Environmental Scientist

Job ID: 27644
Agency: Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources - Conservation and Forestry
Location: Pierre, Sioux Falls or Vermillion
Salary: $27.43 to $32.88 per hour, depending on experience
Pay Grade: ES1 or ES2
Closing Date: 07/30/2024

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/.

The Environmental Scientist I or II performs professional level environmental and physical science work that requires the application of basic scientific principles, practices, and techniques following established procedures and standards. This position includes a diverse mixture of nonpoint source implementation and water quality monitoring and assessment. The primary focus of this position is to assist with coordination of the Riparian Buffer Initiative (RBI) project in eastern South Dakota with initial oversight/training from the statewide RBI coordinator. This entails working independently and with an array of conservation based partners to encourage landowner/producer enrollment in the RBI program. Conducting field assessments to establish property specific best management practices (i.e., riparian buffers) and processing contracts. In addition, serves as project officer for regional nonpoint source implementation projects and occasionally works with field monitoring and assessment crews to conduct project level water quality-based field work activities.

This position requires approximately 60 percent time in an office setting annually with the balance coordinating regional nonpoint source implementation projects and statewide environmental monitoring/assessment field activities. The typical office work week is Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Weekly field visits with landowners/producers and project partners or environmental monitoring and assessment activities will vary depending on the project and is restricted to 40 hours per week with limited potential for overtime. Field activities and partnership meetings may require overnight stays. This position also requires occasional travel to meetings, conferences and trainings both in and out of state.

Licenses and Certifications:
CPR/AED certification is encouraged but is not a requirement of the position.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• Bachelors of Science (B.S) degree in the environmental sciences discipline or related field.
• Work experience with water resource based environmental activities is preferred.

Knowledge:

Basic knowledge of conservation practices used to improve and protect water resources from nonpoint source pollution at the watershed scale, particularly in eastern South Dakota. Knowledge of water quality monitoring and assessment techniques using chemical, physical and biological indicators.

Skills:

Capable of effectively communicating with landowners/producers about implementing conservation practices. Engaging in partnerships with local, state and federal conservation based agencies to accomplish common goals including understanding agency policies.

Abilities:

Ability to multi-task with implementation and monitoring/assessment project activities. Ability to produce maps using the latest Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software (i.e., Arc Pro). Ability to process contracts, draft update reports and present progress to upper level management once established in the position.

Additional Requirements: To be considered, please provide a resume and/or curriculum vitae, writing sample(s) in conjunction with state employment application.

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://sodakprod-lm01.cloud.infor.com:1443/lmghr/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=QDH
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"