Job Description
Job ID: 29863 - Geologist Assistant (Summer Seasonal)
Agency: Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources
Location:Vermillion, SD
Minimum Salary: $16.16/hr
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Season Geologist Assistants will assist Geological Survey personnel with tasks related to the mapping of the ground water resources and geology of the State. Tasks will include drilling of test holes and installation of monitoring wells, water sampling, mapping, data analysis, and GIS. The duration of employment is estimated to begin in May 2025 and end in August 2025. Specific start/end dates will be arranged with the hired candidates.
Geologist Assistants will:
- learn the technology of various drilling methods;
- learn how monitoring wells are installed and sampled;
- learn mapping techniques;
- learn how to interpret geologic and hydrologic information;
- assist with geophysical logging of test holes;
- see how the logs are used to interpret subsurface geology;
- assist in the installation of monitoring wells;
- gain hands-on experience that will be valuable for future work in the geologic or environmental sciences; and
- gain experience seeing and interpreting drill cuttings or core recovered from test holes in glacial and bedrock sediments.
Most of their time will be spent working in the field, but some time will be spent in an office environment. State vehicles will be utilized for transportation during work activities. The work will commonly require up to 3 nights away from the office each week. Overnight stays while working in the field will be arranged for and paid for by the Geological Survey. The work week will commonly consist of working 40 hours in 4 days, allowing for a 3-day weekend. Field work will be conducted in extreme weather conditions during the summer. There will be physical labor involved with up to 50 lbs of lifting required.
In addition to a regular hourly wage, employees receive per diem when away from the office and working in the field. A typical field work week involves leaving the office at 7:00 a.m. on Monday and returning to the office about noon on Thursday. In such a scenario, the seasonal employee would be paid $120 in per diem that week.
General Requirements: - Full- or part-time college student status.
- Valid drivers license.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: - Knowledge of how to use topographic and geologic maps.
- Knowledge of how to use GIS software.
Please note this is a temporary or seasonal, non-benefited position, exempt from civil service. How to Apply: Applicants have the option to fill out the online application at
https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=W9
or they may fill out the State of South Dakota Seasonal/Temporary Application form ( https://bhr.sd.gov/files/seas-tempapp.pdf ) and email or mail it to the address listed below.
Email to: Tim.Cowman@usd.edu
Or mail to:
Tim Cowman
SD Geological Survey
414 E. Clark St.
Akeley-Lawrence Science Center
Vermillion, SD 57069
*Seasonal positions can be filled prior to the closing date.* #LI-Remote #LI-Hybrid #LI-Onsite
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER