Geologist - State of South Dakota : Job Details

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Job ID: 29842

Agency: Agriculture & Natural Resources - Financial & Technical Assistance

Location: Vermillion, SD or Rapid City, SD

Salary: $27.43 - $29.50/hr, depending on qualifications

Pay Grade: S1 - S2

Closing Date: 01/28/2025

This position will perform work related to the documentation, mapping, and interpretation of South Dakota's surface and subsurface geology and hydrogeology and could include areas of focus in both eastern and western South Dakota. Bedrock geology will also be a component of the work as will hydrogeologic conditions associated with the various glacial and bedrock units. Duties may include the following:

* Serve as project geologist on drilling and well installation projects to define the subsurface geology and hydrogeology 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.

* Perform field mapping of Black Hills geology and publish GIS-based geologic maps.

* 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 - Financial. For more information, please visit

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;

* knowledge of the geology of the Black Hills;

* hydrogeology, particularly in glacial sediments;

* geographic information system (GIS) software;

* down-hole geophysical logs; and

* 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; and

* effectively map surface and subsurface geology.

Additional Requirements: 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.

NCRC: If you possess a National Career Readiness Certificate, please submit the certificate with your application. For more information on how to acquire a National Career Readiness Certificate contact a South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation Job Service Office. A certificate is not necessary to be considered.

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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