Aquatic Nuisance Plants Field Specialist ; 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!

Science | Service | Sustainability

As an Aquatic Nuisance Plants Field Specialist I, you will play a vital role in protecting South Carolina's waterways. Working within the Aquatic Science Division of the Bureau of Water, you'll assist with field activities such as plant surveys, triploid grass carp stockings, control operations, habitat enhancement, and educational outreach initiatives. Your efforts will directly support the Aquatic Nuisance Plants (ANP) Program and contribute to SCDES's mission of preserving healthy aquatic environments across the state.

You'll also participate in Council meetings and collaborate with a dedicated team to advance environmental stewardship.

• Assist in gathering data through surveying known aquatic nuisance species infestations and monitoring other public waters to ensure the maintenance of healthy, diverse, sustainable, and accessible waterways. Help compile and prepare collected data for use by staff, contractors, agencies, legislators, and the public.
• Support the monitoring and conducting of aquatic plant control operations as specified in the annual Aquatic Plant Management Plan and the implementation of ANP program habitat enhancement projects.
• Contribute to the development of the SC Aquatic Plant Management Plan, monthly and annual reports, and other related documentation. Compile and perform basic analyses of water use, environmental conditions, control agents and other relevant information for inclusion in ArcGIS databases or for planning management strategies for problem water bodies.
• Participate in public awareness initiatives, including the ramp sign project, to increase the publics' understanding of the environmental impacts and loss of habitat diversity associated with the spread of aquatic invasive plants and promote the program's mission of educating, expanding, and diversifying the community of public water body users.
• Assist with managing the schedule for maintenance and repair of program vehicles, boats, trailers, and field equipment.
• Attend relevant professional meetings and regular trainings to expand base of knowledge. Provide support for all public education related events.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

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.

This posting will be used to fill two (2) Aquatic Nuisance Plants Field Specialist I (EHM I) vacancies. Qualified applicants will be considered for both positions  and .

• A bachelor’s degree in the natural or physical sciences or related technical field;
  OR

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

Degrees in a related technical field include, but are not limited to, earth or environmental sciences, chemistry, biology, physics, soil science, etc.