Job Description
Job ID: 35714 - Park Maintenance Technician (Two Openings)
Agency: Game Fish & Parks
Location: Ft. Pierre, SD
Salary: $18.80 - $21.14/hr, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: F
Closing Date: 05/27/2026
The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish & Parks is hiring two Park Maintenance Technicians in the Ft. Pierre area. While both roles share similar responsibilities, each position supports a park shop -giving applicants the chance to choose the environment that best suits their skills and interests.
We're looking for friendly, motivated individuals who enjoy working outdoors, leading small teams, and keeping park facilities and natural spaces in great shape for visitors.
About the Role
As a Park Maintenance Technician, you'll help guide seasonal staff, volunteers, and DOC inmate trustees. You'll support the district's annual maintenance and operations plan, help conserve natural resources, assist with capital improvement projects, and ensure that park facilities run smoothly and safely. Daily work includes scheduling tasks, maintaining accurate records, communicating with park guests, and operating a variety of equipment. This district includes several park areas across Stanley, Sully, and Hughes counties.
We aim to provide a positive, team-focused workplace with plenty of opportunities to learn new skills and enjoy the outdoors.
Position 1: Oahe Downstream Shop
- Oahe Downstream Recreation Area - 205 electrical campsites, 8 camping cabins, 4 modern cabins, plus amenities like boat ramps, gun and archery ranges, an OHV area, disc golf course, and more.
Position 2: Spring Creek Shop
- Spring Creek Recreation Area - Modern lodging, a full-service 55-slip marina, restaurant, and convenience store.
- Cow Creek Recreation Area - A popular camping and world-class fishing spot with multiple campsites and cabins.
- Okobojo Point Recreation Area - A quieter, first-come-first-served area offering unique multi-unit campsites.
The Park Maintenance Technician also oversees public water access sites on Lake Oahe, which include boat ramps, docks, fish cleaning stations, and primitive camping.
Licenses & Certifications
- valid driver's license (required);
- SD DANR pesticide applicator permit (must be obtained within 6 months of hire);
- CDL is not required but is helpful.
Skills & Experience That Are Helpful
- routine plumbing, basic carpentry, and electrical troubleshooting;
- operating and maintaining equipment such as loaders, skid steers, mowers, trucks, tractors, and aerial lifts;
- facility cleaning and janitorial knowledge;
- landscaping and tree-care work (tree pruning with aerial lift and chainsaw is required);
- welding, metal fabrication, and small-engine or vehicle repair (beneficial).
Key Abilities
- communicate clearly with staff and park guests;
- work independently and follow established procedures;
- lead seasonal staff and volunteers;
- maintain accurate records and order supplies;
- meet the physical demands of outdoor work environments;
- use laptops/iPads to track maintenance work.
Experience working or recreating in park environments is always a plus.
**The use of a division aerial lift is an essential element of this position and candidate must be able to work in an elevated position to trim down trees.**
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=3YN
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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