Section Manager of Permit Coordination

About the Role

Under general supervision of the Division Director, the Permit Coordination Section Manager supports the Coastal Stormwater Permitting Division in the Bureau of Coastal Management by supervising and managing the administrative and technical processing of stormwater permits for construction activities in the eight coastal counties. The Manager also oversees the planning and execution of public engagement activities associated with permit coverage requests and provides technical and administrative guidance concerning land disturbance permitting requirements to employees, the regulated community, and the public.

A. Provides Daily Management and Training of the Permit Coordination and Administrative Staff

Provides daily management and training for permit coordination and administrative staff, including permit intake, records requests, public engagement, technical reviews of smaller scale projects, residential lot permitting, and permitting of projects in regulated MS4 areas. Ensures activities are accurate, well documented, timely, and consistent with regulatory requirements. Coordinates with the statewide stormwater program, recommends process improvements, assists with SOP development, and collaborates with the Technical Review Section Manager.

B. Perform Project Technical Reviews

Reviews project technical data and determines compliance with regulations and permitting requirements by examining construction drawings, SWPPP reports, and engineering design reports. Coordinates with project applicants and engineering consulting teams.

C. Serves as Program Contact for ePermitting

Acts as the program contact for ePermitting, providing necessary reports and updating application and authorization letter templates.

D. Collaborates with Internal Staff, Regulatory Community, and Citizens on Stormwater Activities

Represents the Coastal Stormwater Permitting Program at meetings and conferences, assists internal staff and the regulated community, and oversees public engagement activities for permit coverage requests.

E. Performs Bureau of Coastal Management Emergency Operations and Recovery Roles and other duties as assigned.

• Job Stability & Purposeful Work
  :
  Make an impact on your community by protecting South Carolina's environment.
• Great Benefits
  :
  Paid holidays, 30 total days of leave per year, insurance options for you and your family, and retirement benefit choices.
• Career Growth
  :
  Grow professionally with ongoing training, skill‑building opportunities, and room for advancement.
• Work‑Life Balance
  :
  Enjoy South Carolina, both inside and outside of your job.

• A master's degree in a related technical field and three (3) years of related environmental experience; OR
• A bachelor’s degree in a related technical field and four (4) years of related environmental experience.

• Accurately interpret and apply laws, regulations, permitting requirements, and policies related to NPDES Construction and State Stormwater Programs.
• Demonstrate organizational and time‑management skills, supervise permitting and administrative staff, and meet strict deadlines.
• Proficient written and verbal communication; ability to make presentations in group settings.
• Work closely with local government agencies, engineering consultants, applicants, and the public in a professional manner.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Physical ability to conduct site inspections, walk uneven terrain, and lift 30 pounds.
• Position in the Charleston office; travel within the eight‑county coastal zone and Columbia; may require work outside normal hours and overnight travel.

• Experience in stormwater management or a closely related field.
• One to three years supervisory experience.
• Certified Construction Site Inspector and Certified Plan Reviewer, or ability to obtain both certifications within two (2) years of employment.

SCDES is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

The Department will not sponsor H1B visas for this position.

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

* Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of the retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.