Stormwater Permitting Engineering Associate I

About the Role:

The Stormwater Permitting Engineering Associate I serves as a staff engineering associate for plan review for the Stormwater Permitting Section of SCDES' Bureau of Water. Under direct supervision, you will support the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater program, the state stormwater management program, and the sediment reduction program. In this role, you will help protect water quality, reduce flooding risks, and support environmental health by reviewing engineering plans and issuing stormwater permits. This position conducts the drafting of South Carolina’s NPDES General Permits for Stormwater Discharges from Construction Activities (SCR100000) and the NPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Industrial Activities (SCR000000), and reviews applications for coverage under these permits. You will work closely with senior program staff on daily tasks and develop expertise in stormwater permitting and compliance.

Responsibilities:

Plan Review and Permit Evaluation

• Review drawings, calculations, and engineering reports for projects submitted for permitting under the NPDES Stormwater Program Construction Activities (SCR100000) and the NPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Industrial Activities (SCR000000).
• Evaluate projects for compliance with applicable regulations and prepare approvals for regulated activities.
• Collaborate with consulting engineers to resolve plan deficiencies and provide technical assistance for proposed and ongoing projects.

Permit Issuance and MS4 Support

• Issue coverage under the NPDES Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) General Permit to applicable municipalities.  
• Issue coverage under the NPDES Construction General Permit to sites located within MS4 areas.  
• Assist Bureau of Water Compliance staff during MS4 Audits

Technical Assistance and Public Support

• Provide stormwater-related technical assistance to regional Environmental Affairs staff and Bureau of Water Compliance and Enforcement teams.
• Provide information to the public and regulated community as requested. 

Emergency Response and Cross-Program Assistance

• Support other Agency permit programs as needed, including periodic review of permit applications outside of your assigned section. 
• Assist with the Bureau of Water’s response to environmental emergencies such as hurricanes, floods, and dam failures as coordinated by your supervisor.

Other duties as assigned.