Economic Development Officer II

Print


Economic Development Officer II

Salary

$82,000.00 - $100,000.00 Annually

Location

Richland County, SC

Job Type

FTE - Full-Time

Job Number

184602

Agency

Forestry Commission

Division

Resource Development

Opening Date

01/28/2026

Closing Date

2/28/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Residency Requirement

Yes

Class Code:

AL09

Position Number:

60012020

Normal Work Schedule:

Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)

Pay Grade

GEN09

Hiring Range - Min.

$82,000.00

Hiring Range - Max.

$100,000.00

Opening Date

01/28/2026

EEO Statement

Equal Opportunity Employer

Agency Specific Application Procedures:

When applying for this position, the electronic state application must be completed to include the Education and Work Experience sections and the Supplemental Questions. This includes a detailed description of each work-related position and, if applicable, military service (indicate rank) and job-related volunteer work that you feel qualifies you for the position. Failure to provide detailed and complete work-related information may result in your application being rejected. A resume will not be accepted or reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position. A criminal records check will be conducted prior to an offer of employment. SCFC requires individuals to complete an online application to apply for this position. Interested individuals can access www.careers.sc.gov, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring. DRIVING RECORD: If this position requires the applicant to possess a valid driver's license to operate a state vehicle or personal vehicle, any applicant being considered in the final stages of selection for the position will be required to provide a certified copy of a 10-year driving record.

Veteran Preference Statement

South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.

Job Responsibilities



The Responsibilities of the Economic Development Officer:

Under limited supervision, leads statewide efforts to attract, retain, and expand forest-based industries in South Carolina. Identifies and recruits forest product manufacturers and allied businesses whose operations align with South Carolina’s timber resources, logistics advantages, and workforce capacity. Serves as the agency’s primary liaison with industry leaders, investors, and economic development organizations to promote capital investment, business retention, and market diversification within the state’s forest sector. Coordinates research, business case development, and project support to facilitate new investments, expansions, and potential acquisitions that strengthen South Carolina’s forest economy.

  • Manage forestry economic development program with coordination from Resource Development Section Chief.  Develops and executes statewide economic development strategies to recruit new investment and support expansion of existing forest industry facilities. Maintains detailed records and reporting for accountability, strategic planning, and budget justification. Provides leadership in program design, evaluation, and continuous improvement.
  • Serve as key forestry economic development contact for the agency.  Represents the Forestry Commission in partnerships with the SC Department of Commerce, SC Department of Agriculture, utilities, and regional development alliances. Builds relationships with corporate executives, investors, and site selection professionals to identify and advance project opportunities.
  • Recruit and facilitate targeted investment in SC's forestry sectors. Proactively identifies and recruits forest product manufacturers, bioenergy developers, and value-added wood businesses that complement South Carolina’s resource base. Engages in outreach to corporate decision-makers, conducts facility and site visits, and develops customized recruitment materials and proposals. Includes evaluating opportunities for facility acquisition, retooling, or joint ventures that support mill retention, modernization, or market diversification.
  • Monitor forest industry trends and merger and acquisition activity. Tracks global and regional forest sector investment trends, mill consolidations, and corporate restructuring to anticipate opportunities for South Carolina. Coordinates with state and regional partners to position SC as a competitive location for reinvestment or asset acquisition. Participates in professional organizations and trade missions, represents SCFC at national and international events.
  • Perform other duties in support of the agency's mission and strategic initiatives.
**This position has optional work locations in the following counties: Richland, Newberry, York, Florence, Colleton, Hampton, and Barnwell.**

Minimum and Additional Requirements

  • A bachelors degree from an accredited four-year college or university in economic development, business administration, marketing, forestry or related field and three (3) years of relevant economic development experience. 
  • Required to be SC Certified Economic Developer within five years of appointment.  
  • Must possess a valid driver's license.  
  • Criminal background check and drug and alcohol test are required.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's degree in economics, business, or related discipline. 
  • Experience in forest industry recruitment, site selection, or manufacturing development. 
  • Experience in mergers, acquisitions, or asset development within forest products, natural resources or manufacturing sectors. 
  • Proven ability to work with corporate executives, investors, and site selectors to structure and negotiate projects.
  • Knowledge of state and federal economic incentives, industrial recruitment practices, and forest resource supply analyses. 
  • SC Certified Economic Developer Certification is a plus. 
  • Experience coordinating multi-agency project teams to achieve measurable investment outcomes. 

Additional Comments

  • Position is located in an office environment but requires some time outdoors in various weather conditions.  Must be able to remain sedentary for extended periods of time while using a computer and accessing file cabinets.  
  • Normal work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm. Frequent in-state, out-of-state, international, and overnight travel will be required.  
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and bend, squat, and climb, and assemble and dismantle exhibits. 
  • Knowledge of capital investment drivers; available state resources to attract and aid business; public relations and marketing programs. 
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, especially with partners and prospective clients; ability to plan, organize and carry out complex special projects; ability to interpret forest resource, logistics, and market data to develop business cases; ability to exercise considerable judgment and discretion dealing with business prospects and community leaders regarding project issues; ability to foster an environment that focuses on continuous quality improvement and customer service; and ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills to engage corporate executives, investors and government partners. 
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze business structures and transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, or facility redevelopment opportunities in the forest products or manufacturing sectors. Experience with MS Office software, project management tools and budget administration.
  • Position requires the employee to be subject to random, post incident/accident, reasonable suspicion and rehabilitation monitoring and drug and alcohol testing consistent with SCFC Drug-Free Workplace policy. 

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
Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring. I have read and understand this statement.
  • Yes
  • No
03
If this position requires the applicant to possess a valid driver's license to operate a state vehicle or personal vehicle, any applicant being considered in the final stages of selection for the position may be required to provide a certified copy of a 10-year driving record. I have read and understand this statement.
  • Yes
  • No
04
Do you possess a bachelors degree from an accredited four-year college or university in economic development, business administration, marketing, forestry or related field and have three (3) years of relevant economic development experience?
  • Yes
  • No
05
Do you understand that, if selected for this position, you must become a SC Certified Economic Developer within five years of appointment?
  • Yes
  • No
06
Are you willing to accept a starting salary of $82,000-$100,000?
  • Yes
  • No
07
How did you learn about this position?

Required Question

Employer
State of South Carolina
Agency
Forestry Commission
Address
5500 Broad River Road

Columbia, South Carolina, 29212
Phone
803-896-8879

The language used in this document does not create an employment contract between the employee and the agency. This document does not create any contractual rights or entitlements. The agency reserves the right to revise the content of this document, in whole or in part. No promises or assurances, whether written or oral, which are contrary to or inconsistent with the terms of this paragraph create any contract of employment.