Education & Operations Specialist

Overview

Job

Agency:
Game Fish & Parks

Location:

Rapid City, SD

Salary: $22.98-$24.13/hr, depending on qualifications

Pay Grade: H

Closing Date: 02/19/2026

Culture and tradition run strong at the Department of Game, Fish and Parks (GFP). Our skilled workforce believes in professionalism and accountability to meet the growing expectations of our customers. Working here isn’t just a job – it’s a life’s passion. Our atmosphere empowers professional success, team building, and facilitating relationships with organizations to ensure our state’s rich outdoor heritage lives on for the next generation.

The Shooting Sports Complex Education and Operations Specialist role involves managing and maintaining a premier firearms range facility. The complex includes 400 acres and offers spaces for a wide range of shooters, from hunters to recreational shooters to law enforcement personnel. The facility is organized into north and south areas and provides options for basic target practice and specialized training spaces.

The role includes developing education programs, overseeing day-to-day operations, maintaining facilities for safety and positive visitor experiences, and supporting hosting of shooting sports events to attract participants and showcase the complex’s capabilities. This position will be dynamic and fast-paced, with opportunities to engage shooting enthusiasts, foster community connections, and contribute to the complex’s growth and reputation.

All We Need Is You! Sound Like a Good Fit? As a Department Of Game, Fish And Parks Employee, Here’s What You’ll Experience

• Identify, develop, organize, and teach shooting sports and outdoors-related training and education programs.
• Participate in day-to-day operations of the complex and ensure facilities are well-maintained, safe, and conducive to a positive visitor experience.
• Assist with hosting shooting sports events, including coordinating tournaments, competitions, training workshops, and other events to attract participants and showcase the complex’s capabilities.
• Engage with shooting enthusiasts and foster community connections to support the complex’s growth and reputation.

Licenses And Certifications

• Driver’s license; may require CPR and/or other medical response training
• Range Officer/Range Safety Officer Certifications
• Certified instructor for various firearms and outdoor education programs

Questionnaire:
Applicants will be required to answer a series of job-related questions when submitting an application for this job.

Communication

• The ideal candidate will have daily direction and oversight of education and training, routine contact with the public, and programming opportunities as important tasks for this position.
• Ability to communicate effectively through differences and obstacles, and to have tough conversations with staff, the public, and community members.

Teamwork

• Build positive relationships with direct reports, volunteers, and surrounding communities; cooperate with team members to achieve objectives; foster a culture of "we" rather than "I".

Leadership

• Inspire team members to achieve high effort and quality in daily duties; foster a leadership culture that listens to team ideas.

Knowledge Of

• Shooting range and firearm safety
• Recruiting both volunteers and permanent staff
• Present information on the range to groups including commissions, GFP staff, and the public
• Principles of effective human relations and working for the public
• Computer skills, PowerPoint, GFP license program and Outlook
• Principles & practices in educational programming
• Curriculum development and classroom teaching as it relates to the range and public information (R3)
• Pittman-Robertson Act of 1937

Skill To

• Develop innovative resource materials
• Assign, direct, and monitor the work of permanent, seasonal, and volunteer employees
• Develop and coordinate special events that promote the shooting sports industry

Ability To

• Ensure the facilities are clean, organized, and meet GFP standards for a publicly open range
• Establish effective working relationships with coworkers, consultants, and other agencies
• Effectively use all types of media
• Work with contractors on various repairs or…