FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 23, 2019

CONTACT: Emily Kiel at Emily.Kiel@state.sd.us

• Game, Fish and Park Offers Summer Employment Opportunities
• Oakwood Lakes State Park to Host Winter Events

Game, Fish and Parks Offers Summer Employment Opportunities

PIERRE, S.D. – The deadline is fast approaching to apply for summer employment with the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP).

The department offers a variety of summer employment opportunities across the state.

State park positions include general maintenance, entrance station attendant, maintenance worker, campground attendant, law enforcement, heavy equipment operator and naturalist/programmer positions.

Positions with the Division of Wildlife include habitat technician and fisheries technician. Most listings have multiple positions available.

All applicants must be at least 17 years of age and available to work mid-May through Labor Day. Applications received after the Feb. 16 deadline will only be considered for any remaining positions.

Applications must be submitted online or postmarked no later than Feb. 16. A complete list of seasonal jobs is available at bhr.sd.gov/job-seekers/seasonal/gfp/.

Several state parks also offer seasonal work camper positions. Work campers are paid an hourly wage but live on-site for a discounted per night campsite fee. Workers provide their own housing and personal items. Applications are taken until positions are filled. https://gfp.sd.gov/seasonal/

Internships with GFP are available through Executive Intern Program positions. To qualify for an internship, applicants must be full-time students of at least sophomore standing and currently be enrolled at a college, university or vocational-technical institute.

For the complete internship listing and to apply, visit bhr.sd.gov/job-seekers/internship/. 

Oakwood Lakes State Park to Host Winter Events

PIERRE, S.D. – Oakwood Lakes State Park will host a weekend of winter fun with the Cool Kids’ Classic Fishing Derby and the Groundhog Day Ski Event on Jan. 26 and 27, respectively.

“These events are a great way for the entire family to get active, get outside and have fun at the park,” said Becky Graff, district park manager at Oakwood Lakes State Park. “The park offers many opportunities for outdoor winter recreation that families can enjoy.”

On Jan. 26, children age 15 and under are invited to take part in the Cool Kids’ Classic Ice Fishing Derby. Registration begins at 11 a.m. CST at the Welcome Center. Bait is furnished and event staff will drill holes in the ice as needed. Fishing will take place in designated areas from noon to 1:30 p.m. CST with weigh-in to follow. Winners will be announced at the award ceremony following fishing. Snacks will be available throughout the day, and numerous door prize drawings will be held.

On Jan. 27, the Groundhog Day Ski and Snowshoe event will feature a non-competitive cross-country ski poker run and a non-competitive snowshoe poker run. Prizes will be awarded in numerous categories. The day also features the annual Sons of Norway Barnelopet Children's Ski Run. This event is free for kids 13 and under.

Registration for the ski events begins at the park shop at 12:30 p.m. CST. The event will start at 1 p.m. CST. Cookies, hot chocolate, and various Norwegian treats will be served throughout the day. Snowshoes are available to borrow from the park; call to reserve. In the event of no snow, walks will be held.

The fishing derby is sponsored by Gas ‘N Mor, Brookings Hy-Vee Food Store, Porter’s Bait, 1481 Grille, Cubby’s, Sioux River Outfitters, Runnings, DQ, Oakwood Lake Development Association, Bel Brands USA, Dunham’s, and the Edward Lorenz Memorial.

The cross-country ski tour is sponsored by the Sons of Norway, Sioux River Bicycles and Fitness, Brookings Radio, 1481 Grille, Bel Brands USA, SDSU Bookstore, Five Star Call Centers, Granite Sports, and The Ridge.

Park entrance licenses are required to enter the park and will be available for purchase. For additional information on the weekend’s events, call Oakwood Lakes State Park at 605.627.5441.

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