Criminal Enforcement Officer

About the role

Plans, organizes and directs the operations of a large investigative office, division or department.

Job Location: Pendleton, SC. Application Deadline: October 16, 2026. Essential Personnel Level: Essential Support – required to maintain/resume essential support functions during emergency closures.

Responsibilities

• 35% - Statewide Investigations and Law Enforcement Operations— Provides leadership for the Division’s statewide law enforcement and criminal investigation activities. Conducts complex and sensitive investigations involving alleged violations of state and federal laws and regulations administered by Plant Industry, Fertilizer Regulatory Services, Regulatory Certification Services, and the Department of Pesticide Regulation. Uses independent judgment and specialized expertise to establish investigative priorities, determine investigative strategies, analyze records and evidence, interview witnesses, and develop cases for resolution. Ensures proper collection, documentation, and chain of custody of evidence and prepares comprehensive, legally supportable investigative reports. Serves as the Division’s lead law enforcement officer and represents the agency in administrative and judicial proceedings as required.
• 20% - Regulatory Enforcement and Compliance - Coordinates statewide regulatory enforcement activities to ensure consistent application of state and federal laws, regulations, and agency requirements. Reviews investigative findings, evaluates complex regulatory issues, and recommends appropriate administrative, civil, or criminal enforcement actions. Interprets regulatory requirements and advises regulatory personnel on enforcement standards and compliance matters. Reviews enforcement practices and operational processes to identify risks, inconsistencies, and opportunities for improvement. Ensures applicable requirements related to investigative records, official communications, credentialing, FOIA, and regulatory documentation are appropriately addressed.
• 20% - Emergency Management, ESF-17, and Security - Coordinates the Division’s emergency preparedness, response, recovery, mitigation, and continuity of operations activities. Serves as the Division’s lead liaison for Emergency Support Function 17 (ESF-17), Agriculture and Natural Resources, and participates on the Emergency Management Council (EMC). Develops and maintains emergency plans and coordinates Division participation in emergency activations, exercises, drills, and after-action activities. Serves as Building Security Coordinator and facilitates emergency response and security preparedness for Division facilities and personnel. Coordinates with University, local, state, and federal emergency management partners during incidents affecting Division operations, agriculture, natural resources, or public safety.
• 15% - Law Enforcement and Regulatory Training - Plans, coordinates, and delivers training and professional development for law enforcement and regulatory personnel to support required competencies, certifications, credentials, and operational readiness. Coordinates field training, in-service training, firearms qualification, advanced Class III law enforcement training, investigative training, regulatory compliance training, and other specialized development opportunities. Maintains and updates departmental Firearms and Use of Force policies and coordinates required training with the Clemson University Police Department, SLED, and other appropriate partners. Maintains training and certification documentation and evaluates training needs based on regulatory changes, operational requirements, and emerging risks.
• 10% - Policy, Partnerships, and Representation - Serves as a principal advisor to Division leadership on law enforcement, investigations, regulatory compliance, and related operational matters. Develops and recommends policies, procedures, investigative protocols, and operational improvements that support effective and consistent Division operations. Establishes and maintains cooperative relationships with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, judicial personnel, regulatory agencies, and other governmental partners. Represents the Division at University, local, state, regional, and national meetings, committees, conferences, and interagency initiatives to strengthen collaboration and advance the Division’s regulatory and public safety mission.

Requirements

Minimum Requirements: An associate degree and investigative experience. A bachelor's degree may substitute for the required experience.

Pay

Expected Salary Range: $70,000 - $80,000. Salary is dependent upon several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's previous experience, knowledge, skills and performance in accordance with Clemson's compensation guidelines.