Geologist

South Dakota State Government; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

This Environmental Scientist I position will contribute to mapping and interpretation of South Dakota’s geology and groundwater resources, including surface and subsurface geology and aquifer characteristics such as saturated thickness and water quality. The role requires fieldwork, some overnight travel, and physical activity related to drilling projects.

Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in geology or earth science (master’s preferred), a valid driver’s license, and the ability to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in geology, earth science, or a closely related field required.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Valid driver's license and Class B CDL within 6 months of hire; pre-employment and other testing procedures.

Responsibilities

• Serve as project geologist on drilling and well installation projects to define subsurface geology and groundwater resources.
• Perform rig-side logging of test holes and wells; assist with drilling rig operations as needed.
• Create GIS maps of geology and groundwater resources for the state.
• Prepare technical reports suitable for publication by the SD Geological Survey.

Skills

GIS software

Field mapping

Technical writing

Teamwork

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in geology / earth science

Master's degree preferred

Tools

ArcGIS

Geophysical logs

Job description

Job ID: 37503

Agency: Agriculture & Natural Resources

Location: Vermillion, SD

Salary: $28.17 Hourly

Pay Grade: S1

Closing Date: 10/08/2026

This Environmental Scientist I position will perform work related to the mapping and interpretation of South Dakota's geology and ground water resources. Surface and subsurface geology will be a component of the work as will aquifer characteristics such as saturated thickness, water levels, water quality, and recharge associated with various glacial and bedrock aquifers.

Duties may include the following:

• Serve as project geologist on drilling and well installation projects to define the subsurface geology and ground water resources of the state.
• Perform the duties of a rig‑side geologist to include the logging of test holes and wells that are drilled for the SD Geological Survey's investigations. Duties include assisting with drilling rig operations on occasion.
• Create GIS maps of the geology and ground water resources of the state.
• Prepare written technical reports that are suitable for publication by the SD Geological Survey.

Some travel will be required, including overnight stays. Fieldwork can occur in a wide range of weather conditions and may occasionally require the lifting of up to 50 pounds. Normal scheduled work hours are 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday. However, fieldwork may require the flexing of the work schedule to include longer workdays but not to exceed 40 hours per work week. This is a Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly position with the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources. For more information, please visit https://danr.sd.gov/

Licenses and Certifications:

Only candidates having a Bachelor's degree in geology, earth science, or a closely related field will be considered. A Master's degree is preferred.

The successful candidate must hold a valid driver's license and must either have, or obtain, a Class B commercial driver's license (CDL) within 6 months of their hire date. The license is necessary so they can drive water trucks that are used in the SD Geological Survey's drilling activities, if the need arises. The employee will be subject to pre-employment, random, reasonable‑suspicion, post-accident, follow up, and return-to-duty drug and alcohol testing.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

A master's degree in geology, earth science, or a closely related field.

Knowledge of:

• glacial geology and glacial processes;
• South Dakota's surface and subsurface geology;
• hydrogeology, particularly in glacial sediments;
• geographic information system (GIS) software;
• down‑hole geophysical logs;
• field mapping of geology.

Skill to:

• write understandable, complete, and accurate technical reports.

Ability to:

• manage geologic and water quality data;
• work independently as well as in teams;
• construct and interpret cross sections, structure‑contour maps, and geologic maps;
• effectively map surface and subsurface geology.

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]

An Equal Opportunity Employer

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