Geologist/Hydrologist I - Underground Storage Tank Management Division
Salary
$57,060.00 - $61,100.00 Annually
Location
Richland County, SC
Job Type
FTE - Full-Time
Job Number
190325/61009574
Agency
SCDES-Land & Waste
Opening Date
07/21/2026
Closing Date
8/2/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Class Code:
LC10
Position Number:
61009574 (190325)
Normal Work Schedule:
Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Grade
GEN08
Hiring Range - Min.
$57,060.00
Hiring Range - Max.
$61,100.00
EEO Statement
Equal Opportunity Employer
Agency Specific Application Procedures:
If you meet the requirements of the position and would like to be considered, you must submit a state application online. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position. The quality of the application presented (completeness and accuracy as well as grammar and spelling) will be considered prior to the offer of an interview. A criminal records check will be conducted prior to an offer of employment. Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on the stated closing date.
Veteran Preference Statement
South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.
Job Responsibilities
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?
As a South Carolina state employee, you'll enjoy:
Minimum and Additional Requirements
A bachelors degree in geology, hydrology, hydrogeology or geological engineering.
Additional Requirements:
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.
Preferred Qualifications
Additional Comments
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. Click here 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.
Benefits for State Employees
The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.
Insurance Benefits
Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.
Retirement Benefits
State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.
Workplace Benefits
State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.
Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.
01
Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted or reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position. I have read and acknowledge the above statement.
02
Do you have a bachelors degree in geology, hydrology, hydrogeology or geological engineering?
03
Are you a current or former employee of SCDHEC/SCDES?
04
Will you now or in the future require SCDES sponsorship for employment visa status?
05
Are you willing to accept a salary within the range of $57,060 to $61,100?
06
Do you have experience with and/or have you taken specialized courses in hydrogeology? If yes, please describe.
07
Are you familiar with Risk-Based Corrective Action Principles? If yes, please explain.
08
Are you familiar with Quality Assurance and Quality Control principles? If yes, please explain.
09
Do you have any database management experience? If yes, please describe.
Required Question
Employer State of South Carolina
Agency SCDES-Land & Waste Address 2600 Bull Street
Columbia, South Carolina, 29201
Phone 803-898-2687
The language used in this document does not create an employment contract between the employee and the agency. This document does not create any contractual rights or entitlements. The agency reserves the right to revise the content of this document, in whole or in part. No promises or assurances, whether written or oral, which are contrary to or inconsistent with the terms of this paragraph create any contract of employment.