Environmental Scientists

KELOLAND is hiring Environmental Scientists I or II for the South Dakota Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources in Sioux Falls, SD. The role involves implementing waste management policies, conducting inspections, preparing reports, and providing technical assistance. The position offers a salary of $27.78 - $29.00/hr, benefits including health insurance and a retirement system, and emphasizes work-life balance with a 40-hour work week.
Environmental Scientist I or II South Dakota State Government Sioux Falls, SD Posted/Updated: 3 days ago Job Description PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE Job ID: 35375 Agency: Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources Location:Sioux Falls, SDSalary: $27.78 - $29.00/hr, depending on qualifications Pay Grade: S1 or S2 Closing Date: 04/23/2026 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? A successful applicant will be a member of the Waste Management Program in DANR. The dedicated staff of professionals in the Waste Management Program work hard to create and sustain a vision for South Dakota that is prosperous and diverse with clean air, clean water, and healthy families. We are seeking individuals with a strong desire to learn and an interest in building a career. What you'll do: As part of the Waste Management Program, you will play an important role in implementing waste management regulatory policies to protect human health and the environment. Our team works with South Dakota businesses, industries, and communities to promote and sustain economic development in an environmentally responsible manner. Specific job duties include inspections at permitted solid waste facilities and asbestos abatement projects, field investigations at waste-related facilities, asbestos and building demolition compliance, asbestos worker certification compliance, technical report writing, communication with the regulated community, and data collection and management. Duties may include the following: Conducting solid waste field inspections and building demolition inspections. Preparing inspection reports, technical reports, and written correspondence. Obtaining and maintaining asbestos inspector certification. Reviewing asbestos abatement and building demolition applications. Reviewing asbestos worker certification applications and auditing asbestos training courses. Organizing and maintaining environmental databases and analyzing environmental data. Collecting environmental samples, measurements and information. Providing technical information and assistance to colleagues, other state and federal agencies, and members of the public with customer service being a high priority. Benefits of Working for DANR: The state of South Dakota 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. South Dakota state government understands the importance of having a work/life balance and this position includes paid vacation leave, sick leave, and family leave. You will work a 40-hour week which leaves plenty of time to enjoy all that South Dakota has to offer. 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 as a pdf at: https://www.sd.gov/sys_attachment.do?sys_id=354a86ad1b766a10f744edb5604bcbeb For more information about the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, visit: https://danr.sd.gov/ The Ideal Candidate Will Have: A 4-year degree in environmental or physical sciences, and a strong desire to learn, solve problems, and serve the citizens of South Dakota. A valid driver's license is required. We are looking for candidates that have: Knowledge of environmental, physical and chemical principles and processes. Basic computer skills such as Microsoft Office. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing. Ability to manage multiple tasks in an organized and timely manner. Ability to learn and a willingness to be challenged. Ability to set goals and work independently or in a team setting to achieve them. 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 transcripts, resume, and a writing sample. 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 here . 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=3SO 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" #LI-Onsite