Environmental Scientist I or II - State of South Dakota : Job Details

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Job ID: 29597

Agency: Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources/Agriculture and Environmental Services

Location: Pierre, SD

Salary: $27.43 to $32.88 Hourly, depending on qualifications

Pay Grade: S1 or S2

Closing Date: 01/03/2025

This is a full-time position with the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. For more information on the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, please visit

Make a Difference:

The mission of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (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 in DANR. The dedicated staff of professionals in the Livestock Services Program work hard to create and sustain a vision for South Dakota that is prosperous and diverse with clean air, clean water, and healthy families. We are seeking individuals with a strong desire to learn and an interest in building a career.

What You Will Do:

As part of the Livestock Services Program, you will play an important role in the protection of South Dakota's water quality through the implementation of the state's permitting of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations. Based on the applicant's knowledge, skills, abilities, and work experience, this position may be hired as an Environmental Scientist I or Environmental Scientist II at the appropriate salary for the Environmental Scientist level hired. Information on the environmental scientist career family and environmental scientist positions can be viewed at: The position ensures the protection of South Dakota's surface waters and shallow aquifers by reviewing nutrient management plans for concentrated animal feeding operations to verify they meet the requirements of the General Water Pollution Control Permit for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, providing technical assistance on nutrient management planning requirements, and reviewing records to ensure that manure and process wastewater from permitted operations are applied at agronomic rates in accordance with approved nutrient management plans and the general permit. The position will act as a technical expert for nutrient management planning across a variety of permits that the department administers that contain land application requirements. The position also reviews information submitted for soil amendment registration to determine if the product data meets the proof of data on the label.

Benefits of Working for DANR:

The state of South Dakota offers a generous health benefits package which includes options for health, vision, and dental insurance in addition to one of the strongest retirement systems in the nation.

South Dakota state government understands the importance of having a work/life balance and this position includes paid vacation leave, sick leave, and family leave. You will work a 40-hour week which leaves plenty of time to enjoy all that South Dakota has to offer.

We offer training and development opportunities to build your skills and knowledge. Advancement opportunities are offered in both technical and managerial tracks. It is not just a job; it is an opportunity to build a career.

This position requires a valid driver's license, frequent daily travel, and occasional overnight travel. Office work will be conducted in a routine office setting. Fieldwork occurs in both indoor and outdoor settings. Normal work hours are from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday; however, fieldwork may result in flexing the work schedule.

Licenses and Certifications:

Certified Crop Advisor preferred but not required.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

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

Knowledge of:

* the agronomic application of manure and process wastewater for fertilizer value;

* the science of soil management and crop production;

* the potential environmental effects of improper land application of manure and process wastewater to surface waters and 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.

Skill to:

* use scientific rules and methods to solve problems;

* effective comprehension of listening and reading;

* work with others to reconcile differences;

* effectively use Microsoft Office software and Geographic Information Systems.

Ability to:

* comprehend, interpret, and implement environmental laws;

* explain and promote the 4 R's (Right rate, Right source, Right application method, and Right application timing) that provide the proper amount of nutrients to the crop where it is needed while protecting surface water and shallow aquifers;

* communicate effectively and defend a position or decision;

* compile and analyze 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.

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

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 at This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

Must apply online:

You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.

South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources

Telephone: 605.###.#### Email: [email protected]

An Equal Opportunity Employer

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