Environmental Scientist (EHM III)

The State of South Carolina is hiring an Environmental Scientist (EHM III) to evaluate potential Superfund sites through research, sampling, and data interpretation. Responsibilities include preparing technical reports, maintaining information systems, and assisting with fieldwork on various environmental sites. Candidates need relevant educational qualifications and experience in environmental health. The role is based in South Carolina and involves site visits, indicating it is not a remote position.
Job Responsibilities

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Job Purpose:
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.

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

Minimum and Additional Requirements
• A high school diploma and six years of environmental health or related experience.
• An associate degree in the natural or physical sciences or related technical field and four years of environmental health or related experience.
• A bachelor’s degree in the natural or physical sciences or related technical field and two years of environmental health or related experience.

Note: Degrees in a related technical field include, but are not limited to, Earth sciences, chemistry, biology, physics, soil science, environmental science, mathematics, 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:
• Must have a basic understanding of environmental contaminant transport.
• Ability to interact with various scientific disciplines, government offices and the general public to resolve health issues resulting from hazardous waste sites.
• Ability to concurrently manage numerous assessment and prioritization projects.

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

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.