Cultural & Environmental Resource Specialist

The South Dakota State Government is hiring a Cultural & Environmental Resource Specialist in Pierre, SD. This full-time role involves coordinating cultural, historical, and environmental assessments for park projects, ensuring compliance with regulations, managing cultural resource monitoring, and overseeing FEMA mitigation efforts. Candidates should have relevant education or experience and knowledge of environmental laws and project management. The position requires effective communication and coordination with various stakeholders.
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Job ID: 31447

Agency: Game Fish & Parks

Location: Pierre, SD

Salary: $27.84-$31.31/hr, depending on qualifications

Pay Grade: J

Closing Date: 05/27/2025

South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented individual to join our team dedicated to enhancing outdoor recreational opportunities and connecting people with the natural world. This critical role leads the Parks Division in coordinating cultural, historical, and environmental assessments for park operations, capital development, and third-party grant projects.

This position ensures that all park-related projects meet cultural and environmental compliance by securing necessary permits and clearances. The coordinator will work closely with state, federal, and tribal partners, manage cultural resource monitoring and educational activities, and oversee FEMA mitigation efforts following emergency declarations. As part of an integrated planning team, the position supports all phases of project planning and development.

Key Responsibilities:
• Conduct and coordinate cultural, historical, and environmental assessments.
• Secure required permits and regulatory clearances for all division projects.
• Develop and manage monitoring, mitigation, enforcement, and education related to cultural resources.
• Serve as liaison to the State Historic Preservation Office and State Archaeological Research Center.
• Coordinate FEMA mitigation after emergency declarations, ensuring regulatory compliance and reimbursement of eligible expenses.
• Support grant writing and third-party funding efforts to supplement project budgets.
• Maintain organized records of survey maps, reports, and permits.

This is a Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly position with Game Fish & Parks. For more information on Game Fish & Parks, please visit https://gfp.sd.gov/.

Preferred Education & Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree in Cultural Resource Management, Archaeology, Wildlife & Fisheries Management, Conservation Planning, Park Management, Business Management, or related field.
• Relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Knowledge of:
• State and federal environmental and cultural resource laws and agencies.
• Easements, contracts, agreements, and grant administration.
• Construction methods and plans related to park infrastructure.
• GIS and mapping tools, Microsoft Office, and cultural/historical survey systems.

Skills & Abilities to:
• Build effective working relationships with regulatory agencies and Tribal representatives.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate efficiently across departments to ensure timely permitting and project progress.
• Understand and apply permitting requirements (e.g., Sections 106, 404, 408).
• Manage cultural resource surveys on Title VI transferred lands.
• Analyze project impacts on natural and cultural resources.
• Stay current with state and federal regulatory requirements.
• Search for and apply to grants that support division priorities.

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

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://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=1MY

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”

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