Environmental Scientist I or II

Job Description

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

Job ID: 35159
Agency: Agriculture & Natural Resources
Location:Rapid City, SDSalary: $27.78 - $29.12 Hourly, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: S1 or S2
Closing Date: 04/14/2026

This is a Full-Time position with the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources. For more information on the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources, please visit https://danr.sd.gov/ .

Make a Difference:
The mission of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) is to protect and preserve South Dakota's agriculture, environment, and natural resources. The successful applicant will be an Environmental Scientist I or II , a member of the Minerals, Mining, and Superfund Program in DANR. The dedicated staff of professionals in the Minerals, Mining, and Superfund Program work hard to create and sustain a vision for South Dakota that is prosperous and diverse with clean air, clean water, and healthy families. We are seeking individuals with a strong desire to learn and an interest in building a career.

What you will do:
As part of the mine permit team, you will provide environmental oversight of sensitive mineral development facilities and play an important role in implementing mineral exploration and mining regulatory policies to protect human health and the environment. Specific job duties include inspecting mineral exploration and mine sites, environmental permitting, conducting environmental oversight of field activities, estimating reclamation liability for mineral development sites, technical report writing and communication, testifying before the South Dakota Board of Minerals and Environment regarding mineral inspections and enforcement actions, and data collection and management.

Based on the applicant's knowledge, skills, abilities, and work experience, this position may be hired as Scientist I or II at the appropriate salary for the scientist level hired. Classification specifications for the environmental scientist career family and scientist positions can be viewed at https://www.sd.gov/bhra .

Duties may include the following:

• conducting field inspections, oversee environmental field work, and preparing inspection reports and written correspondence; this includes the used of geographic information system (GIS) software and drone equipment;
• preparing technical reports and file reviews;
• reviewing applications to report findings and make recommendations;
• writing environmental permits;
• analyzing environmental and water quality data;
• performing or reviewing and interpreting statistical analyses for interpretation of data;
• collecting environmental samples, measurements, and information;
• obtaining and maintaining 40-hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWPER) certification;
• obtaining and maintaining Federal Aviation Administration drone pilot licensure;
• providing technical information and assistance to colleagues, other state and federal agencies, and members of the public with customer service being a high priority.

This position requires a valid driver's license, frequent daily travel, and occasional overnight travel. Travel may be during inclement weather. Office work will be conducted in a routine office setting. Fieldwork occurs in both indoor and outdoor settings. Occasional hiking over rough terrain is required to access some mine sites. Normal work hours are from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. However, fieldwork may require a flexible work schedule.

Licenses and Certifications:
Valid driver's license

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
Our ideal candidate is someone that desires to learn, has good interpersonal skills, and is seeking a career opportunity in public service.

Only applicants that possess a bachelor's or master's degree in geology, environmental science or related scientific field will be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of:

• environmental, physical and chemical principles and processes;
• hydrologic principles;
• geographic information system (GIS) software;
• statistical analysis and statistical methods;
• mineral exploration and mining operations to including site reclamation.

Skills:

• computer skills such as Microsoft Office and geographic information systems (GIS);
• technical report writing.

Ability to:

• communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing;
• set goals and work independently or in a team setting to achieve them.

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.

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=3QE
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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