Office of Rural Water Program Manager I

Salary: $77,713.00 - $94,758.00 Annually
Location : Richland County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number:
Agency: Department of Environmental Services
Division: Bureau of Water
Opening Date: 10/02/2026
Closing Date: 10/11/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Class Code:: AH45
Position Number:: 61006627/193627
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Grade: GEN11
Hiring Range - Min.: $77,713.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $94,758.00

Job Responsibilities:

• Oversee daily operations and management of the Office of Rural Water. Plan, assign and follow projects and activities related to the office and staff members.
• Serve as the point of contact for the ORW for all inquiries for assistance and information.
• Provide expert level technical, managerial and/or guidance to find financial assistance to rural water and wastewater systems. Represent the ORW by participating in presentations, trainings and conferences for general and regulated audiences.
• Perform site visits and work collaboratively with rural water and wastewater systems and partners to facilitate solutions to complex problems. Assist with ensuring compliance to state and federal regulations.
• Maintain effective, professional engagement with elected officials, including mayors, council members, administrators, and state legislators.
• Support Bureau leadership by contributing to strategic objectives, preparing periodic progress reports, and managing special projects and grant activities as assigned.
• Perform additional duties as needed, including completing Employee Performance Management System (EPMS) requirements and attending meetings and trainings.

Why Join Us?

As a state employee, you'll enjoy:

• Job Stability & Purposeful Work: Make an impact on your community as you contribute to protecting SC'S environment
• Great Benefits: Including paid holidays, 30 total days of leave per year, insurance options for you and your family and retirement benefit choices.
• Career Growth: Ongoing training, professional development, and room for growth.
• Work-Life Balance: A career that lets you enjoy South Carolina, inside and outside of your job

Minimum and Additional Requirements

• A master's degree in the natural or physical sciences, public health or related technical field and five (5) years of environmental experience; OR
• A bachelor's degree in the natural or physical sciences, public health or related technical field and six (6) years of environmental experience.

Degrees in a related technical field include earth or environmental sciences, engineering, chemistry, biology, soil science, or similar disciplines.
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:

• Valid driver's license and the ability to operate a motor vehicle; willing and able to perform routine in-state travel, occasional out-of-state travel, and work after normal work hours.
• Able to operate with limited direct daily supervision; strong prioritization and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; able to make presentations in a group setting.
• Able to supervise a team of staff and carry out management level responsibilities in an environmental program.
• Must be able to plan, manage and supervise statewide activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the drinking water and wastewater field.

Additional Comments

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 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
• Retirement benefit choices *
  • State Retirement Plan
  • State Optional Retirement Program

*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.

• Yes
• No

02

Are you a current or previous DHEC or SCDES employee?

• Yes
• No

03

Will you now or in the future require SCDES sponsorship for employment visa status?

• Yes
• No

04

Please select which description best describes your level of experience as it pertains to the minimum requirements for this position. Degrees in a related technical field include earth or environmental sciences, engineering, chemistry, biology, soil science, or similar disciplines.

• I have a master's degree in the natural or physical sciences, public health or related technical field and five (5) years of environmental experience.
• I have a bachelor's degree in the natural or physical sciences, public health or related technical field and six (6) years of environmental experience.
• My qualifications do not match the minimum requirements for this position.

05

Are you willing and able to perform routine in-state travel, occasional out-of-state travel, and work after normal work hours?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you have experience directing, supervising, or coordinating the work of staff?

• Yes
• No

07

Do you have experience in the drinking water and wastewater field?

• Yes
• No

08

Do you have experience interacting with elected officials, including mayors, council members, administrators, or state legislators?

• Extensive experience
• Some experience
• Limited experience
• No experience

Required Question