Environmental Scientist

Job

Agency:
Agriculture & Natural Resources

Location:

Pierre, SD

Salary: $28.17 Hourly

Pay Grade: S1

Closing Date: 07/06/2026

This is a full‑time position with the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The mission of 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, working to create and sustain a prosperous and diverse South Dakota with clean air, clean water, and healthy families.

As an Environmental Scientist I in the Livestock Services Program, you will play a key role in protecting South Dakota's water quality through implementation of the state's permitting of concentrated animal feeding operations. Your duties include reviewing submitted information to determine if wastewater containment structures and nutrient management plan sites are located over shallow aquifers, providing technical assistance on the General Water Pollution Control Permit requirements, reviewing monitoring well sampling results, recommending corrective actions, and administering program activities for concentrated animal feeding operations with a Ground Water Discharge Permit.

The state of South Dakota offers a generous health benefits package with health, vision, and dental insurance options and one of the strongest retirement systems in the nation. South Dakota state government values work/life balance, providing paid vacation, sick leave, family leave, 40‑hour weeks, and flexible scheduling for field work. Training, development, and advancement opportunities are available in both technical and managerial tracks.

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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

This position is eligible for Veterans' Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas. All hires must verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I‑9. E‑Verify will be used upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers a $0 premium employee health insurance option, eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

Must apply online: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). E‑mail, paper, or hand‑delivered resumes will not be accepted.

South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources and Administration. Telephone:  Email: careers.us

Equal Opportunity Employer.