer in training (EIT) is desirable along with the ability and educational background to become a registered professional engineer. Environmental and/or air permitting experience (knowledge of the Clean Air Act; knowledge of industrial processes and the associated pollution control equipment).
• Demonstrated excellent communication skills.
• Desire to serve the public.

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.