Environmental Scientist I

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

Job ID: 34398
Agency: Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources
Location: Pierre, SD
Salary: $27.78/hr
Pay Grade: S1
Closing Date: 01/20/2026

This is a full-time position with the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. For more information on the Department of Agriculture and 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 a member of the Livestock Services Program in DANR. The dedicated staff of professionals in the Livestock Services 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 Livestock Services Program, you will play an important role in the protection of South Dakota's water quality through the implementation of the state's permitting of concentrated animal feeding operations. The position ensures the protection of South Dakota's shallow aquifers by reviewing submitted information and other available information to determine if process wastewater containment structures and nutrient management plan application sites for concentrated animal feeding operations are located over a shallow aquifer and providing technical assistance on the General Water Pollution Control Permit for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations shallow aquifer requirements. Duties also include reviewing monitoring well sampling results from permitted concentrated animal feeding operations, providing recommendations on corrective actions, and administration of program activities for concentrated animal feeding operations with a Ground Water Discharge Permit.

Benefits of Working for DANR:
The state of South Dakota offers a generous health benefits package which includes options for health, vision, and dental insurance in addition to one of the strongest retirement systems in the nation.

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

We offer training and development opportunities to build your skills and knowledge. Advancement opportunities are offered in both technical and managerial tracks. It is not just a job; it is an opportunity to build a career.

This position requires a valid driver's license, frequent daily travel, and occasional overnight travel. Office work will be conducted in a routine office setting. Fieldwork occurs in both indoor and outdoor settings. Normal work hours are from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday; however, fieldwork may result in flexing the work schedule.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
Bachelor's degree in geology or related environmental or physical science field.

Knowledge of:

• the agronomic application of manure and process wastewater for fertilizer value;
• hydrology and hydrogeology;
• geological principles and practices;
• the principles of statistical analysis;
• water pollutants and their effects;
• the potential environmental effects of improper land application of manure and process wastewater to shallow aquifers;
• the principles of effective human relations and dealing with the public;
• the methods and procedures of scientific and field inspections;
• technical letter and report writing.

Skill to:

• use scientific rules and methods to solve problems;
• effectively communicate verbally and in writing;
• work with others to reconcile differences;
• effectively use Microsoft Office software;
• effectively use Geographic Information Systems.

Ability to:

• comprehend, interpret, and implement environmental laws;
• communicate effectively and defend a position or decision;
• compile and analyze data and information to solve scientific and technical problems;
• develop creative ways to effectively solve a problem;
• use GIS to organize and analyze data;
• organize and prioritize tasks;
• work on your own and as part of a team.

Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach your curriculum vitae or 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 at https://bhr.sd.gov/job-seekers/work-for-state-government/ . 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=37H
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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