Phytoplankton Biologist; EHM

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!

Under direct supervision, serves as the Phytoplankton Biologist working within the Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Program and Periphyton Program teams to assist and execute the goals of both programs. As part of both programs, the biologist is responsible for conducting field work, in-field analysis, responding to constituent inquiries, and laboratory-based analyses to assess water samples and algal blooms throughout the state to achieve program objectives for other SCDES management units.

The biologist will assist other Aquatic Science Division units with field, logistical, and laboratory support when needed.

• Assist with the chlorophyll-a and algal toxin laboratory processing and analysis. Participate in field monitoring conducted by the Division related to HABs or phytoplankton. Respond to public or media related HAB inquiries.
• Assist with the Periphyton Program, which includes field sampling and sampling processing. Develop periphyton data analysis skills.
• Develop phytoplankton identification skills. This includes attending workshops and/or training sessions.
• Participate in special studies and other work conducted by the Aquatic Science Division as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by bureau management as needed.

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.

• A bachelor’s degree in the natural or physical sciences or related technical field.
• An associate degree in the natural or physical sciences or related technical field and two (2) years of environmental health or related experience.
• A high school diploma and four (4) years of environmental health or related experience.

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.

• Must have valid state driver's license.
• Able to provide outstanding customer service in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Work effectively in a team-oriented environment and encourage positive working relationships with coworkers, industry, and government officials.
• Work independently in a field environment.
• Ability to prepare clear technical reports, documentation, and presentations for a variety of audiences.
• Work in all reasonable weather conditions and access non-traditional work environments.
• May require:
  • Daily travel throughout the state.
  • Occasional overnight travel.
• The ability to operate various types of boats and…