Register of Deeds

Summary:

The Register of Deeds oversees the recording, indexing, and preservation of all real property documents for Abbeville County, ensuring accuracy, legal compliance, and public accessibility. This role manages daily office operations, supervises staff, maintains secure digital and physical records, and ensures adherence to South Carolina recording statutes and retention standards.

Essential Duties

• Document Recording – Receive, review, and record deeds, mortgages, plats, liens, releases, and other real property instruments in compliance with South Carolina law.
• Indexing & Archiving – Accurately index, scan, and preserve documents to maintain a permanent, accessible public record.
• Public Records Access – Provide certified copies, assist attorneys, surveyors, title companies, and citizens, and ensure timely access to land records.
• Legal Compliance – Ensure all recording practices follow South Carolina Code of Laws, retention schedules, and state recording standards.
• Fee Collection – Calculate and collect recording fees, transfer fees, and related charges; maintain accurate financial records.
• Office Management – Oversee daily operations, supervise staff, manage workflow, and ensure high‑quality customer service.
• Quality Control – Review documents for accuracy, completeness, and statutory compliance before and after recording.
• Interagency Coordination – Work with county departments, state agencies, attorneys, and surveyors to resolve recording or boundary issues.
• Records Preservation – Implement long‑term preservation strategies for both physical and digital land records.

• Reporting and Audits – Prepare required reports, support audits, and maintain accurate operational and financial documentation
• Prepares annual departmental budget for department needs.

• Performs related work as assigned.

Minimum Education and Experience Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from accredited post-secondary institution or
• 4 years’ experience in law, real estate, accounting, previous register of deeds employment, or as a Register of Deeds in South Carolina

Special Certifications and Licenses:

Physical Demands

• Performs sedentary work that involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time: requires little or no dexterity.

Unavoidable Hazards (Work Environment)

• None.

Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance

Abbeville County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  ADA requires the County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee.  The employee will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other related duties as assigned by the appropriate administrator or supervisor.  Abbeville County reserves the right to update, revise or change this job description and related duties at any time without prior notice.

Please send resume and application to dpendry@abbevillecountysc.gov or mail Abbeville County, Dana Pendry, 903 W Greenwood St, Suite 2800, Abbeville, S.C. 29620.