Environmental Scientist

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

Job

Agency:
Agriculture & Natural Resources

Location:

Vermillion, SD

Salary: $28.17 Hourly

Pay Grade: S1

Closing Date: 10/08/2026

• 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 (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

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.

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

• 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.

• write understandable, complete, and accurate technical reports.

• 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.

To be considered, please attach your resume, descriptions of your work experience, and a recent writing example such as a college term paper or a technical report.

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.

An Equal Opportunity Employer