Geologist​/Hydrologist - Underground Storage Tank Management Division

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

Under direct supervision, the Geologist/Hydrologist I provides technical review and regulatory oversight for site rehabilitation activities associated with releases from underground storage tanks for the Underground Storage Tank Management Division. This role is ideal for professionals who want to apply their expertise in geology, hydrogeology, hydrology, or groundwater science to meaningful, real-world environmental protection work across the state of South Carolina.

You will be part of a collaborative, science-driven team focused on timely, accurate environmental assessments and remediation decisions. This position offers opportunities to grow technically, develop field and modeling experience, and build professional credentials in hydrogeology and environmental management.

Job Responsibilities:

• Using Risk-Based Corrective Action criteria and Standard Operating Procedures, review and approve technical plans in accordance with established program goals.
• Evaluate technical reports to ensure they are accurate, complete, and defensible.
• Assess regulated Petroleum Releases in a timely manner for corrective action, remediation needs, or No Further Action decisions.
• Conduct records management for assigned releases, including updating the E-Permitting database and maintaining project files per agency retention policies.
• Review and approve cost estimates and invoices for hydrogeologic/groundwater work funded by State resources; verify accuracy before authorizing payment.
• Provide technical assistance and information to coworkers, consultants, industries, public officials, and members of the public.
• Participate in peer reviews to ensure program consistency.
• Support program management with special projects and emerging needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Why Join Us?

• 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 opportunities to pursue credentials such as GIT or PG. Fieldwork, groundwater modeling tools and hands on projects will grow your expertise.
• Work-Life Balance: A career that lets you enjoy South Carolina, inside and outside of your job.

A bachelor's degree in geology, hydrology, hydrogeology or geological engineering.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to operate a motor vehicle and have a valid Driver's License.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• A good working knowledge of basic geochemistry and groundwater modeling programs.
• Must have good working knowledge of the groundwater resources.
• Experience with computer tasks (data management, word processing).
• May require:
• Daily travel throughout the state with a provided state fleet vehicle.
• Occasional out-of-state and overnight travel.

Institutions of Higher Learning must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Transcript Guidance:
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.

• Geologist in Training Certification (GIT) or Professional Geologist License (PG).
• Experience in conducting geologic or hydrologic investigations.
• Experience in groundwater protection regulations and policies.
• Experience with petroleum remediation, environmental consulting, or subsurface characterization
• Familiarity with GIS or groundwater modeling software

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.  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…