Grant and Loan Specialist I

Job Description

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

Job ID: 34917
Agency: Agriculture & Natural Resources
Location:Pierre, SDSalary: $29.23 Hourly
Pay Grade: J
Closing Date: 03/09/2026

The mission of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) is to protect and preserve the state's agriculture, environment, and natural resources with the vision of a prosperous economy, diverse agricultural opportunities, clean air, clean water, and healthy families.

DANR's Environmental Funding Program is looking for a Grant and Loan Specialist to assist with the protection of South Dakota's water quality and improving the quality of life for residents by providing financial related administrative oversight to water, wastewater, and solid waste projects which have received grant or loan assistance through the various funding programs administered by the department.

Our team is responsible for helping improve water and sewer infrastructure throughout South Dakota by working with municipalities, rural water systems, and other political subdivisions to promote public health, protect the environment and provide opportunities for economic development. Entering public service provides you the opportunity to become a steward of public policy and contribute to the improvements that are vital to quality of life. You will join a team of engineers and financial professionals who work together to finance water and sewer infrastructure projects throughout South Dakota. This assistance is accomplished by:

• working within a team concept to develop grant and loan financing packages;
• reviewing grant and loan applications for water and waste infrastructure projects to determine eligibility of applicants;
• developing grant and loan funding recommendations for presentations to the Board of Water and Natural Resources;
• drafting board resolutions and funding agreements;
• reviewing payment requests for cost documentation and eligibility determination;
• monitoring compliance with applicable laws and rules and accounting and reporting systems;
• preparing general correspondence and program reports.

Office work includes sitting at a desk for long periods of time using a computer. Normal working hours are 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., five days per week. The position works closely with municipalities and other units of government and planning districts.

Benefits of Working for DANR:

The state of South Dakota offers a generous health benefits package, which includes health, vision, and dental insurance. Additionally, South Dakota has one of the top retirement systems in the nation.

The state of South Dakota understands the importance of having a work/life balance and this position includes paid vacation, sick leave, and family leave. You will work a 40-hour work week, which leaves you plenty of time to enjoy all that central South Dakota has to offer.

The Grant and Loan Specialist I is an entry level position and we offer opportunities to build your skills and knowledge. DANR cares about its employees and their career development. This is not just a job; it is an opportunity to start or continue to grow in your career.

This is a Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly position with the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources. For more information on the Agriculture & Natural Resources, please visit https://danr.sd.gov/ .

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

A Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Accounting, or a related field.

Knowledge of:

• public finance as it relates to infrastructure financing and capital improvement budgeting;
• methods, procedures, and purposes of financial analysis;
• Microsoft Office products (Excel, Word, and Access).

Skill to:

• provide strong analytical, problem solving, communication, and interpersonal services.

Ability to:

• interpret and comprehend applicable statutes, rules, and policies;
• gather, interpret, report, and use information concerning assigned activities;
• assess program effectiveness and recommend changes or alternatives;
• train and provide guidance to staff and service users;
• review and analyze grant and loan requests to include calculation of debt service capacity;
• prepare grant applications, preliminary budget requests, and annual reports;
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and the public;
• work in a timely and efficient manner and adhere to deadlines;
• communicate information concisely and effectively.

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

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

NCRC: If you possess a National Career Readiness Certificate, please submit the certificate with your application. For more information on how to acquire a National Career Readiness Certificate contact a South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation Job Service Office. A certificate is not necessary to be considered.

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=3KA
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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