Park managers work to enhance, preserve and protect the resources and facilities of their assigned park district and provide recreational activities compatible with the resource. They also manage the daily operations and maintenance of a park unit or a collection of park units within a part district, are lead workers and provide work direction to permanent and/or seasonal staff or volunteers.

Park naturalists provide nature education courses and workshops by designing and producing interpretive exhibits and displays. They also assist with recruiting and training volunteers to help develop presentations and conduct workshops.

Conservation technicians maintain park facilities, grounds, campgrounds, roads and trails, and vehicles and equipment. They also prepare and maintain records and reports of work accomplished to ensure the quality of the park infrastructure is sound, presentation of the park is accessible and inviting, and maximum customer service is provided.

conservation Officers manage wildlife, fisheries, water and land resources; implements department programs; and enforces laws in an assigned district to conserve and protect fish and wildlife, represent the department to the public, and provide recreational opportunities and public safety.

Biologists are hired to research the habitat, production, distribution and other factors impacting the wildlife and fisheries resources. They plan research studies and implement management practices pertaining to habitat, production, distribution and natural balance to ensure sound management and conservation of fish and wildlife species out in the field or in one of the state's fish hatcheries.

Wildlife damage specialists provide assistance in controlling and preventing depredation of livestock or losses of crops, forage or other property by wildlife. They provide educational presentations and demonstrations to promote hunting and trapping and also provide technical assistance to individuals requesting help with various wildlife-related problems.

Internships
The State of South Dakota Intern Program provides opportunities for college and technical school students to gain work experience and first-hand knowledge of state government programs and services in various occupational fields. With the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, students enter a work environment with professionals who have a passion for working in the outdoors. Experience first-hand how you can help sustain our outdoor heritage in South Dakota, by applying for a paid internship in the below areas:

• Park Management
• Park Planning and Development
• Engineering
• Law Enforcement
• Outdoor Education
• Wildlife and Fisheries Management
• Habitat Management
• GIS and Private Lands Management
• Social Media and Marketing

Summer intern positions are announced in early January and typically close by mid-February. All intern opportunities are listed online at bhr.sd.gov/workforus.

Seasonal Opportunities
Looking for a summer job that takes you out of the ordinary and lands you in the middle of South Dakota’s natural resources? A variety of seasonal positions and opportunities offer life experiences for employees 17-years and older, working within multiple department areas at a competitive wage rate. The normal summer work season is mid-May through Labor Day. Some positions may begin earlier or later. Most positions involve outdoor work and customer service. Positions may require you to work holidays, weekends and irregular or rotating shifts. Some seasonal positions require specific licenses or certification.

For a list of seasonal positions, visit bhr.sd.gov/workforus/gfp.aspx.

Seasonal Workcamper Positions
Several state parks offer seasonal workcamper positions. Workampers are paid an hourly wage but live on-site for a discounted per night campsite fee. Apply as you would for a seasonal position and indicate you are interested in being a workamper. Applications are accepted until positions are filled.

Volunteers :: State Parks
Protecting, managing and interpreting South Dakota's natural lands and wildlife are no small tasks. Each year, hundreds of people donate their time and talents to do just that as they volunteer within our state park system. On-site volunteers are provided with a campsite during their service in exchange for 24 hours of service per person per week. The majority of volunteer sites are full hook-up (water, sewer and electric). Volunteers provide their own housing and personal items. Service is purely volunteer. These are unpaid positions. Most work takes place on the weekends, but schedules are fairly flexible. Commuter volunteer travel from home and work is needed.

• Volunteer at one of our State Parks across South Dakota

Volunteers :: Outdoor Campuses
The Outdoor Campuses in Sioux Falls and Rapid City are the gateways to a lifetime of outdoor adventures. Through the careful guidance of staff, you will find yourself drawn into activities you had never considered: hunting and fishing, cross-country skiing, shooting a bow and arrow, cooking wild game in a Dutch oven, gardening for butterflies and more. Adult volunteers must be 18 years of age or older and commit to 50 hours a year.

• Volunteer at the Outdoor Campus in Sioux Falls
• Volunteer at the Outdoor Campus in Rapid City