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Job ID: 26757
Agency: Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources - Agriculture and Environmental Services
Location: Pierre
Salary: $26.65 to $28.76 per hour, depending on experience
Pay Grade: ES1 or ES2
Closing Date: 04/22/2024

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 https://danr.sd.gov/.

The mission of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) is to protect and preserve agriculture, environment, and natural resources through effective regulatory services, natural resource conservation, and financial and technical assistance. DANR treats every person as a customer and maintains a high level of integrity through transparent government services and science-based decision making.

Are you looking for an organization that values a work-life balance? This position includes paid vacation leave, sick leave, and family leave, and staff work a 40-hour week. The state of South Dakota also 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.

Do you desire a career that will provide you with professional growth opportunities? The successful applicant will be a member of the DANR Inspection, Compliance, and Remediation Program (ICRP) and will have the opportunity to work with many other DANR programs as well as other local, state, and federal agencies. DANR invests in each employee through our onboarding program, mentoring, and by offering a variety of work experiences that will provide you with new challenges. We have assembled a strong and dedicated team of Engineers, Scientists, Program Specialists, Inspectors, and Secretaries. We are seeking an individual who has a strong desire to learn and an interest in building a career. The dedicated staff of professionals in DANR work hard to create and sustain a vision for South Dakota that is prosperous and diverse with clean air, clean water, and healthy families.

Do you desire a career that makes a real difference in protecting and improving the world around you? This Environmental Scientist position is in the DANR ICRP Agricultural Services (Pesticides, Fertilizer, and Feed) section. This Environmental Scientist position will perform professional level environmental and physical science work. requiring the application of basic scientific principles and practices, while following established procedures and standards related to regulation of agricultural chemicals, animal feed, spill response, and water protection. 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.

Duties may include the following:

  • collecting environmental samples, measurements, and information;
  • review and evaluation of data to determine if requirements are met to approve pesticide products (including insecticides, herbicides, rodenticides, disinfectants, sanitizers and more) submitted for state registration;
  • review and evaluation of data indicating using the pesticide according to specifications will not cause unplanned effects on the environment or impact human health;
  • presenting technical data to internal and external customers in briefings and presentations;
  • conducting field inspections and preparing inspection reports;
  • directing responsible parties to perform cleanup activities and conduct site inspections as needed;• assisting with Brownfields project management, including contracting, grant writing, and documentation of project activities funded with federal grants;
  • evaluating chemical and environmental data to ensure that state rules and regulations are being followed so agriculture and natural resources are protected;
  • managing projects that may include complex agricultural and environmental issues;
  • organizing and maintaining environmental and pesticide registration databases, program files and analysis of pesticide product data;
  • managing projects that may include complex environmental issues;
  • organizing and maintaining environmental and pesticide registration databases, program files and analysis of pesticide product data;
  • occasionally take spill reports after-normal work hours, on weekends, and holidays, provide direction to responsible parties on cleanup activities and conduct site inspection to assist in directing cleanup activities;
  • working closely with county emergency managers, fire departments, and others during emergency response activities and during department or state planning efforts;
  • providing technical information and assistance to colleagues, other state and federal agencies, and members of the public;
  • review of environmental investigation reports, recommend necessary actions, and draft follow-up correspondence;
  • other duties as assigned.

Based on the applicant's knowledge, skills, abilities, and work experience, this position may be hired as a Scientist I or Scientist II at the appropriate salary for the Environmental Scientist level hired. Information on the Environmental Science career family and Scientist positions can be viewed at: https://bhr.sd.gov/files/classspec/803003.pdf

Licenses and Certifications:
This position requires a valid driver license

A valid Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) Certificate is desirable, but not required.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
Our ideal candidate is someone that desires to learn, has good interpersonal and customer service skills, and is seeking a career opportunity in public service. Only applicants that possess a Bachelor of Science or Master of Science degree in environmental studies, agriculture science, biology, chemistry, agronomy, or a related physical science will be considered. Applicants with the required education, adequate relevant experience working as an Environmental Scientist, Geologist, Hydrologist, Agronomist, or other related science or agricultural professions, and knowledge of South Dakota geology, hydrology, and state environmental protection rules and laws may be considered for employment as an Environmental Scientist II.

We are looking for candidates that have:

  • knowledge of environmental, physical and chemical principles and processes;
  • ability to manage multiple tasks in an organized and timely manner;
  • ability to learn and a willingness to be challenged;
  • ability to review and interpret technical reports and ensure state requirements are met;
  • ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing;
  • ability to set goals and work independently to meet goals;
  • proficiency with software such as Microsoft Office;
  • skill to communicate with the public, be self-motivated, and organized;
  • ability to work in collaborative team environments.

Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach your resume, transcript, and writing sample.

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 employer paid health insurance 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 https://bhr.sd.gov/job-seekers/work-for-state-government/. This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

Must apply online: https://sodakprod-lm01.cloud.infor.com:1443/lmghr/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=PFY

You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"