Job Responsibilities

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

About the Role:

The Critical Area Permitting Project Manager (EHM II) serves as an essential member of the Bureau of Coastal Management’s Critical Area Permitting Section, overseeing permitting projects and conducting technical reviews of applications and service requests. In this role, you will review site plans and documentation for compliance with state coastal regulations, conduct field inspections, and ensure projects align with the South Carolina Coastal Zone Management Program. You will also provide guidance to applicants throughout the permitting process, support effective project coordination, and foster collaboration across agencies to protect South Carolina’s coastal resources.

Job Responsibilities:

Manages assigned coastal permitting projects within the Critical Area Permitting Section.
Independently performs technical reviews of projects, permit applications, and service requests to ensure compliance with Critical Area Permitting regulations, Coastal Tidelands and Wetlands Act, and the South Carolina Coastal Zone Management Program.
Guides applicants and consultants through the submittal process, advising on permitting requirements and documentation needs.
Conducts field work and site inspections associated with technical reviews and service requests and establishes critical area lines.
Provides professional guidance and assistance to local governments, land developers, consultants, public officials and citizens.

Why Join Us?

As a state employee, you’ll enjoy:

Job Stability & Purposeful Work: Make an impact on your community as you contribute to protecting SC'S environment
Great Benefits: Including paid holidays, 30 total days of leave per year, insurance options for you and your family and retirement benefit choices.
Career Growth: Ongoing training, professional development, and a clear path for advancement.
Work-Life Balance: A career that lets you enjoy South Carolina, inside and outside of your job.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in the natural or physical sciences or a related scientific field; OR An associate degree in a related technical field and at least one (1) year of environmental health or related experience; OR A high school diploma or GED and at least three (3) 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.

Additional Requirements:

Customer-service oriented with strong interpersonal skills.
Excellent organizational abilities and capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Able to communicate clearly and concisely in both oral and written formats.
Works effectively in a team-oriented environment and fosters positive working relationships with coworkers, industry partners, and government officials.
Capable of working independently in a field environment.
Skilled at prioritizing tasks and collaborating with cooperative agencies across program areas.
Able to work in all reasonable weather conditions and access non-traditional or challenging work environments.
May require: Daily travel throughout the state. Occasional overnight travel. Participation in BCM emergency preparedness and recovery activities related to natural or man-made disasters.

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.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of the statutes, regulations, policies and information sources related to the SC Coastal Management Program.
Knowledge of the federal Coastal Zone Management Act.

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 to work remotely 2 days per week is available after successful completion of 1 year of employment with SCDES, 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.