Conservation Technician

The State of South Dakota is hiring a Conservation Technician for the Game Fish & Parks Division in Pierre, SD. This full-time role involves leading maintenance and grounds activities across multiple park locations, organizing staff, and maintaining facilities. Candidates should have knowledge of equipment operation and maintenance, be able to work outdoors in various conditions, and manage records using computer programs. Weekend work and physical stamina are required.
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Job ID: 32395
Agency: Game Fish & Parks - Parks & Recreation Division
Location:Pierre, SD
Salary: $18.80 - $21.14/hr, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: F
Closing Date: 08/28/2025
The Conservation Technician at Farm Island Recreation Area is considered a lead worker for sharing grounds and maintenance activities in a large park district that consists of the district headquarters at Farm Island RA, West Bend RA, 2 Nature Areas, 5 Lake Side Use areas and over 30 miles of trails district wide. Areas possess a number of facilities and amenities including over 200 campsites, 8 camping cabins, 4 comfort stations, 9 boat ramps, 7 docks, 6 Picnic Shelters, 2 fish cleaning stations, an archery range and many other facilities. This position should be able to organize and schedule staff to perform daily & weekly work at all these areas and facilities and maintain clear records of work completed. This position will also be required to use various programs to help track facility maintenance records with a laptop or Ipad.
Candidate should be able to work at several outdoor park locations throughout the year and be physically able to meet the challenges of the job on and off the water. Candidate should possess the ability to be flexible and change in work direction with the district's changing priorities. Candidate should be willing to work weekends and organize work assignments for up to 12 seasonal employees. Ideal candidate will be able to work during inclement weather conditions and be available for on call emergency repairs for grounds and facilities.
This is a full-time position with the Department of Game, Fish and Parks. For more information on the Department of Game, Fish and Parks, please visit http://gfp.sd.gov .
Licenses And Certifications
CDL would be highly beneficial but not a requirement. Candidate will be asked to obtain the SD Dept of Agriculture & Natural Resources Pesticide & Noxious Weed Applicator License and Public Drinking Water Certification within 1 year of employment.
The Ideal Candidate Will Have
A good working knowledge of light and heavy duty equipment, facility and grounds maintenance and the ability to effectively & efficiently direct the daily work assignments of the district's maintenance staff.
Ideal candidate will also have knowledge of working with a computer, email and various computer programs to help manage grounds and facilities once training is provided.
Knowledge Of


equipment operation, repair & maintenance;plumbing;basic electrical trouble-shooting;janitorial cleaning;carpentry;welding;concrete work;landscaping, tree planting, & grass seeding;basic knowledge of tree, shrub and grass identification;operation of region's aerial lift for tree pruning;chainsaw operation, repair and maintenance;general facility & grounds maintenance;other forms of district and regional equipment operation and maintenance.
Skill To
perform routine plumbing repairs and trouble-shooting;perform minor electrical repairs;oversee and perform the janitorial cleaning of park facilities;perform basic carpentry & welding repairs and new construction;load & unload equipment that is transported throughout the district;operate loaders, commercial mowers, small tractors, skid steers and attachments to large trucks & trailers;operate dump trucks;order supplies & materials.
Ability To
operate a variety of equipment in varying environments;meet the physical requirements of the of outdoor work environments;train others on the safe and proper operation of equipment and facility cleaning;assign tasks to others and maintain clear written records of work completed;prioritize work tasks and staff assignments;communicate effectively with park users & staff;diagnose & repair vehicles & equipment.
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 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:///hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=24H
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email:
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"


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