Office of Rural Water Program Manager

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!

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in South Carolina’s rural communities? Reliable water systems are essential, and the Office of Rural Water Program Manager leads the work that helps ensure they stay strong. As part of the Bureau of Water, the Office of Rural Water (ORW) plays a critical role in protecting and strengthening water systems across the state - especially in the communities that need it most.

As the ORW Program Manager, you will guide a statewide program that helps small rural water and wastewater systems address long-standing infrastructure and compliance challenges. In this role, you will lead staff and oversee operations that provide technical expertise and hands‑on support to rural utilities. Your work directly contributes to safer drinking water, more resilient wastewater systems, healthier communities, and long‑term environmental stability across South Carolina.

• Oversee daily operations and management of the Office of Rural Water. Plan, assign and follow projects and activities related to the office and staff members.
• Serve as the point of contact for the ORW for all inquiries for assistance and information.
• Provide expert level technical, managerial and/or guidance to find financial assistance to rural water and wastewater systems. Represent the ORW by participating in presentations, trainings and conferences for general and regulated audiences.
• Perform site visits and work collaboratively with rural water and wastewater systems and partners to facilitate solutions to complex problems. Assist with ensuring compliance to state and federal regulations.
• Maintain effective, professional engagement with elected officials, including mayors, council members, administrators, and state legislators.
• Support Bureau leadership by contributing to strategic objectives, preparing periodic progress reports, and managing special projects and grant activities as assigned.
• Perform additional duties as needed, including completing Employee Performance Management System (EPMS) requirements and attending meetings and trainings.

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 room for growth.
• Work-Life Balance
  : A career that lets you enjoy South Carolina, inside and outside of your job.

• A master’s degree in the natural or physical sciences, public health or related technical field and five (5) years of environmental experience;
  OR
• A bachelor’s degree in the natural or physical sciences, public health or related technical field and six (6) years of environmental experience.

Degrees in a related technical field include earth or environmental sciences, engineering, chemistry, biology, soil science, or similar disciplines.

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.

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