Energy OPT Jobs in South Carolina
South Carolina's energy sector spans nuclear power at the V.C. Summer and H.B. Robinson plants, natural gas infrastructure, and a growing solar industry, with employers like Dominion Energy, Duke Energy, and Santee Cooper actively hiring. F-1 OPT students in energy engineering, environmental science, and related fields find sponsorship opportunities concentrated in Columbia, Charlotte-adjacent markets, and the Midlands region.
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Salary
$62,400.00 - $87,300.00 Annually
Location
206 S. Main Street (City Hall) - Greenville, SC
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
01556
Department
COMMUNICATIONS & ENGAGEMENT
Division
COMMUNICATIONS & ENGAGEMENT
Opening Date
07/27/2026
FLSA
Exempt
Job Summary
Under general direction and in compliance with standard operating procedures and policies, responds to routine media requests for information and interviews; writes and sends media advisories regarding City events and follows up as needed; compiles information, videos, photos and quotes for media distribution and earned coverage; pitches story ideas to local and national media outlets; assists with responses to negative or inaccurate media coverage; monitors media coverage of City Council priorities; produces videos for City digital media accounts. Applies a significant degree of initiative and creative storytelling across all mediums.
Job Duties
Essential Functions
Essential Functions % of Time
-
Produce Content for Digital Media Platforms: Research stories and conduct interviews as assigned. Record video and take photos at City events, meetings, initiatives and facilities. Produce a weekly recap video of City Council priorities. Produce news style video stories to educate the public on City policies, ordinances and developments. Develop strong relationships with expert staff in other departments to generate story ideas, fact check content and ensure the City’s digital coverage is comprehensive and representative of the goals of the City Manager and the priorities of City Council. Write and edit news stories on City websites. Update website project pages and YouTube playlists when new videos are produced on ongoing initiatives.
60% -
Support Media Relations and Emergency Communications: Fulfill requests for information, schedule interviews, and assist City staff or elected leaders with talking points and/or coaching. Compile information, video, photos and quotes for media distribution and earned coverage. Write and send media advisories regarding City events and follow up as needed. Pitch story ideas to local and national media outlets regarding City initiatives. Develop relationships with reporters who cover the City. Assist with responses to negative or inaccurate media coverage by conducting research and putting together first drafts. Assist media with City responses to severe weather incidents and public safety concerns in collaboration with the Greenville Police Department and Greenville City Fire Department. Support partners, including Greenville County Emergency Management, as a Public Information Officer (PIO) during incidents such as wildfires, natural disasters and flooding. Participate in state, local and FEMA training exercises.
40%
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Job Requirements
-
Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, journalism, public relations, media studies, or a related field.
-
Over four (4) years of professional experience in journalism, news reporting, communications or a related field.
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At least one (1) year of experience in a full-time or part-time media relations, community engagement or public information role.
-
Must obtain Public Information Officer (PIO) certification within one (1) year of start date.
Driver's License Requirements
- Valid South Carolina Class D Driver's License.
Performance Requirements
Knowledge of:
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Videography and photography.
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Interviewing techniques.
-
Script writing and editing.
-
Media operations and deadlines.
Ability to:
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Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City departments, the public, and key stakeholders.
-
Add local media to establish and maintain relationships.
-
Apply principles of written communication, graphical layout, and multimedia techniques appropriate to social media communication, ensuring that work products are clear, usable and effectively convey the intended messages and information.
-
Work independently, exercising effective judgment and professional thinking.
-
Prioritize workload and manage time efficiently, meet deadlines and complete assignments in a timely manner.
-
Successfully complete time-sensitive and/or high-profile projects through collaboration, consensus and creativity.
-
Read and comprehend policies, guidelines, manuals, and professional journals.
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At an advanced level write and edit content for reports and presentations and compose digital content in a clear and professional manner.
-
Make mathematical calculations and draw logical conclusions.
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Operate video and audio-visual equipment and camera.
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Operate general office equipment to include scanner, printer, copier, telephone, and computer with Microsoft Office Suite.
-
Utilize specialized software and systems to include DreamWeaver, Adobe Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator).
Working Conditions
Primary Work Location: Office environment and occasional outside work.
Protective Equipment Required: None.
Environmental/Health and Safety Factors:
Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Occasional outside work. Seasonal exposure to extreme temperatures, and wetness and/or humidity.
Physical Demands:
Constantly requires hearing, vision, talking, and fine dexterity. Frequently requires sitting and standing. Occasionally requires carrying, handling/grasping, pushing/pulling, reaching, and walking. Light strength demands include frequently exerting up to 10 pounds and occasionally exerting up to 10-20 pounds.
Mental Demands:
Frequently requires time pressures, frequent change of tasks, tedious or exacting work, and working with others as part of a team. Occasionally requires performing multiple tasks simultaneously, emergency situations, and irregular schedule.
Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance
The City of Greenville is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. Prospective and current employees should contact Human Resources to request an ADA accommodation.
Disclaimer
The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
HEALTH INSURANCE
The City offers the following health insurance options to eligible employees:
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Basic Term Life
- Employee Supplemental Life
- Spouse Term Life
- Child Term Life
- Short Term Disability (STD)
- Long Term Disability (LTD)
- Voluntary Benefits (Critical Illness, Accident, Hospital Care, etc.)
All health insurance coverage is effective the first of the month following the employee’s hire date except for LTD which is effective the 91st day following date of hire.
LEAVE & HOLIDAY BENEFITS
General Leave is earned/accrued biweekly by all regular, full-time and permanent part-time employees as a percentage of normal work hours.
The City of Greenville observes 11 paid holidays.
RETIREMENT BENEFITS
The City is a member of the South Carolina State (SCRS) and Police Officers (PORS) defined benefit Retirement Systems.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Employee Recognition & Awards Program (ER&A)
- Employee Service Awards
- Longevity Bonus
OTHER BENEFITS & OPPORTUNITIES
- Worker's Compensation
- Deferred Compensation
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Employer
City of Greenville (SC)
Address
206 S. Main St
Greenville, South Carolina, 29601
Phone
864-467-4530
OPT Energy Job Roles in South Carolina
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Search Energy Jobs in South CarolinaEnergy OPT Sponsorship Jobs in South Carolina: Frequently Asked Questions
Which energy companies in South Carolina sponsor F-1 OPT visas?
Dominion Energy, Duke Energy, and Santee Cooper are among the larger energy employers in South Carolina with established processes for sponsoring international candidates, including F-1 OPT workers. Smaller utilities, engineering contractors, and solar development firms operating in the state also hire OPT candidates, though sponsorship practices vary by company, role, and hiring volume in any given year.
Which cities in South Carolina have the most energy F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Columbia, as the state capital and home to major utility headquarters, sees the highest concentration of energy-related roles open to F-1 OPT candidates. Cayce and Jenkinsville host nuclear facility operations, while Greenville and Charleston have growing energy infrastructure and clean energy project activity. Candidates willing to work in non-urban plant or field locations often find additional openings beyond the major metro areas.
What types of energy roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship in South Carolina?
Roles in electrical engineering, nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, environmental engineering, and power systems analysis are commonly filled through F-1 OPT in South Carolina's energy sector. Data and software roles supporting grid operations and energy management systems also qualify under STEM OPT. Positions that require a specific technical degree and involve applying that knowledge directly tend to align well with F-1 OPT eligibility requirements.
How do I find energy F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in South Carolina?
Migrate Mate lists energy jobs in South Carolina that are open to F-1 OPT candidates, filtering out roles where sponsorship is not offered. Searching by state and industry on Migrate Mate surfaces positions at utilities, nuclear operators, and clean energy firms that have demonstrated willingness to work with international students. Applying early and confirming OPT eligibility with each employer's HR team is advisable before submitting materials.
Are there any state-specific considerations for F-1 OPT students pursuing energy jobs in South Carolina?
South Carolina's nuclear facilities operate under federal security clearance requirements, which can limit F-1 OPT eligibility for certain on-site positions regardless of employer interest in sponsorship. STEM OPT extension applicants working in energy should confirm their role is classified under an eligible CIP code and that their employer is enrolled in E-Verify, which is required for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Compliance with those requirements rests with the employer and the student's DSO.