Program Assistant I

Program Assistant I

Institution - South Dakota Mines

Working Title - Program Assistant I

Posting Number - CSA02844P

Department - SDSMT-Chemistry, Biology, and Health Sciences

Physical Location of Position (City) - Rapid City

POSITION PURPOSE: The Department of Chemistry, Biology, and Health Sciences is seeking a Program Assistant to provide administrative, financial, and academic support for faculty, staff, and students. Responsibilities include managing departmental finances and grants, processing purchases and travel, maintaining records, coordinating schedules and meetings, assisting with personnel actions, supporting academic programs, and serving as a primary point of contact for students and visitors.

The ideal candidate will have strong organizational, communication, and customer service skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently in an academic environment. Experience in administrative support, financial processing, or higher education is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to communicate information clearly and concisely in person and over the telephone, exercising tact, patience, discretion and professional demeanor;
• Skills for establishing and maintaining effective and cooperative working relationships, interacting in a supportive manner with students, staff and the public;
• Outstanding customer service skills and a commitment to providing excellent support to all stakeholders;
• Skills in accounting and budget management, including grant fund management, event planning and management, accounting processes, budget forecasting and finance, purchasing, and database management;
• Exceptional attention to detail, accuracy in work, and the ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize accordingly;
• The ability to interpret, explain, and apply rules, regulations, policies, and practices. Strong reading comprehension skills and the ability to gather, comprehend, prepare, and summarize data from various sources;
• Familiarity with computer software and systems such as Microsoft Office, Excel, Outlook, and Word, and proficiency in using a computer, copy machine, and other office equipment.

To Apply: Applications must be made online at

South Dakota Mines is committed to recruiting and retaining a talented workforce and offers an excellent comprehensive benefits package for employees, spouses and dependents; retirement plans; paid holidays; and a generous vacation and sick day allowance. Human Resources can provide accommodation to the online application process and may be reached at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io. Review of applications will begin October 5, 2026. Employment is contingent upon completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

Please attach a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references (include name and email address for each reference).

Posting Date - 09/28/2026

Open Until Filled - Yes

First Consideration Date - 10/05/2026

Advertised Salary - Minimum of $21.41 hourly, dependent upon education and experience, GG

Duration of the Term - 12 months

Work Hours - 7:30am-4:30pm

Appointment Percent - 100%

Scope of Search - External (includes Internal)

Department Description and Cultural Expectations - Founded in 1885, South Dakota Mines is the premier destination for ambitious students seeking bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees in STEM fields. Our vibrant community of supportive faculty, tenacious students, and passionate alumni fosters a culture of ingenuity, collaboration, and lifelong success. Rapid City, the state's second-largest city with an MSA population of nearly 160,000, is nestled next to the beautiful Black Hills, a region boasting breathtaking scenery, hundreds of miles of trails for outdoor enthusiasts, and attractions ranging from complex cave systems to historic towns and massive monuments.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement - South Dakota Mines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. South Dakota Mines and the Board of Regents ensure that all employment practices are free of discrimination.

Working Conditions:

Cognitive Requirements: Analyzing, Comprehend, Frequent Change, Logic, Memory, Multiple Priorities, Multiple Stimuli, Pace-average, Perform calculations, Reading, Reasoning, Verbal Communication, Written Communication

Protective Clothing/Equipment: If other protection is used please identify

Physical Requirements: Balancing, Bending, Stooping, Twisting, Carrying, Fine Finger Manipulation (keyboarding, pipefitting, bench work, etc), Grasping, Lifting moderate, Reaching, Repetitive Motion, Sitting for sustained periods of time, Use Both Hands, Walking

Describe any of the conditions selected: Routine physical requirements for general office work.

Sensory Requirements: Hearing, Speaking

Working Conditions & Exposures: Working Conditions or Exposures (or potential exposures) that this position may encounter during the course of the work day. Please describe, in more detail, any of the conditions checked above

Working Environment: Office Environment

Supplemental Questions:

1. How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
   • Public Job Posting
   • Internal Job Posting
   • Agency Referral
   • Advertisement/Publication
   • Personal Referral
   • Website
   • Other
2. Please attach a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references (include name and email address for each reference).

Required Documents:

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. Reference List

Optional Documents:

University of South Dakota