Stormwater Permitting Engineer II (Charleston Office)

State of South Carolina•Columbia, SC

63d

About The Position

Are you an engineer with a passion for protecting South Carolina's waterways and shaping sustainable development? Join our Charleston team and help ensure that stormwater projects meet environmental standards while supporting communities across the region. This mid-level role is ideal for candidates with 2-5 years of experience in civil or environmental engineering, especially those familiar with site development, hydrology, and regulatory compliance. Under the general supervision of the Program Manager, the Engineering Associate II will serve as a staff engineering associate responsible for reviewing stormwater permit applications in the Charleston office. Independently conducts technical evaluations of site plans and associated hydrology, hydraulics, and water quality calculations to ensure compliance with stormwater management and sediment reduction regulations as well as the NPDES Construction Stormwater General Permit, SCR100000 (NPDES CGP) and SCR 160000 (SCDOT CGP). Provides professional guidance and assistance to local governments, land developers, consultants, public officials and citizens. regarding regulatory requirements and best practices.

Requirements

A detail-oriented engineer or environmental professional with strong problem-solving skills.
Ability to review, interpret and apply environmental regulations, policies, and guidance.
Strong communication skills for working with diverse stakeholders.
A master's degree in engineering.
A bachelor's degree in engineering and one (1) year of experience in environmental engineering.
A bachelor's degree in engineering and two (2) years of experience as an engineer.
You must be a certified construction site inspector and certified plan reviewer or be able to obtain both certifications within two (2) years of employment.
Your engineering degree must be accredited by EAC/ABET, CEAB, and Programs Recognized in the ABET "Washington Accord" Listings or you must provide an approved equivalency letter from The South Carolina Department of Labor Licensing & Regulation ( LLR).
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.
Work independently and meet strict deadlines
Analyze technical environmental issues and evaluate engineering submittals
Develop permit requirements using applicable regulations, policy, and guidance
Communicate effectively in writing and verbally with diverse audiences
Conduct site inspections and do field work occasionally.
Walk through uneven terrain and work in inclement weather.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Professional (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint)
Valid driver's license and ability to travel for overnight in-state or out-of-state trips; field visits may be required
Ability to lift 30 pounds

Nice To Haves

An engineering background in Civil, Environmental, or Biosystems Engineering.
Experience in stormwater management and sediment control design and permitting or other closely related field.
Prior experience reading and interpreting environmental regulations and permits.

Responsibilities

Performs technical review of moderately complex projects submitted for permitting under the NPDES Construction Stormwater Program and determines if the projects comply with appropriate regulations and permitting requirements by checking drawings, calculations, and engineering reports. Prepares approvals for regulated activities. Works with consulting engineers and applicants to address deficiencies on plans and provide technical assistance on proposed and ongoing projects.
Processes requests for permit coverage under NPDES CGP administratively when the project is located in an MS4 area and subject to MS4 technical review. Prepares approvals for regulated activities. Assists with compliance assistance efforts for the NPDES Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) regulated entities in coastal areas. Provides technical assistance to MS4s and consulting engineers.
Maintains organized and accurate permit files, ensuring all relevant information is in the file. Ensures the permitting database and required tracking spreadsheet are updated and maintained with current and complete information for all projects. Assists with permitting reporting as necessary.
Provides technical assistance to SCDES Regional and Bureau of Water Compliance and Enforcement staff on issues or sites related to the stormwater program. Represents the interest of SCDES at meetings, hearings, and court proceedings; speaks before organizations or groups; provides evidentiary testimony.
Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

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)
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.