Air Permitting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $77,713.00 - $90,500.00 Annually
Location : Richland County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 61009264/189803
Agency: SCDES-Air
Opening Date: 06/25/2026
Closing Date: 7/5/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Class Code:: AH45
Position Number:: 61009264/189803
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Grade: GEN11
Hiring Range - Min.: $77,713.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $90,500.00
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: If you meet the requirements of the position and would like to be considered, you must submit a state application online. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume may be reviewed but will not be used to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position. The quality of the application presented (completeness and accuracy as well as grammar and spelling) will be considered prior to the offer of an interview. A criminal records check will be conducted prior to an offer of employment. Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on the stated closing date.
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.
Job Responsibilities
Careers at SCDES: Where Passion Meets Preservation
Do you love South Carolina and protecting the environment?
Come join our team at SCDES, put your passion to work with us!
We are dedicated to protecting the state of South Carolina and we would love to have you as a member of our team!
Science | Service | Sustainability
About the Role:
Under very limited supervision, the Air Permitting Section Manager leads the Metals and Chemicals Permit Section within the 's This position ensures that required permits for the regulated community in South Carolina are issued in accordance with state and federal requirements. The Section Manager serves as a technical expert and provides guidance to internal and external stakeholders while supporting the administration and continuous improvement of air quality permitting activities.
Job Responsibilities:

• Manage and supervise a section of technical staff through established management procedures, providing formal and informal technical direction and guidance to ensure permits are issued in compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Serve as a technical expert and provide professional advice to staff, the regulated community, government officials, the public, and other interested parties regarding air quality and air permitting programs.
• Prepare and/or review staff documents to ensure appropriate permits are issued in accordance with state and federal air quality and other environmental requirements.
• Represent the Metals and Chemicals Permit Section, Division of Air Permitting, and Bureau of Air Quality at meetings, conferences, seminars, and similar events as a technical expert in matters related to air quality, in particular, air permitting.
• Develop or oversee the development of policies, procedures, regulations, and guidance to ensure the air quality program remains current with state and federal requirements.
• Perform other duties as required.

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: Grow professionally with ongoing training, skill-building opportunities, and room for advancement.
• 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 related environmental experience; OR
• A bachelor's degree in the natural or physical sciences, public health or related technical field and six (6) years of related environmental experience.

Notice: This is an internal posting. Only current SCDES employees will be considered for this position.
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 extensive knowledge of state and federal air laws and regulations.
• Must have detailed technical knowledge of air permitting.
• Ability to manage technical staff, organize permitting activities, and provide technical leadership and guidance on air regulatory activities.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage various workloads and ensure proper implementation of the state permitting program.
• Proficiency in using computers, agency computer systems, and ePermitting.
• Ability to communicate effectively with agency engineering staff, consultants, and industry representatives.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to engage effectively with all levels of government, industry, and the general public.
• Some overnight, evening, and late-night travel is required for public meetings, hearings, and other work-related events.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certifications such as Certified Public Manager (CPM), Associate Public Manager (APM), Professional Engineer (PE), or Engineer in Training (EIT).

Additional Comments
External applicants may apply; however, only current SCDES employees will be reviewed for consideration.
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 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
• Remote Work: The option to work remotely up to 2 days per week is available after successful completion of 1 year of employment with SCDES, based on job functions and with supervisor approval.

*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 former employee of SCDHEC or SCDES?

• Yes
• No

03
Will you now or in the future require SCDES sponsorship for employment visa status?

• Yes
• No

04
Please select the option that best describes your qualifications as related to the minimum requirements for this position.

• I have a master's degree in the natural or physical sciences, public health or related technical field and five (5) years of related 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 related environmental experience.
• None of the above.

05
Do you currently hold any of the following certifications: Certified Public Manager (CPM), Associate Public Manager (APM), Professional Engineer (PE), or Engineer in Training (EIT)? If yes, please list which certification(s) you have.
06
This position is headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina. This position requires you to physically report to the designated headquarters daily. Are you able to meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

07
The hiring range for this position is $77,713.00 - $90,500.00. If you are the selected candidate and offered this position, are you willing to accept a salary within this hiring range?

• Yes
• No

Required Question