Phytoplankton Biologist (EHM I)

About the Department

 

Under direct supervision, serves as the Phytoplankton Biologist working within the Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Program and Periphyton Program teams to assist and execute the goals of both programs. As part of both programs, the biologist is responsible for conducting field work, in-field analysis, responding to constituent inquiries, and laboratory-based analyses to assess water samples and algal blooms throughout the state to achieve program objectives for other SCDES management units. The biologist will assist other Aquatic Science Division units with field, logistical, and laboratory support when needed. 

Responsibilities:

• Assist with the chlorophyll-a and algal toxin laboratory processing and analysis. Participate in field monitoring conducted by the Division related to HABs or phytoplankton. Respond to public or media related HAB inquiries. 
• Assist with the Periphyton Program, which includes field sampling and sampling processing. Develop periphyton data analysis skills. 
• Develop phytoplankton identification skills. This includes attending workshops and/or training sessions.  
• Participate in special studies and other work conducted by the Aquatic Science Division as needed. 
• Perform other duties as assigned by bureau management as needed. 

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 a clear path for advancement.
• Work-Life Balance: A career that lets you enjoy South Carolina, inside and outside of your job.

Position Duties

• A bachelor’s degree in the natural or physical sciences or related technical field.

• An associate degree in the natural or physical sciences or related technical field and two (2) years of environmental health or related experience.
  

• A high school diploma and four (4) years of environmental health or related experience. 

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. If selected for an interview, a copy of the college transcript will be required via email or at the time of the interview. Please note that some departments within the agency may require an official, certified copy of the transcript prior to hiring or within a specific timeframe required by that area, after hiring. Failure to produce an official, certified transcript may result in not being hired or termination.

Additional requirements:

• Must have valid state driver's license.
• Able to provide outstanding customer service in a fast-paced environment. 
• Excellent communication and organizational skills. 
• Work effectively in a team-oriented environment and encourage positive working relationships with coworkers, industry, and government officials. 
• Work independently in a field environment. 
• Ability to prepare clear technical reports, documentation, and presentations for a variety of audiences.
• Work in all reasonable weather conditions and access non-traditional work environments.
• May require: 
  • Daily travel throughout the state. 
  • Occasional overnight travel. 

Minimum Qualifications

• The ability to operate various types of boats and boat trailers. 
• Background knowledge of or demonstrated academic/work and identification experience in phytoplankton ecology. 
• Working knowledge using microscopes and basic laboratory skills.
• Experience participating in surface water field sampling and monitoring activities. 
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Microsoft Excel.

Other Qualifications

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* 
  • 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.

Benefits

Supplemental Questions

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Agency Information

EmployerState of South CarolinaAgency Department of Environmental Services Address 2600 Bull Street

Columbia, South Carolina, 29201 Phone803-898-2687