Environmental Funding Program Assistant

Sdsoybean; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 29,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources invites applications for a Program Assistant in Pierre. This is a full-time, 40‑hour per week position within the Agriculture & Natural Resources division.

The role supports the Environmental Funding Program, handling administrative tasks for the board, agendas, travel, and correspondence, with data entry into Access databases and maintained records across funding programs.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and database systems.
• Experience with public administration processes and record-keeping.
• Ability to develop and maintain databases.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative tasks for the Board of Water and Natural Resources.
• Prepare agendas and informational packets.
• Make travel arrangements and reimburse travel expenses.
• Assist with developing grant agreements and board resolutions.
• Maintain mailing lists and records for the funding programs.
• Data entry of funding information into Access databases.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Access

Excel

Word

Communication

Data entry

Tools

Adobe Sign

Job description

Pierre, SD | Agriculture and Natural Resources | Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly

21.41 - 22.48 US per hour

Posted 2 days ago | Apply before November 13, 2026

Description

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

Summary:

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, divers agricultural opportunities, clean air, clean water, and healthy families.

DANR's Environmental Funding Program is looking for a program assistant to assist with the protection of South Dakota's water quality and improving the quality of life for residents by assisting in the implementation of the department's funding programs. 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 position assists the program's mission by:

• Providing administrative tasks for the Board of Water and Natural Resources
• Preparing and posting agendas and informational packets
• Providing administrative tasks for board members including making travel arrangements and travel reimbursement requests
• Prepare letters and other documentation in relation to board business
• Assist with developing and reviewing grant agreements, board resolutions, meeting minutes, and other board meeting related documentation
• Maintaining and updating interested party and other mailing lists
• File and Records Management for electronic and hard copy files related to the board
• Providing administrative tasks for the Environmental Funding Program
• Preparing semi-annual and annual mailings
• Route documents for signature using Adobe Sign or other electronic signature system
• Ensure that documents are posted on required websites
• Verify UCC filings
• Data entry of funding award information into Access database
• Updating sponsor information in Access database
• Assist Financial team with monitoring borrowers to ensure annual compliance documentation is submitted
• Assisting with the solid waste funding program through data entry of tonnage information and sending out tonnage forms to landfills
• File and Records Management for electronic and hard copy files related to the water and waste funding program
• Assist as backup to the Petroleum Release Compensation Fund staff for mailing, data entry, and pay request processing
• File and Records Management for electronic and hard copy files related to the fund
• Providing administrative assistance to the department
• Provide administrative and secretarial duties on a limited, as needed basis for other department programs
• Provide limited, as needed, administrative tasks for other department related boards

Knowledge of:

• computers and Microsoft Office products, including Access, Excel, and Word
• work processes pertaining to public administration and management;
• database development, maintenance, and implementation;
• basic research methods.

Skill to:

• communicate effectively both verbally and in writing;
• utilize formulas in Excel or mail merge in Word to streamline work processes;
• make appropriate decisions by applying established work processes related to the Environmental Funding program;
• intrepret program-specific guidelines to answer questions and advise others on specific issues related to the funding programs.

Ability to:

• interpret and comprehend program guidelines and procedures;
• effectively plan, organize, and prioritize work activities to meet schedules and deadlines;
• gather, interpret, report, and use information concerning assigned activities;
• assess process effectiveness and develop changes or alternatives;
• collect, enter, and distribute program data and maintain files;
• establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with staff and the public.

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.