Law Enforcement Officer II (Shellfish Monitoring Program)

Law Enforcement Officer II (Shellfish Monitoring Program)

Salary

$53,300.00 - $59,887.00 Annually

Location

Horry County, SC

Job Type

FTE - Full-Time

Job Number

61009954/191063

Agency

SCDES-Water

Opening Date

07/27/2026

Closing Date

8/9/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Class Code:

JC20

Position Number:

61009954/191063

Normal Work Schedule:

Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)

Pay Grade

LAW04

Hiring Range - Min.

$53,300.00

Hiring Range - Max.

$59,887.00

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 ensure that your application includes all current and previous work history and education. A resume, cover letter, and transcript may be uploaded as supplemental documentation but will not be used to determine whether an applicant has met the minimum qualifications for the position. The completeness, accuracy, and overall quality of the application (including grammar and spelling) will be evaluated and may influence selection for 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.

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

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 would love to have you support our mission.

Science | Service | Sustainability

Make a Difference in South Carolina's Coastal Environment!

About the Role

Join a team dedicated to protecting South Carolina's natural resources and the people who call it home. As a Law Enforcement Officer II in our Shellfish Monitoring Program, you'll combine science, environmental health, and law enforcement to ensure the safe harvesting, processing, and distribution of seafood across our state. This role enforces state and federal shellfish sanitation laws and regulations through water quality monitoring, sampling, sanitary surveys, pollution abatement, inspections, and patrols. This is a unique opportunity to serve the citizens of South Carolina while working outdoors, on the water, and directly with the communities we serve.

Key Responsibilities:

• Enforce shellfish and environmental regulations through inspections, patrols, and field operations.
• Patrol coastal areas by boat and vehicle, navigating coastal waterways in all weather conditions.
• Collect samples and analyze water quality data for shellfish classification.
• Inspect seafood processing facilities and evaluate sanitation practices.
• Assist with stream sampling, equipment maintenance, and reporting.
• Complete accurate investigative and administrative documentation.
• Participate in team training and remain up to date on required certifications/licensures.
• Respond to environmental emergencies on a 24/7 call-back basis as needed.
• Serves as a Certified (Class 1) Law Enforcement Officer in accordance with the SC Code of Laws and is empowered with full arrest and policy authority.

Why Join Us?

As a state employee, you'll enjoy:

• Job Stability & Purposeful Work: Make an impact on your community as you contribute to protecting SCS environment and coastal ecosystems

• Great Benefits, Including:

• 13 paid holidays

• 30 days paid leave per year

• Comprehensive insurance options for you and your family

• Retirement benefits choices

• Career Growth: Ongoing training, professional development, and a clear path for advancement.

• Work-Life Balance: Choose a career that lets you enjoy the beauty of South Carolina, in and outside of your job.

If you're passionate about public service, protecting South Carolinas environment, enjoy hands-on fieldwork, and are ready to serve your community as part of a mission-driven team, we encourage you to submit an application!

Minimum and Additional Requirements

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in natural/physical sciences or a related field; OR

• Associate degree in a relevant field with 2 years of environmental health experience; OR

• Related bachelor's or associate degrees include but are not limited to Marine Science, Biology, Fisheries/Wildlife, Environmental or Public Health, Public Health, Natural Resources, Criminal Justice, Geography/GIS, etc.

• High school diploma with 4 years of relevant enforcement and/or environmental health experience

• Relevant experience includes but is not limited to environmental fieldwork, regulatory inspections, natural resource management, maritime operations, law enforcement, or other public safety roles.

Certifications:

Must have and maintain certification as a Class 1 Law Enforcement Officer by the SC Criminal Justice Academy OR be eligible and able to obtain certification within one year of hire.

(Certification by the Law Enforcement Training Council in accordance with Section 23-23-40 of the Code of Laws of South Carolina 1976)

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver's license and a clean driving record
• Strong swimming skills and boating ability
• No criminal record and must pass all background investigations
• Ability to distinguish color variations (required for water sample testing)
• Physical ability to lift 50 lbs., climb, stoop, and work in varied field conditions
• Comfortable working in extreme weather, weekends, holidays, and overnight travel
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to engage with the public and regulated community

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification as a Class 1 Law Enforcement Officer through the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy
• Knowledge of or familiarity with public/environmental health laws, sanitation practices, and/or environmental regulations/compliance
• Experience conducting inspections, patrols, or field operations
• Experience or familiarity with collecting and analyzing samples, quality testing, and/or reporting
• Skilled in operating and navigating boats in coastal waterways, including in challenging weather conditions

Additional Comments

SCDES Law Enforcement Salary Breakdown

TitleRequirementsSalaryOfficer INon-certified | Trainee; must meet minimum education requirements listed$53,300Officer ICertified (upon certification) less than 24 months experience$56,498Officer IICertified, 2 years experience in LEO classification$59,887

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)
• State Retirement Plan (PORS) - Defined benefit retirement plan for eligible public safety employees, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, and peace officers.
• Transfer and purchase past military and public service time to retire early!
• Disability Retirement Protection
• PORS Handbook available here

Application Process:

After you submit your application, it will be reviewed first. Following assessment, applicants who qualify will then be sent an online employment evaluation tool.

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. 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.

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

Are you a current or former employee of SCDHEC or SCDES?

• Yes
• No

02

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 may be attached but will not be used to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position. I have read and acknowledge the above statement.

• Yes
• No

03

Which selection best matches your educational and experience level?

• A bachelors 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.

04

Are you currently a Certified Class 1 Law Enforcement Officer?

• Yes
• No

05

If you are not a certified Class 1 law enforcement officer, you will be required to attend the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy for 12 weeks and become a certified Class 1 Law Enforcement officer. You will be required to carry a sidearm, issue tickets and testify in court as needed. Are you able to meet these requirements?

06

Can you swim?

• Yes
• No

07

Are you able to operate a boat comfortably in rough and open water in all weather conditions?

• Yes
• No

08

Have you reviewed the application process, and do you understand the next steps in the process?

09

Do you have any questions or concerns?

Required Question

Employer State of South Carolina

Agency SCDES-Water 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.