Conservation Foreman

The Conservation Foreman position at the State of South Dakota in Sioux Falls involves leading field crews to implement land management plans on Game Production Areas. Responsibilities include developing and managing wildlife habitats, conducting fieldwork such as planting and maintaining vegetation, and maintaining equipment. Candidates must have a valid driver's license, obtain a CDL, and complete safety courses. Full-time role with benefits like health insurance and paid time off.
About the position

This position will be responsible for implementing management plans on Game Production Areas located in southeastern South Dakota by leading crews in the field to implement land management techniques. Job duties will include an aggressive approach in developing new habitat and improving and managing existing habitat for wildlife by coordinating field staff on day to day management. This position will lead efforts in planting and maintaining shelterbelts and native grass and forb mixes. Field work to include but not limited to planting native grass and forbs, planting food plots, building fence, spraying noxious weeds, posting boundaries and other general GPA maintenance. This individual will maintain their equipment such as tractors, trailers, drills, UTVs, and other agricultural implements used in habitat management.

Responsibilities
• Implement management plans on Game Production Areas.
,
• Lead crews in the field to implement land management techniques.
,
• Develop new habitat and improve existing habitat for wildlife.
,
• Coordinate field staff on day to day management.
,
• Plant and maintain shelterbelts and native grass and forb mixes.
,
• Conduct field work including planting native grass and forbs, planting food plots, building fence, spraying noxious weeds, and posting boundaries.
,
• Maintain equipment such as tractors, trailers, drills, UTVs, and other agricultural implements.

Requirements
• Valid driver's license required.
,
• CDL required within 120 days of hire.
,
• Completion of a certified ATV course.
,
• Completion of an online UTV safety course.
,
• Obtain a South Dakota Department of Agricultural Commercial Pesticide Applicator License.

Nice-to-haves
• High degree of professional ethics and integrity.
,
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks and projects.
,
• Effective communication skills.
,
• Experience in managing assigned development projects and maintenance activities.

Benefits
• Employer paid health insurance.
,
• Eleven paid holidays.
,
• Generous vacation and sick leave accrual.
,
• Dental and vision insurance options.
,
• Retirement benefits.