Conservation Technician

Job Description

PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

Job ID: 33430
Agency: Game Fish & Parks
Location: Aberdeen, SDSalary: $18.80-$21.14 Hourly, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: F
Closing Date: 10/31/2025

This is a Full-Time position with the Department of Game, Fish and Parks. For more information on the Department of Game, Fish and Parks, please visit https://gfp.sd.gov/ .

Why the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks?
Working for the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks is not just a job. It is a life passion. It is about working together as a team with colleagues, customers, landowners, and partner organizations to ensure that our state's outdoor heritage lives on for the next generation. Providing exceptional outdoor recreational opportunities for people to enjoy is one of the best jobs in state government. Our atmosphere empowers professional success and team building, while fostering relationships to build a culture focused on our four strategic plan goals.

• Provide outdoor recreational opportunities
• Serve as stewards of our state's natural resources
• Inspire confidence
• Foster professional excellence

All we need is you to join our team! Sound like a good fit so far? As a South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks employee, here is what you will experience:

• Innovation - The GFP Team is consistently pioneers enhancements to outdoor recreation in terms of technology and customer experience. We invite new ideas and innovation from our employees.
• Collaboration and Communication - Our employees work with various teams, programs and divisions within the agency, outside state and federal agencies, and public stakeholders. We want all employees to know that their voice will be heard as we continuously work towards our future goals.
• Professional Development - We provide training and support for you to become an expert in the field and obtain the skills necessary to be successful in your position.
• Task Diversity - The work duties are never boring. Your duties may include meetings with coworkers, collaborating with other government representatives, representing the Department at Commission meetings and national conferences, visiting one of our state parks and recreation areas, or working to enhance habitat on a game production area.

The outdoors provides for a pretty nice corner office!

Who We're Looking For?

• Do you have an interest of working within habitat resource management?
• Are you excellent at organizing and prioritizing multiple tasks and projects while maintaining a positive attitude?
• Do you welcome the opportunity to tackle problems and think quickly to find innovative solutions?

What You Will Do:

The Conservation Technician is responsible for leading the implementation of habitat management plans on game production areas in the northwest district of Region 4 in northeast South Dakota.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Planting trees, grasses, and food plots
• Fencing and tree removal
• Mowing and assisting with prescribed fire
• Signing public land
• Managing noxious weeds
• Inspecting small dams
• Harvesting native seeds

Licenses and Certifications:

• South Dakota Department of Agriculture Commercial Pesticide Applicator License within 30 days of hire
• NWCG RXB3 Wildland Firefighting Certificate
• Must have a valid driver license and must have or obtain a valid commercial driver license (CDL) within 30 days of hire date to retain employment. Employee will be subject to pre-employment, random, reasonable-suspicion, post-accident, follow up, and return-to-duty drug testing.

Pursuant to SDCL 32-12A, applicants will be required to authorize the Department of Transportation to obtain a complete driving record.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• Education and experience in wildlife habitat management
• Knowledge of habitat management techniques and equipment used for wildlife development

Knowledge of:

• diagnostic and repair methods for a wide variety of vehicles and equipment;
• safe-operating guidelines for equipment;
• noxious weeds, chemicals for spraying weeds, methods and rates of application, safe use and handling practices, and spraying equipment;
• general knowledge of the flora of the region;
• general habitat management practices including the planting of food plots, trees, grasses, controlled grazing, haying, controlled burning and herbicide use;
• principles used in the management of wildlife populations and their associated habitat and stays current with techniques, practices, advances, and innovations in the field.

Skills Required:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Familiarity with GIS software such as ArcMap, Survey123, and ArcGIS Collector
• Ability to work effectively with agency staff, the public, and conservation organizations
• Competency in using computers and various GIS/GPS technologies

Ability To:

• Operate a wide range of equipment (e.g., tractors, skid steers, UTVs, ATVs, grass/tree planting equipment, pumps, small engines, disks, chainsaws, and mowers)
• Maintain and repair equipment
• Identify and control noxious weeds
• Safely handle equipment and chemicals
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, other agencies, cooperators, and the public
• Communicate effectively to resolve conflicts with staff, the public, and landowners

Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach your resume.

This position is eligible for Veterans' Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

What South Dakota Has to Offer

South Dakota is centrally located in the U.S. and boasts the beautiful Missouri River and Black Hills. Our state has a rich frontier history and is a premier outdoor destination, offering some of the best recreational opportunities in the nation. Whether it's fishing, hunting, photography, hiking, biking, or camping, South Dakota offers year-round experiences. Many towns offer the amenities of a larger city with a small-town feel.

The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information here . This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

Must apply online: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=2MO
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"

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