Natural Resources Technician

Job ID: 26665
Agency: Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources / Division of Environmental Services / Water Rights Program
Salary: $18.94 - $22.54 per hour, depending on experience
Pay Grade: GF
Closing Date: 04/18/2024

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 the state’s agriculture, environment, and Natural Resources with the vision of a prosperous economy, diverse agricultural opportunities, clean air, clean water, and healthy families. The Water Rights Program within DANR appropriates water for the various water uses throughout the state. The Water Rights Program seeks a motivated individual who can work independently and has a team player attitude with a strong desire to learn.

The Water Rights Program team is responsible for helping South Dakotans pursue economic development through the uses of water by managing the state’s water resources in an environmentally responsible manner. Entering public service provides an opportunity to become a steward of the public’s water resources. As such, you will be involved in managing use of a resource that is vital to the quality of life in South Dakota. You will join a team who work together to administer the use of South Dakota’s surface and groundwater resources to ensure our water resources are maintained in a sustainable manner for future generations.

A Natural Resources Technician works with the orderly development of the state's ground water and surface water resources. This position requires extensive time in the field and will be primarily responsible for the maintenance and repair of the state's approximately 1600 groundwater observation wells including electronic water level recorders. This position also measures groundwater levels, air develops wells, and collects water samples from these wells throughout the state. The position is also responsible for assisting in processing and maintaining the water level database and records for each observation well. This position may also drill, rehabilitate, plug, and survey observation wells as the need arises. Furthermore, the position will assist staff engineers and program assistants with other field work as needed.

The individual should be familiar with personal computer applications, tablet applications, small engines, survey equipment, and general maintenance of vehicles. An understanding of basic electronics and the ability to repair electric recorders, understanding of GIS, and ability to work on small engines is beneficial. This position also assists with the training of summer seasonal employees. Extensive overnight travel, most weeks from late-March through November, throughout the state is required. The ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions on uneven terrain (e.g. road ditches) and regularly lift up to 60 pounds is necessary. The ability to go over, under, or around fences and safely drive on rural roads and undeveloped section lines is required.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
The ideal candidate is someone with a technical background, experience working with wells, pumps, and electronics is helpful. We are looking for someone who wants to serve the citizens of South Dakota by protecting our water resources while allowing use of water to the greatest extent possible for the benefit of the public.

Knowledge of:

• Computer, ArcMap, GPS, Android OS tablets, and Microsoft Office products;
• basic water well construction and groundwater hydrology is beneficial but not required;
• South Dakota agricultural and irrigation practices;
• water uses and users.

Skill to:

• be a problem solver to arrive at a solution to an issue in the field in a remote location;
• use of computers and Microsoft Office products;
• communicate effectively.

Ability to:

• work with one's hands (handyman);
• go over, under, or around cattle fence;
• ability to safely drive gravel and other rural roads;
• follow all traffic laws and State driving policies including no use of cell phones while driving.
• interpret and comprehend program guidelines and procedures;
• effectively plan, organize, and prioritize work activities to meet schedules and deadlines;
• establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with staff and the public.

Benefits of Working for DANR:
The state of South Dakota offers a generous health benefits package, which includes health, vision, and dental insurance in addition to one of the top retirement systems in the nation.

The state of South Dakota understands the importance of having a work/life balance and this position includes paid vacation, sick leave, holiday, and family leave. You will work a 40-hour work week, which leaves you plenty of time to enjoy all that central South Dakota has to offer.

This job is an entry-level position, and we offer training opportunities to build your skills and knowledge. DANR cares about its employees and their career development. We offer the opportunity for career advancement.

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=PD3
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"