Geologist​/Hydrologist III

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

This position serves as the Geologist/Hydrologist III for the Bureau of Land and Waste Management. Under limited supervision, ensure protection of human health and the environment by implementing the groundwater provisions of the S.C Hazardous Waste Management Act, the S.C. Water Classifications and Standards, S.C. Pollution Control Act, the S.C. Well Standards, and other applicable State and Federal requirements. Provide administrative and technical review on permitting and corrective action activities.

• Provide technically and regulatorily defensible comments on hazardous waste permit applications and permit modifications.
• Provide technically and regulatorily defensible comments on corrective action documents.
• Conduct RCRA groundwater compliance inspections and site visits at hazardous waste management facilities.
• Track facility compliance with permit conditions, Orders, and applicable regulations. Maintain administrative record in accordance with Bureau policy.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• A bachelor's degree in geology, hydrology, hydrogeology or geological engineering and two (2) years of related experience.
• A master's degree in geology, hydrology, hydrogeology or geological engineering and one (1) year of related experience.

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. Please note that the agency may require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring.

• Extensive knowledge of hydrogeologic principles and the geology of South Carolina (formal education and/or experience), extensive knowledge of contaminant transport mechanisms.
• Ability to interpret hydrologic and water quality data.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally with colleagues and the general public.
• Ability to work independently to plan, coordinate and direct complex geologic or hydrologic investigations.
• Knowledge of the South Carolina Hazardous Waste Management Regulations and the South Carolina Pollution Control Act.
• Must have good oral and written communication skills.
• Must have a valid driver's license, 10-year driving record that complies with State and Agency Fleet guidelines, and the ability to drive a state vehicle.
• May require:
  • Daily travel throughout the state.
  • Occasional overnight travel.
• Geologist-in-Training Certification (GIT or Professional Geologist License (PG)

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.

• 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 Work: The option to work remotely 2 days per week is available after successful completion of 1 year of employment with SCDES, based on job functions.

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