Highway Patrol First Sergeant (Promotion) - Troop 2, Post A (60024119)

Salary: $95,880.00 - $129,438.00 Annually
Location : Newberry County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 194483
Agency: Department of Public Safety
Opening Date: 10/27/2026
Closing Date: 11/5/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Residency Requirement: Yes
Residency Requirement (specifics):: SEE BELOW
Class Code:: JC50
Position Number::
Normal Work Schedule:: Other
Normal Work Schedule (Other):: As Assigned
Pay Grade: LAW09
Hiring Range - Min.: $98,019.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $98,019.00
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: ****THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY WILL NOT SPONSOR EMPLOYMENT VISAS FOR THIS POSITION. ALL APPLICANTS MUST APPLY ONLINE. ALL CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES WILL BE THROUGH ELECTRONIC MAIL.****
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.

Job Responsibilities
THIS IS AN INTERNAL POSTING FOR CURRENT SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY PATROL (SCHP) TROOPERS ONLY.

This position serves Laurens and Newberry counties.

Serves as Post Commander for assigned counties. Under general supervision, performs supervisory duties directing Highway Patrol operations in assigned area of the state. Patrols and enforces the South Carolina (SC) Motor Vehicle Laws on the state's streets and highways. Enforces other criminal laws of the state as necessary.

Responsible for management and supervision of all operations of the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) in assigned Post. Oversees Post personnel in the accurate completion of required activity documentation, collision investigations, and reports. Directs line inspections, audits, and accreditation compliance. Responsible for proper management of the office facility and handling of evidence and equipment. Conducts meetings with Post personnel and maintains effective communication and dissemination of information with Post personnel and Troop Headquarters.

Reviews, modifies, and approves shift work schedules and assignments of enforcement personnel ensuring proper coverage within the Post. Oversees the execution of work assignments and provides guidance in law enforcement operations and personnel management. Ensures Post personnel attend assigned training and enforcement activities as required. Conducts performance reviews in an accurate and timely manner.

Patrols SC roadways and enforces motor vehicle and criminal laws as necessary. Serves as a collision investigation specialist. Reviews selective enforcement data to determine personnel assignment needs. Oversees special enforcement operations.

Monitors the operating procedures of squad leaders, first line supervisors, and law enforcement work teams to verify that proper procedures are followed regarding collision investigations, issuing citations, case preparation, and court attendance. Reviews and assists subordinates in case presentation and prosecution of court cases. Oversees Post personnel in emergency management operations.

Works cooperatively with state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies, public officials and the community in matters related to public safety. Participates in safety education and enforcement initiatives. Interprets safety rules for the public.

Attends in-service training to maintain required certifications. Stays abreast of current policies, procedures, and regulations by reviewing new and amended laws, court rulings, operational policies, and directives. Demonstrates knowledge of and ability to accurately apply traffic and criminal laws, the SCHP Manual of Operations, department policies, and personnel management procedures.
Minimum and Additional Requirements
State Minimum Requirements:
A bachelor's degree and experience supervising law enforcement personnel at a public law enforcement agency.

Agency Minimum Requirements:

EDUCATION - A bachelor's degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, and a minimum of five (5) years of certified law enforcement experience.

TIME IN GRADE - The candidate must possess a minimum of six (6) months of continuous service as an SCHP Sergeant by the closing date of this vacancy.

PROMOTIONAL EXAMINATION - An applicant must have scored 70 or higher on a Promotional Examination for the vacancy rank within two (2) years of the closing date of this vacancy.

PROMOTIONAL INTERVIEW PANEL - An applicant must have successfully completed a Promotional Interview Panel for the vacancy rank within two (2) years of the closing date of the vacancy.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION - Any individual who is currently serving a suspension for disciplinary reasons or pending the outcome of an investigation shall be considered ineligible to participate in the promotion process. Any individual who has been involuntarily demoted during the preceding six (6) months of the vacancy closing shall be considered ineligible to participate in the promotion process.

EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - An individual who has received an "Unsuccessful Performance" rating on the employee's most recent performance evaluation or has received a "Performance Improvement Plan" (PIP), formerly known as a "Warning Notice of Substandard Performance," during the twelve (12) months preceding the closing date of this vacancy shall be ineligible to participate in the promotion process.

RESIDENCY - Selected applicant must comply with the residency guidelines outlined in South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) Policy #300.47 (Residency Requirements for Commissioned Law Enforcement Officers) within four (4) months of the effective date of the promotion/reassignment. SCDPS Policy#300.47 Section IV.D.1. Field Personnel (Trooper - First Sergeant) a. Troopers assigned to a Post shall establish residence in their assigned Post or, if residing outside of the Post, at a location that will allow them to respond to the county in which the assigned Post office is located within 45 minutes. IV.C. Troop/Region/Division/Unit Commanders are responsible for determining compliance with this policy and shall approve or deny requests to reside outside of the area of assignment.

Additional Requirements:

Must maintain SC Class I Law Enforcement Officer certification. Must successfully complete certification as a collision investigation specialist, breathalyzer technician, civil and crowd control training, required firearm certification and requalification annually, and management and supervisory courses. Must demonstrate proficient knowledge in laws governing the operation of vehicles and pedestrian traffic, SCHP Manual of Operations governing the policies, rules and regulations of enforcement, the judicial process, trying cases and assisting subordinates prosecuting court cases.

Must demonstrate the ability to manage and supervise a large group of personnel and independently make accurate, complex decisions in stressful and crisis situations. Must have the ability to appropriately interact with public officials and the general public under adverse conditions. Has broad latitude for independent action in management and supervision of personnel.
Preferred Qualifications
Additional Comments
Overnight travel required on special assignments and/or response to critical incidents.
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

Are you a current SCHP Trooper?

• Yes
• No

02

What is your current rank? Please type your answer in the box below.
03

What Troop and Post are you currently assigned? Please type your answer below in the following format.Troop/Unit, Post/Region
04

Please select the highest education level completed.

• At least a high school diploma
• Some College
• Certificate(s) (includes SC Criminal Justice Academy)
• Associate's degree
• Bachelor's degree or higher

05

Have you provided the SCHP Office of Promotion Policy Administration (OPPA) with a copy of your official college transcript with the school's seal and registrar's signature? If not, please attach a copy to this application.

• Yes
• No
• N/A

06

Have you held the rank of Highway Patrol Sergeant for a minimum of six (6) months by the posting closing date?

• Yes
• No

07

Do you have a current, valid Promotional Exam score?

• Yes
• No

08

Do you have a current, valid Promotional Interview Panel score?

• Yes
• No

09

Are you currently serving a suspension for disciplinary reasons or have you been involuntarily demoted during the previous six (6) months?

• Yes, currently suspended.
• Yes, involuntarily demoted within the past six (6) months.
• No

10

I understand and agree that should I be transferred or promoted to the above vacant position, I will be required to meet residency requirements as stated in Policy 300.47 (Residency Requirements for Commissioned Law Enforcement Officers).

• Yes
• No

11

Are you currently the same rank as this posting and requesting a voluntary lateral transfer?

• Yes
• No

12

Are you requesting a voluntary demotion to this position?

• Yes
• No

13

If offered this position, are you willing to accept a salary of $98,019?

• Yes
• No

14

An assignment to Troops 1 - 7 includes a Critical Assignment Differential Pay (CADP) of $1,530 for the rank of First Sergeant. The CADP has already been included in the base salary as indicated at https://scdps.sc.gov/careers/sctrooper/benefits. I acknowledge that by applying for this promotion, should I vacate my assignment in Troops 1 - 7, I will no longer be eligible to receive the CADP. Please type your full name in the box below to indicate you acknowledge and understand this statement.
15

After submitting this application, you will receive a confirmation email from the governmentjobs.com website. Please forward the confirmation email to the SCHP Promotions Unit email PromotionsUnit@SCDPS.GOV.

• Yes, I understand.

Required Question