Macroinvertebrate Monitoring Program Coordinator (EHM I)

Full Job Description

About the Role:

Under direct supervision, the Macroinvertebrate Monitoring Program Coordinator plays a key role in protecting and understanding the health of South Carolina’s waterways.

As a core member of the Macroinvertebrate Bioassessment Program team, the Coordinator supports fieldwork, in-stream assessments, and laboratory analyses to evaluate stream health statewide.

This work directly supports Clean Water Act 303(d) requirements and the objectives of other SCDES management units.

The Coordinator also applies scientific expertise and hands-on field and analytical skills to advance the goals of the Aquatic Science Division, working collaboratively with other units to provide field, laboratory, and logistical support.

Job Duties:

• Collect, process, and identify freshwater aquatic macroinvertebrates in the field and the laboratory to support statewide water quality assessment.
• Analyze, interpret, and report data generated by the Section's Macroinvertebrate Bioassessment Program to the Ambient Surface Water Monitoring Coordinator in support of section 303(d), 305(b), and other sections of the CWA.
• Assist with water quality investigations and review data related to macroinvertebrate biological assessments and provide expert level technical opinions to other Agency staff.
• Participate in relevant conferences, workshops, and other continuing education opportunities to expand expertise in aquatic macroinvertebrate ecology as determined by the Division Director and Program Manager.
• Contribute to special studies and other field work conducted by the Aquatic Science Division as needed.
• Perform other duties assigned by bureau management as needed.

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 SC'S 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.

Requirements

• 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.

Note: Degrees in a related technical field include, but are not limited to, Earth sciences, chemistry, biology, physics, soil science, environmental science, mathematics, etc.

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 will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring.

Additional Requirements:

• Working knowledge of GIS applications and Microsoft Excel.
• Must have valid state driver's license and ability to operate personal and state-owned vehicles.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both an oral and written manner.
• Ability to walk on complex terrain.
• Ability to swim and work comfortably in a boat in open water and in rough conditions.
• Ability to apply scientific principles and data in independent analyses and decision-making processes.
• May require:
  • Daily travel throughout the state.
  • Occasional overnight travel.
  • Strenuous field work

Qualifications

• Ability to operate various types of boats and boat trailers.
• Background knowledge of or demonstrated academic/work experience in aquatic invertebrate ecology.

Additional Information

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 of partially remote work is available after successful completion of 1 year of employment, 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.