Environmental Scientist I, II, or III
South Dakota State Government, Pierre, SD, United States
Job ID:
35743
Agency:
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Locations:
Pierre, SD; Sioux Falls, SD; or Vermillion, SD
Salary:
$26.44–$32.10 hourly, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade:
S1, S2, or S3
Closing Date:
05/08/2026
Position Overview
This is a Full‑Time 40‑hour weekly position with the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources. The Environmental Scientist I, II or III performs professional level environmental and physical science work that requires the application of basic to advanced scientific principles, practices, and techniques following established procedures, protocols and standards. The primary focus is watershed‑scale nonpoint source implementation projects to improve and protect water quality through voluntary conservation‑based practices on private lands, with a central responsibility of coordinating the Riparian Buffer Initiative (RBI) project in eastern South Dakota. The role also includes working independently and with conservation partners to encourage landowner/producer enrollment in the RBI program, conducting field assessments, GIS mapping, contract processing, and serving as project officer for regional nonpoint source implementation projects and regional water quality monitoring.
Licenses and Certifications
CPR/AED certification is encouraged but not required.
Ideal Candidate Will Have
Bachelor of Science degree in environmental sciences or a related field.
Work experience with conservation practices and natural resource protection is preferred.
Knowledge
Basic to advanced knowledge of conservation practices used to improve and protect water resources from nonpoint source pollution at the watershed scale, particularly in eastern South Dakota.
Skills
Effective communication with landowners/producers to educate on the benefits of conservation and overall operational sustainability and environmental health.
Abilities
Multi‑task various activities to ensure timely outcomes and productivity.
Produce visual aids or maps using GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS Pro).
Process contracts, payment requests, and budget tracking.
Draft updated reports and present progress to upper‑level management and conservation partners once established in the position.
Additional Requirements
To be considered, please attach your Resume/CV with a writing sample.
Veterans Preference
This position is eligible for Veterans’ Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.
Benefits
The State of South Dakota offers a $0 premium employee health insurance option, eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.
State of South Dakota is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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35743
Agency:
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Locations:
Pierre, SD; Sioux Falls, SD; or Vermillion, SD
Salary:
$26.44–$32.10 hourly, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade:
S1, S2, or S3
Closing Date:
05/08/2026
Position Overview
This is a Full‑Time 40‑hour weekly position with the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources. The Environmental Scientist I, II or III performs professional level environmental and physical science work that requires the application of basic to advanced scientific principles, practices, and techniques following established procedures, protocols and standards. The primary focus is watershed‑scale nonpoint source implementation projects to improve and protect water quality through voluntary conservation‑based practices on private lands, with a central responsibility of coordinating the Riparian Buffer Initiative (RBI) project in eastern South Dakota. The role also includes working independently and with conservation partners to encourage landowner/producer enrollment in the RBI program, conducting field assessments, GIS mapping, contract processing, and serving as project officer for regional nonpoint source implementation projects and regional water quality monitoring.
Licenses and Certifications
CPR/AED certification is encouraged but not required.
Ideal Candidate Will Have
Bachelor of Science degree in environmental sciences or a related field.
Work experience with conservation practices and natural resource protection is preferred.
Knowledge
Basic to advanced knowledge of conservation practices used to improve and protect water resources from nonpoint source pollution at the watershed scale, particularly in eastern South Dakota.
Skills
Effective communication with landowners/producers to educate on the benefits of conservation and overall operational sustainability and environmental health.
Abilities
Multi‑task various activities to ensure timely outcomes and productivity.
Produce visual aids or maps using GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS Pro).
Process contracts, payment requests, and budget tracking.
Draft updated reports and present progress to upper‑level management and conservation partners once established in the position.
Additional Requirements
To be considered, please attach your Resume/CV with a writing sample.
Veterans Preference
This position is eligible for Veterans’ Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.
Benefits
The State of South Dakota offers a $0 premium employee health insurance option, eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.
State of South Dakota is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
#J-18808-Ljbffr