Law Enforcement Officer II (Shellfish Monitoring Program)

State of South Carolina•Horry County, SC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Join a team dedicated to protecting South Carolina’s natural resources and the people who call it home. As a Law Enforcement Officer II in our Shellfish Monitoring Program, you’ll combine science, environmental health, and law enforcement to ensure the safe harvesting, processing, and distribution of seafood across our state. This role enforces state and federal shellfish sanitation laws and regulations through water quality monitoring, sampling, sanitary surveys, pollution abatement, inspections, and patrols. This is a unique opportunity to serve the citizens of South Carolina while working outdoors, on the water, and directly with the communities we serve.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in natural/physical sciences or a related field OR Associate degree in a relevant field with 2 years of environmental health experience OR Related bachelor’s or associate degrees include but are not limited to Marine Science, Biology, Fisheries/Wildlife, Environmental or Public Health, Public Health, Natural Resources, Criminal Justice, Geography/GIS, etc.
High school diploma with 4 years of relevant enforcement and/or environmental health experience
Relevant experience includes but is not limited to environmental fieldwork, regulatory inspections, natural resource management, maritime operations, law enforcement, or other public safety roles.
Must have and maintain certification as a Class 1 Law Enforcement Officer by the SC Criminal Justice Academy OR be eligible and able to obtain certification within one year of hire.
Valid South Carolina driver’s license or valid Driver's License from your current State
Clean driving record
Strong swimming skills and boating ability
No criminal record and must pass all background investigations
Ability to distinguish color variations (required for water sample testing)
Physical ability to lift 50 lbs, climb, stoop, and work in varied field conditions
Comfortable working in extreme weather, weekends, holidays, and overnight travel
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to engage with the public and regulated community

Nice To Haves

Certification as a Class 1 Law Enforcement Officer through the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy
Knowledge of or familiarity with public/environmental health laws, sanitation practices, and/or environmental regulations/compliance
Experience conducting inspections, patrols, or field operations
Experience or familiarity with collecting and analyzing samples, quality testing, and/or reporting
Skilled in operating and navigating boats in coastal waterways, including in challenging weather conditions

Responsibilities

Enforce shellfish and environmental regulations through inspections, patrols, and field operations.
Patrol coastal areas by boat and vehicle, navigating coastal waterways in all weather conditions.
Collect samples and analyze water quality data for shellfish classification.
Inspect seafood processing facilities and evaluate sanitation practices.
Assist with stream sampling, equipment maintenance, and reporting.
Complete accurate investigative and administrative documentation.
Participate in team training and remain up to date on required certifications/licensures.
Respond to environmental emergencies on a 24/7 call-back basis as needed.
Serves as a Certified (Class 1) Law Enforcement Officer in accordance with the SC Code of Laws and is empowered with full arrest and policy authority.

Benefits

13 paid holidays
30 days paid leave per year
Comprehensive insurance options for you and your family
Retirement benefits choices
Ongoing training, professional development, and a clear path for advancement.
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
Paid parental leave
S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available
State Retirement Plan (PORS) - Defined benefit retirement plan for eligible public safety employees, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, and peace officers.
Transfer and purchase past military and public service time to retire early!
Disability Retirement Protection