Enforcement Specialist II

Enforcement Specialist Ii

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 Why This Job Matters Every community in South Carolina depends on safe drinking water and safe recreational water. When public water systems fail, when pools are operated unsafely, or when contamination occurs, real people can get sick. This job ensures the safety of South Carolinians by making sure water systems follow the law, fix violations quickly, and protect public health. You are the person who steps in when something isn't right—investigating issues, communicating with operators, requiring corrective action, and making sure problems are fully resolved. Your work directly prevents illness, protects families, and strengthens trust in South Carolina's water systems.

This position is located within the Bureau of Water, Drinking Water and Recreational Waters Enforcement Section. Under general supervision the Enforcement Specialist II administers enforcement actions involving violations of the State Safe Drinking Water Act, State Recreational Waters Act, Public Swimming Pools Regulations, and State Primary Drinking Water Regulations. Drafts, proposes, and negotiates Department Orders and penalties in conjunction with supervisory and legal counsel. Uses discretion, independent judgment, and advanced knowledge and skills to ensure regulatory compliance and public health protection.

Job Responsibilities:

• Evaluate referrals and initiate enforcement actions for violations of public water systems and public/individual swimming pools.
• Prepare and issue Notices of Alleged Violation (NOAV) — formal notifications informing a system or responsible party that the Department believes a violation has occurred.
• Prepare and schedule Notices of Enforcement Conference (NOEC) — written notices that set the date/time for an enforcement conference where the Department and the responsible party review the alleged violations, discuss compliance expectations, and outline potential corrective actions or penalties.
• Conduct enforcement conferences, document discussions, and ensure all required follow-up actions are completed.
• Draft Warning Letters, Administrative Orders, and Consent Order recommendations in coordination with supervisory and legal counsel.
• Track all enforcement actions and ensure compliance with all Order requirements.
• Prepare monthly status reports, time tracking, and other administrative documents.
• Assist with oversight of enforcement staff by attending their conferences and providing guidance.
• Perform additional duties such as attending public meetings, making presentations, and supporting other Drinking Water Enforcement Section needs.

Minimum and Additional Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in the natural or physical sciences or related technical field and one (1) year of environmental health or related experience; OR Associate degree in the natural or physical sciences or related technical field and three (3) years of environmental health or related experience; OR High school diploma and five (5) years of environmental health or related experience
• Must maintain a valid state driver's license, and ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• Driving responsibilities may include use of personal or State vehicle.
• Must be willing and able to attend public meetings and make presentations as needed.
• Ability to read and interpret regulations and conduct enforcement conferences professionally.
• Accurate data entry and report extraction required.
• Well-organized, deliberate, and persistent approach to problem solving.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Ability to follow established procedures and use personal computers and associated databases/software applications

Preferred Qualifications:

• Additional regulatory, enforcement, or environmental program experience.
• Advanced credentials or technical expertise related to water systems or compliance.

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.
• 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 )
• The option of partially remote work 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.

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