| Location | Richland County, SC |
| Salary | $54,866–$62,322 Per Year |
Aquatic Nuisance Plants Field Specialist I (EHM I)
Salary
$54,866.00 - $62,322.00 Annually
Location
Richland County, SC
Job Type
FTE - Full-Time
Job Number
61165515/61165516 (192656)
Agency
Department of Environmental Services
Division
Bureau of Water
Opening Date
09/10/2026
Closing Date
9/20/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Class Code:
JB40
Position Number:
61165515/61165516 (192656)
Normal Work Schedule:
Other
Pay Grade
GEN08
Hiring Range - Min.
$54,866.00
Hiring Range - Max.
$62,322.00
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
About the Role:
As an Aquatic Nuisance Plants Field Specialist I, you will play a vital role in protecting South Carolinas waterways. Working within the Aquatic Science Division of the Bureau of Water, you'll assist with field activities such as plant surveys, triploid grass carp stockings, control operations, habitat enhancement, and educational outreach initiatives. Your efforts will directly support the Aquatic Nuisance Plants (ANP) Program and contribute to SCDES's mission of preserving healthy aquatic environments across the state. You'll also participate in Council meetings and collaborate with a dedicated team to advance environmental stewardship.
Job Responsibilities:
Assist in gathering data through surveying known aquatic nuisance species infestations and monitoring other public waters to ensure the maintenance of healthy, diverse, sustainable, and accessible waterways. Help compile and prepare collected data for use by staff, contractors, agencies, legislators, and the public.
Support the monitoring and conducting of aquatic plant control operations as specified in the annual Aquatic Plant Management Plan and the implementation of ANP program habitat enhancement projects.
Contribute to the development of the SC Aquatic Plant Management Plan, monthly and annual reports, and other related documentation. Compile and perform basic analyses of water use, environmental conditions, control agents and other relevant information for inclusion in ArcGIS databases or for planning management strategies for problem water bodies.
Participate in public awareness initiatives, including the ramp sign project, to increase the publics understanding of the environmental impacts and loss of habitat diversity associated with the spread of aquatic invasive plants and promote the programs mission of educating, expanding, and diversifying the community of public water body users.
Assist with managing the schedule for maintenance and repair of program vehicles, boats, trailers, and field equipment.
Attend relevant professional meetings and regular trainings to expand base of knowledge. Provide support for all public education related events.
Perform other duties as assigned by management.
Why Join Us?
As a state employee, you'll enjoy:
This posting will be used to fill two (2) Aquatic Nuisance Plants Field Specialist I (EHM I) vacancies. Qualified applicants will be considered for both positions 61165515 and 61165516.
Minimum and Additional Requirements
Degrees in a related technical field include, but are not limited to, earth or environmental sciences, chemistry, biology, physics, soil science, 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 may require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring.
Additional Requirements:
Preferred Qualifications
Additional Comments
Work Schedule: Monday - Thursday (Friday off). Daily start and end times may flex based on operational needs and require supervisor approval.
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.
02
Are you a current or previous DHEC or SCDES employee?
03
Will you now or in the future require SCDES sponsorship for employment visa status?
04
Please select which description best describes your level of experience as it pertains to the minimum requirements for this position. Please note, degrees in a related technical field include, but are not limited to, Earth sciences, chemistry, biology, physics, environmental science, etc.
05
The hiring range for this position is $54,866.00 - 62,322.00. Are you willing to accept a salary within this hiring range?
06
This position follows a Monday - Thursday work schedule with Friday off. Daily start and end times may flex based on operational needs and supervisor approval. Are you willing and able to work this schedule?
07
Do you have basic knowledge of the principles of principles and practices utilized in Aquatic Biology?
08
Are you able to swim?
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.