Office of Rural Water Program Manager I

Office of Rural Water Program Manager I

Salary

$77,713.00 - $94,758.00 Annually

Location

Richland County, SC

Job Type

FTE - Full-Time

Job Number

61006627/193627

Agency

Department of Environmental Services

Division

Bureau of Water

Opening Date

10/02/2026

Closing Date

10/11/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Class Code:

AH45

Position Number:

61006627/193627

Normal Work Schedule:

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

Pay Grade

GEN11

Hiring Range - Min.

$77,713.00

Hiring Range - Max.

$94,758.00

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.

• 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 we would love to have you as a member of our team!

Science | Service | Sustainability

About the Role:

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in South Carolina's rural communities? Reliable water systems are essential, and the Office of Rural Water Program Manager leads the work that helps ensure they stay strong. As part of the Bureau of Water, the Office of Rural Water (ORW) plays a critical role in protecting and strengthening water systems across the state - especially in the communities that need it most.

As the ORW Program Manager, you will guide a statewide program that helps small rural water and wastewater systems address long-standing infrastructure and compliance challenges. In this role, you will lead staff and oversee operations that provide technical expertise and hands-on support to rural utilities. Your work directly contributes to safer drinking water, more resilient wastewater systems, healthier communities, and long-term environmental stability across South Carolina.

Job Responsibilities:

• Oversee daily operations and management of the Office of Rural Water. Plan, assign and follow projects and activities related to the office and staff members.
• Serve as the point of contact for the ORW for all inquiries for assistance and information.
• Provide expert level technical, managerial and/or guidance to find financial assistance to rural water and wastewater systems. Represent the ORW by participating in presentations, trainings and conferences for general and regulated audiences.
• Perform site visits and work collaboratively with rural water and wastewater systems and partners to facilitate solutions to complex problems. Assist with ensuring compliance to state and federal regulations.
• Maintain effective, professional engagement with elected officials, including mayors, council members, administrators, and state legislators.
• Support Bureau leadership by contributing to strategic objectives, preparing periodic progress reports, and managing special projects and grant activities as assigned.
• Perform additional duties as needed, including completing Employee Performance Management System (EPMS) requirements and attending meetings and trainings.

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
• 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 room for growth.
• Work-Life Balance: A career that lets you enjoy South Carolina, inside and outside of your job.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

• A master's degree in the natural or physical sciences, public health or related technical field and five (5) years of environmental experience; OR
• A bachelor's degree in the natural or physical sciences, public health or related technical field and six (6) years of environmental experience.

Degrees in a related technical field include earth or environmental sciences, engineering, chemistry, biology, soil science, or similar disciplines.

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.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver's license and the ability to operate a motor vehicle; willing and able to perform routine in-state travel, occasional out-of-state travel, and work after normal work hours.
• Able to operate with limited direct daily supervision; strong prioritization and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; able to make presentations in a group setting.
• Able to supervise a team of staff and carry out management level responsibilities in an environmental program.
• Must be able to plan, manage and supervise statewide activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the drinking water and wastewater field.

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)

• 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.

• Yes
• No

02

Are you a current or previous DHEC or SCDES employee?

• Yes
• No

03

Will you now or in the future require SCDES sponsorship for employment visa status?

• Yes
• No

04

Please select which description best describes your level of experience as it pertains to the minimum requirements for this position. Degrees in a related technical field include earth or environmental sciences, engineering, chemistry, biology, soil science, or similar disciplines.

• I have a master's degree in the natural or physical sciences, public health or related technical field and five (5) years of environmental experience.
• I have a bachelor's degree in the natural or physical sciences, public health or related technical field and six (6) years of environmental experience.
• My qualifications do not match the minimum requirements for this position.

05

Are you willing and able to perform routine in-state travel, occasional out-of-state travel, and work after normal work hours?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you have experience directing, supervising, or coordinating the work of staff?

• Yes
• No

07

Do you have experience in the drinking water and wastewater field?

• Yes
• No

08

Do you have experience interacting with elected officials, including mayors, council members, administrators, or state legislators?

• Extensive experience
• Some experience
• Limited experience
• No experience

Required Question

Employer State of South Carolina

Agency Department of Environmental Services 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.