Job Description

Full job description

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

Job ID: 29624
Agency: Agriculture & Natural Resources
Location: Pierre, SD
Salary: $25.99 to $30.93 Hourly, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: I
Closing Date: 01/06/2025

This is a Full-Time position with the Agriculture & Natural Resources. For more information on the Agriculture & Natural Resources, please visit

The Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) mission is to protect and preserve South Dakota's agriculture, environment, and natural resources. A successful applicant will work hard to sustain and communicate DANR's mission and vision for a South Dakota with a prosperous economy, diverse agricultural opportunities, clean air, clean water, and healthy families. We are seeking applicants with strong communication and writing skills, a desire to learn, and an interest in building a career.

The Public Affairs Officer is a member of the Public Affairs team working closely with the team members on agriculture, environment, and natural resource public affairs issues. The Public Affairs team is part of the Office of the Secretary. Responsibilities include:

• Drafting press releases, speeches, and social media content.
• Reviewing and editing professional documents.
• Drafting agency communications and talking points.
• Managing DANR's internet email and public records portal communications.
• Manages DANR's participation in career fairs and external, online job postings.
• Assists with legislative activities.
• Assists with planning and execution of the annual Governor's Ag Summit.
• Assists with the execution of the South Dakota State Fair.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Licenses and Certifications:
A valid drivers license is required.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
A bachelor’s degree in public relations, marketing, journalism, communications, or comparable professional experience is preferred. Qualified candidates must have strong communication skills, be self-motivated and punctual, and display high quality organization skills and attention to detail. The ideal candidate will be passionate about serving the public and protecting and preserving South Dakota's agriculture, environment, and natural resources.

Knowledge of:

• public and media relations;
• social media platforms;
• editing and professional writing;
• customer service and stakeholder engagement;
• strategic communications;
• journalism procedures such as research techniques, writing, design, layout, publishing, and printing;
• South Dakota agriculture and natural resources.

Ability to:

• analyze data and information from different perspectives;
• communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
• successfully plan and organize work activities, adjust to multiple demands, and prioritize tasks to complete assignments and meet deadlines;
• coordinate with team members, management, and customers;
• provide excellent customer service;
• demonstrate integrity and maintain high ethical standards;
• develop and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with stakeholders.

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

This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act.

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 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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