Job Description

PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

Job ID: 29159
Agency: Game Fish & Parks
Location: Rapid City, SD
Salary: $28.86-$34.36 Hourly, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: J
Closing Date: 11/22/2024

This is a full-time position with the Department of Game, Fish and Parks. For more information about the Department of Game, Fish and Parks, please visit

Why the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks?
Working for the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks is not just a job. It is a life passion. It is about working together as a team with colleagues, customers, landowners, and partner organizations to ensure that our state’s outdoor heritage lives on for the next generation. Providing exceptional outdoor recreational opportunities for people to enjoy is one of the best jobs in state government.

All we need is you to join our team! Sound like a good fit so far?

As a South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks employee, here is what you will experience:

• Innovation – the GFP team is consistently revolutionizing enhancements to outdoor recreation in terms of technology and customer experience. We invite new ideas and interaction from our employees.
• Collaboration and Communication – our employees work with various teams, programs, and divisions within the agency, outside state and federal agencies and public stakeholders. We want all employees to know that their voice will be heard as we continuously work towards our future goals.
• Professional Development – We provide training and support for you to become an expert in the field and obtain the skills necessary to be successful in your position.
• Task Diversity – the work duties are never boring. Your duties may include meetings with coworkers, collaborating with other government representatives, representing the Department at Commission meetings and national conferences, visiting one of our state parks and recreation areas or working to enhance habitat. The outdoors provides for a nice corner office!

This position will serve as South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks’ wildlife diversity biologist in Western South Dakota, which consists of the unique Black Hills and mixed-grass prairie ecosystems.

The incumbent will:

• develop and help implement State Wildlife Grants projects, focused on research, inventory, and monitoring of state species of greatest conservation need and explore additional funding opportunities to expand impact to rare wildlife species;
• conduct wildlife surveys and other field projects related to nongame and endangered species and unique native habitats;
• provide technical assistance and collaborate with habitat biologists for habitat enhancement for nongame and rare species in Western South Dakota;
• assist with environmental review of significant projects, including site visits for development projects to confirm presence/absence of species and provide recommendations for mitigation;
• assist in coordinating the South Dakota’s Natural Heritage Program, manage Natural Heritage Database, and interact with NatureServe staff;
• miscellaneous nongame, species of greatest conservation need, and threatened and endangered species issue coordination and answering department staff questions or requests for assistance in Western South Dakota;
• assist with periodic status reviews of state threatened and endangered species;
• assist with implementation of South Dakota Wildlife Action Plan;
• issue statewide Scientific Collector’s Permits, which involves evaluating and approving applications, receiving annual reports and monitoring results for compliance, and developing recommendations for restrictions to taking sensitive species to prevent overcollection;
• present to the public about wildlife and/or provide such information to designated education and outreach staff;
• serve on interagency committees and task forces, and as Department representative and liaison to interagency and local, state and federal government and professional and private groups related to nongame and rare species.

At times, job responsibilities may require a flexible work schedule for early mornings, evenings, and weekends. Duties will occasionally require travel away from the duty station. Field work may occasionally occur in extreme hot and cold weather conditions.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
A degree (B.S or M.S.) in wildlife biology, ecology, natural resources, or closely related discipline is preferred.

Experience conducting wildlife surveys, wildlife research, short and long-term monitoring programs, analyzing data, and writing reports. Qualified candidates must be self-motivated, have strong people skills, a strong work ethic, and the ability to effectively work independently and as part of a team. Further, candidates must have a strong desire to make a difference and be passionate about serving the public and native species and habitats, while carrying out the Game, Fish and Parks’ mission.

Knowledge of:

• life history and habitat requirements of wildlife species in South Dakota, especially the Black Hills, mixed-grass prairie, and riparian areas;
• wildlife research and biological literature analysis;
• established methods and procedures used in wildlife management and research;
• the importance of environmental review regarding wildlife and habitat conservation;
• state and federal threatened and endangered species laws, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Endangered Species Act, and additional regulations related to federal conservation partner collaborations.

Skill to:

• communicate effectively and foster team collaboration;
• manage time effectively;
• lead current and new projects and initiatives to ensure delivery of measurable outcomes;
• database management and experience with geographic information systems;
• read and interpret environmental policy and law.

Ability to:

• accomplish work tasks both independently and as a member of a work team;
• work and communicate with a variety of people within and outside of state government;
• independently arrange work schedules to accomplish tasks in variety of areas of responsibility;
• follow detailed data sampling protocols without direct supervision;
• work within federal grant systems, including proposal preparation, timely preparation and submission of interim and final reports that are compliant with objectives, and making the most effective use of final products;
• provide a high level of attention to detail and be able to record that detail in field notes, reports and databases;
• operate a variety of on- and off-road vehicles;
• plan, outline, and make presentations;
• operate computers, tablets, and applicable software;
• analyze and interpret data and scientific documents.

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

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 $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 This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

Must apply online:
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


"An Equal Opportunity Employer"

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Job Tags

Hourly pay, Holiday work, Full time, Temporary work, Interim role, Local area, Outdoor, Work visa, Flexible hours, Weekend work, Afternoon shift, Early shift,

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