Environmental Scientist I

South Dakota State Government; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The South Dakota State Government is seeking a full-time position in Pierre, SD, to ensure the protection of drinking water quality. The ideal candidate will conduct evaluations and assist public water systems, requiring strong communication and problem-solving skills. A Bachelor of Science degree in relevant fields is preferred. The role offers competitive benefits, including health insurance and retirement options.

Benefits

Employee health insurance option

Paid holidays

Generous vacation and sick leave

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement benefits

Qualifications

• Preference for applicants with a Bachelor of Science degree in relevant fields.
• Knowledge of Federal Safe Drinking Water Act and EPA regulations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct on-site evaluations of public water systems.
• Ensure compliance with drinking water regulations.
• Provide technical assistance and respond to complaints.

Skills

Communication

Problem Solving

Customer Service

Education

Bachelor of Science in geology

Bachelor of Science in hydrology

Bachelor of Science in environmental sciences

Bachelor of Science in natural resources management

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Access

Microsoft Powerpoint

Visual FoxPro

Job description

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

Job ID: 31449
Agency: Agriculture & Natural Resources
Location:Pierre, SDSalary: $27.43/hr
Pay Grade: S1
Closing Date: 05/27/2025

This position ensures the protection of South Dakota's drinking water quality by conducting on-site evaluations of public water systems to determine compliance with the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act and South Dakota laws, rules, and regulations. The position protects public health and assists drinking water systems in providing safe drinking water.

This position works with the lead and copper rule, unregulated contaminant monitoring rule, monitoring waivers, inorganic chemicals rule, and other duties as assigned. Also, this position responds to complaints, and provides information and technical assistance to the public in the areas of potable water. Everyone shall be treated as a customer and be provided exceptional customer service that exceeds their expectations.

This full-time position will be located in DANR's Pierre, SD office. The position requires an ability to conduct inspections at public water systems located at various locations around South Dakota.

For more information on the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources, please visit https://danr.sd.gov/ .

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
Applicants with a Bachelor of Science degree in geology, hydrology, environmental sciences, and/or natural resources management will be given preference.

Knowledge of:

• the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, EPA drinking water regulations, South Dakota drinking water standards and rules;
• department policies and procedures;
• data management including review, validation, and coordinating the migration to a new database system;
• the principals of effective human relations and dealing with the public;
• the methods, procedures, and purpose of scientific and field investigations and analyses;
• technical report writing, basic statistical processes, and data processing.

Skill to:

• use scientific rules and methods to solve problems;
• effectively listen and read comprehensively;
• work with others to reconcile differences;
• effectively use computer and various software programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and Powerpoint and Visual FoxPro.

Ability to:

• comprehend, interpret, and implement environmental laws, regulations, and program requirements;
• communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and defend a position or decision;
• effectively present departmental priorities, services, and requirements, both internally and externally;
• compile and analyze information to identify, substantiate, and solve scientific and technical problems;
• develop creative ways to effectively solve a problem;
• organize and prioritize tasks;
• work on own and as part of a team.

Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach your resume or curriculum vitae.

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.

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=1MZ
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: [phone] Email: [e-mail]
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
'An Equal Opportunity Employer'

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