Summer Pool Inspector; Columbia

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

Are you passionate about public health, environmental safety, or water quality? Looking for a hands‑on summer job that gets you into the field? The Recreational Waters Program is hiring Summer Pool Inspectors to help ensure the safety of pools, spas, lazy rivers, and water parks across SC.

After completing our paid “Pool School” training, you’ll hit the road to inspect recreational waters across your assigned region, helping ensure safe, clean water for South Carolina’s residents and visitors.

This is a great opportunity for students, recent grads, or early‑career professionals interested in environmental science, public health, or regulatory work.

Note for Current Students:
College credit may be available. Please ask your school about requirements for requesting credit for internships or learning programs.

This posting is for our Columbia, SC location.

SCDES is hiring Summer Pool Inspectors in multiple offices across South Carolina! Please visit the SCDES Job Opportunities website to see postings for other regions, including Aiken, Anderson‑Greenwood, Beaufort, Charleston, Columbia, Florence‑Sumter, Greenville‑Spartanburg, Lancaster, and Myrtle Beach.

• Conduct water quality testing at regulated swimming pools and aquatic facilities.
• Ensure compliance with state health and safety standards.
• Investigate public complaints and help facilities resolve water quality or safety issues.
• Post public health advisories and notices when needed.
• Work independently in the field while collaborating with a supportive team of environmental professionals.
• Gain real‑world experience in environmental quality control and public health protection.
• Issue notices and closures for unsafe pools and follow up on corrections.
• Document inspections and communicate with facility staff.

• Real‑world field experience in environmental health and regulatory compliance.
• Work that directly impacts public safety.
• Opportunities for rehire or internship credit.
• Be part of a statewide team making a difference.

• This is a paid, full‑time seasonal role beginning Monday, May 18th and will run through August 16th, 2026.
• Occasional overnight travel may be necessary (travel expenses covered).

Explore the Recreational Waters Program: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).-waters

• A high school diploma or GED.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Individuals must be 18 years of age or older by May 18th, 2026.
• Must be able to swim.
• Ability to travel throughout the assigned region using a state vehicle for the full summer season.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage a daily route, and stay organized.
• Comfortable working outdoors and lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Previous experience as a SCDES Pool Inspector.

All inspectors attend a multi‑day “Pool School” that covers:

• Water sampling and testing procedures.
• Public health and pool safety regulations.
• Documentation and reporting.
• Customer service and communication.
• How to issue closures and conduct follow‑up.

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. If selected for an interview, a copy of the college transcript will be required via email or at the time of the interview. Please note that some departments within the agency may require an official, certified copy of the transcript prior to hiring or within a specific timeframe required by that area, after hiring.

Failure to produce an official, certified transcript may result in not being hired or termination.

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.