Conservation Foreman

South Dakota State Government; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 29,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

11 paid holidays

Vacation and sick leave

Job summary

South Dakota State Government seeks a Conservation Foreman to lead maintenance at Oahe Downstream Recreation Area, coordinating work across the main park and 10 satellites. The role includes scheduling staff, recording work, and ensuring safety and efficiency of operations.

Ideal candidates will have a strong knowledge of equipment operation, grounds maintenance, and the ability to direct diverse crews including seasonal workers and volunteers.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of equipment operation, repair and maintenance.
• Ability to organize daily/weekly assignments and maintain records.
• Experience with facility and grounds maintenance is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead maintenance staff for multiple park locations.
• Schedule and supervise up to 12 seasonal employees and up to 15 volunteers.
• Ensure safe, efficient operation of equipment and facilities.

Skills

Equipment operation

Plumbing

Electrical trouble-shooting

Carpentry

Welding

Landscaping

Tree planting and grass seeding

Education

CDL beneficial

Noxious Weed Applicator/Certification

Tools

Heavy machinery operation

OHV area equipment

Job description

Job Details

Job ID: 37445

Agency: Game, Fish, and Parks

Location: Ft. Pierre, SD

Salary: $21.41 - $26.75/hr, depending on qualifications

Pay Grade: G

Closing Date: 09/30/2026

This is a Full-Time position with the Department of Game, Fish, and Parks. For more information on the Department of Game, Fish, and Parks, please visit https://gfp.sd.gov/.

The Conservation Foreman at the Oahe Downstream Recreation Area is the lead worker for maintenance activities in a large park district that consists of the main park at Oahe Downstream RA and 10 secondary park locations north on the Oahe Reservoir. Areas possess a number of facilities including 294 campsites, camping cabins, lodge, comfort stations, boat ramps, fish cleaning stations, an Off-Highway Vehicle Area (OHV), an archery range, and a rifle range. This position should be able to organize and schedule staff to perform daily and weekly work at all these areas and facilities and maintain clear records of work completed.

Candidate should be able to work at a number of outdoor park locations throughout the year and be physically able to meet the challenges of the job on and off the water. Candidate should possess the ability to be flexible and change in work direction with the district changing priorities. Candidate should be able to schedule and organize work assignments for a Conservation Technician and up to 12 seasonal employees and up to 15 park volunteers.

Licenses and Certifications

CDL would be highly beneficial. SD Dept of DANR Pesticide & Noxious Weed Applicator. Candidate should possess or be able to obtain within 6 months of employment.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

A good working knowledge of equipment, facility and grounds maintenance and the ability to effectively and efficiently direct the daily work assignments of the district's maintenance staff.

Knowledge of

• equipment operation;
• repair and maintenance;
• plumbing;
• basic electrical trouble-shooting;
• janitorial cleaning;
• carpentry;
• welding;
• concrete work;
• landscaping;
• tree planting and grass seeding;
• operation of region's aerial lift for tree pruning;
• chainsaw operation;
• repair and maintenance;
• tree, shrub and grass identification;
• general facility and grounds maintenance and other forms of district and regional equipment operation and maintenance.

Skill to

• perform routine plumbing repairs and trouble-shooting;
• perform minor electrical repairs;
• oversee and perform the janitorial cleaning of park facilities;
• perform basic carpentry and welding repairs and new construction;
• load and unload equipment that is transported throughout the district;
• skilled equipment operator of loaders, commercial mowers, small tractors, skid steer and attachments to large trucks and trailers;
• operate dump trucks;
• order supplies and materials.

Ability to

• operate a variety of equipment in varying environments;
• meet the physical requirements of the outdoor work environments;
• train others on the safe and proper operation of equipment and facility cleaning;
• assign tasks to others and maintain clear written records of work completed;
• prioritize work tasks and staff assignments;
• communicate effectively with park users and staff;
• diagnose and repair vehicles and equipment.

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.

You can view our benefits information at https://bhr.sd.gov/job-seekers/work-for-state-government/ .

• 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.
• This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

'An Equal Opportunity Employer'

South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources

Telephone: [phone] Email: [e-mail]

http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus