Environmental Scientist (EHM III)

The State of South Carolina is hiring an Environmental Scientist (EHM III) to evaluate Superfund sites through research, sampling, and data interpretation. Responsibilities include preparing sampling plans, maintaining ePermitting systems, and assisting with fieldwork on various environmental sites. Candidates should have relevant experience and a degree in natural or physical sciences. Benefits include health insurance, vacation, sick leave, and retirement options.
About the position

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! Under limited supervision, evaluates potential Federal and State Superfund sites through site visits, site-specific research, sampling activities, and data interpretation. Submits information to the EPA in the form of a technical report referred to as a PCS, PA, SI, ESI or HRS documentation package. Maintains ePermitting and other information tracking systems. Assists with sampling and fieldwork on State and Federal Superfund Sites, Brownfield Sites, Dry-Cleaning sites, and other state/federal sites as needed.

Responsibilities
• Uses EPA guidance and HRS scoring methodology to collect appropriate data to prioritize sites in the state for inclusion in the Federal Superfund Program.
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• Prepares technically sound sampling plans (or Quality Assurance Plans) and health and safety plans when required.
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• Uses data collected to prepare technically sound Pre-CERCLA, PA, SI and ESI reports.
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• Performs or assists with chain of custody and sample management activities during sampling events.
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• Helps coordinate and review all sampling related issues including equipment, supplies, SOPs, and data needs.
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• Helps prepare and review site-specific and program wide Quality Assurance Plans.
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• Maintains technical expertise needed to assist other members of the section to help ensure uniformity in sampling procedures and site evaluation.
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• Maintains technical expertise in sampling techniques and sample submission requirements of the EPA, as well as an up-to-date knowledge of issues related to Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other emerging contaminants.
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• Assists with the processing of monitoring well applications.
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• Performs other duties as required to support the Federal and State Site Assessment Section.

Requirements
• A high school diploma and six years of environmental health or related experience.
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• An associate degree in the natural or physical sciences or related technical field and four years of environmental health or related experience.
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• A bachelor's degree in the natural or physical sciences or related technical field and two years of environmental health or related experience.
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• Must have a basic understanding of environmental contaminant transport.
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• Ability to interact with various scientific disciplines, government offices and the general public to resolve health issues resulting from hazardous waste sites.
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• Ability to concurrently manage numerous assessment and prioritization projects.

Nice-to-haves
• A master's degree in the natural or physical sciences or related technical field and one year of environmental health or related experience.
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• HAZWOPER 40-HR Certification.
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• Knowledge of federal and state laws related to CERCLA.

Benefits
• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children.
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• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year.
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• 15 days sick leave per year.
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• 13 paid holidays.
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• Paid parental leave.
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• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available.
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• Retirement benefit choices including State Retirement Plan (SCRS) and State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP).
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• 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.