Environmental Scientist 1

State of South Dakota; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vacation and sick leave

Retirement benefits

Paid training

Job summary

State of South Dakota in Pierre seeks a qualified professional for the Livestock Services Program within the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. You will help protect water quality by evaluating CAFO-related permit requirements and providing technical guidance, with strong emphasis on field and data analysis.

The role requires a geology or environmental science background, solid communication skills, and willingness to travel for field inspections.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in geology or related environmental or physical science field.
• Ability to analyze data and interpret environmental laws.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Willingness to travel and conduct field inspections.

Responsibilities

• Review permit applications for wastewater containment and nutrient management at CAFOs.
• Assess shallow aquifer impact and provide technical guidance.
• Review monitoring well sampling results and recommend corrective actions.
• Administer program activities for CAFOs with Ground Water Discharge Permit.

Skills

Hydrology

Geology

Statistical analysis

Water pollutants

Manure application

Communication skills

Field inspections

Technical writing

GIS

Education

Bachelor's degree in geology or related environmental or physical science field

Tools

Microsoft Office

GIS software

Job description

Job ID: 37044

Agency: Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR)

Location: Pierre, SD

Pay Grade: S1

Closing Date: 9/11/2026

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 works 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 administering 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 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., 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

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• 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

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.

South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources and Administration

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