Fisheries Technician (Seasonal)

South Dakota State Government; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks seeks a fisheries technician for the 2027 field season (April 1–Sept 30; about 6 months) in Webster, SD. The role involves field work, data entry, and lab tasks as part of ongoing fisheries management across northeast South Dakota.

You will assist with trap and transfer, walleye stocking, population surveys, AIS education, and research projects. Valid driver's license, ability to lift 60 pounds, work in inclement weather, and willingness to work nights/weekends

Qualifications

• Valid driver's license
• Ability to perform strenuous physical labor
• Ability to lift 60 pounds repeatedly
• Willingness to work in inclement weather and to work nights and weekends

Responsibilities

• Field work including netting, electrofishing, and AIS watercraft inspection
• Tablet/computer data entry and laboratory tasks (aging structures, estimating ages)
• Vehicle/equipment/building/grounds maintenance to ensure smooth operations
• Assist with other GFP areas such as Law Enforcement, Terrestrial Habitat/Access, and Terrestrial Wildlife teams

Job description

Job ID: 37919 - Fisheries Technician (Seasonal)

Agency: Game Fish & Parks

Location: Webster, SD

Minimum Salary: $18.98

Closing Date: January 29, 2027

*Seasonal positions can be filled prior to the closing date.*

Description

South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks (SDGFP) is seeking applicants for a fisheries technician during the 2027 field season. Start and end dates for the position will be approximately April 1 through September 30 (6.0 months).

The successful candidate will work both independently and as part of a team to help manage fisheries across northeast South Dakota. This position will assist permanent fisheries staff with trap and transfer of various fish species to community ponds, walleye spawning and stocking efforts, adult fish population surveys, aquatic invasive species (AIS) education and outreach, and ongoing research projects.

Primary job duties involve field work (netting, electrofishing, AIS watercraft inspection), tablet/computer use (data entry), and laboratory work (removing fish aging structures, estimating fish ages, etc.). Maintenance associated with vehicles, equipment (including nets), buildings, and grounds will be completed to help ensure smooth operation of work activities. Opportunities will also be available for the applicant to assist with other areas within GFP including Law Enforcement, Terrestrial Habitat and Access, and Terrestrial Wildlife crews.

General Requirements

Valid driver's license, the ability to perform strenuous physical labor, the ability to lift 60 pounds repeatedly, willingness to work in inclement weather, and the availability to work nights and weekends. Some overnight travel may be required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Operation and maintenance of boats, motors, and trailers, basic vehicle and equipment maintenance, knowledge of fisheries management principles and techniques, fish identification and basic computer operation is beneficial.

Other Information

For questions regarding the position and application, please contact:
Todd Kaufman ( [e-mail] )
South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks
603 East 8 th Avenue; Webster, SD 57274
Office Phone: [phone]

Please note this is a temporary or seasonal, non-benefited position, exempt from civil service.

*Seasonal positions can be filled prior to the closing date.*

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER