Geologist/Hydrologist I

State of South Carolina
Richland, SC

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


Under direct supervision, the Geologist/Hydrologist I provides technical review and regulatory oversight for site rehabilitation activities associated with releases from underground storage tanks for the Underground Storage Tank Management Division.


Job Responsibilities:
  • Using Risk-Based Corrective Action criteria and established Standard Operating Procedures, reviews and approves technical plans in accordance with established program goals, reviews technical reports and provides accurate and technically complete reviews to customers and ensures that releases are assessed in a timely manner for initiation of corrective action remediation or no further action decisions for regulated Petroleum Releases.
  • Records management for all assigned regulated Petroleum releases, to include updates and maintenance of the E-Permitting database and maintenance of project files in accordance with established retention policy.
  • Review and approve cost estimates and invoiced costs for hydrogeological work that qualifies for State fund monies. Related reports are checked for accuracy before payment is authorized.
  • Provides technical assistance and information to coworkers, the public, public officials, industries, and consultants. Participates in the peer review process to ensure consistency in the application of program policies.
  • Provides support to program management as needed.
  • Performs other duties as required and assists management staff with special duties as assigned.

A bachelor's degree in geology, hydrology, hydrogeology or geological engineering.

Additional Requirements:
  • Ability to operate a motor vehicle and have a valid S.C. Driver's License.
  • Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
  • Experience in conducting geologic or hydrologic investigations.
  • Experience in groundwater protection regulations and policies. A good working knowledge of basic geochemistry and groundwater modeling programs.
  • Must have good working knowledge of the groundwater resources of the state of South Carolina.
  • Experience with computer tasks (data management, word processing).
  • May require:
    • Daily travel throughout the state.
    • Occasional out-of-state and overnight travel.

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.


  • Geologist in Training Certification (GIT) or Professional Geologist License (PG).


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 *
  • Remote Work:The option to work remotely 2 days per week 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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