Program Assistant Jobs in Box Elder, SD (NOW HIRING)

Posting Details
Posting Details
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Institution
South Dakota Mines
Working Title
Program Assistant I
Posting Number
CSA02762P
Department
SDSMT-Karen M. Swindler Chemical and Biological Engineering
Physical Location of Position (City)
Rapid City
Posting Text
LOCATION: Karen M. Swindler Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering
STARTING HOURLY RATE: Minimum rate of $21.41 hourly, depending upon education and experience, GG
POSITION PURPOSE: The Karen M. Swindler Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (CBE) at South Dakota Mines is seeking applicants for Program Assistant I. This position will provide professional and efficient administrative/office support to the Chemical and Biological Engineering department head, faculty, staff, and students. Additionally, this position will provide research proposals and grant award management support for accounting, bookkeeping, and budgeting. A wide variety of office support, research grant support, and department outreach duties must be done with minimal supervision or assistance.
Specific duties will include managing the department office; assisting the department head and staff as needed; processing purchase requisitions, travel arrangements and reimbursements; processing student employment requests; creating and maintaining databases; accounting support for faculty research grants; budget forecasting; scheduling and coordinating meetings; answering the phone and greeting visitors; maintaining the department web page; and copying, filing and processing mail.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of:

• English grammar, spelling, and punctuation
• basic bookkeeping and mathematical/budgeting/accounting skills
• modern office equipment practices and procedures
• computer software applications, including Microsoft Office

Skills and Ability to:

• communicate professionally in a clear and concise manner
• interact supportively with students, faculty, staff and visitors
• manage and summarize data from a variety of sources
• work independently, be detail-oriented, stay organized, prioritize and handle multiple tasks while meeting deadlines
• set up/type/edit copy in a variety of formats
• work with staff in other campus offices
• use computer and learn new software
• operate printers/scanners, copy machine, and other office equipment

A bachelor's degree is preferred, but an associate's degree with relevant experience will be considered.
The CBE Department has a tradition of excellence in process-oriented education in chemical engineering, producing quality graduates who are sought by industry and top graduate programs. CBE resides in a remodeled $25MM Chemical and Biological Engineering and Chemistry (CBEC) building, which offers state-of-the-art teaching and research laboratories, including a 3,000 sq. ft. pilot-scale unit operations laboratory. The department offers BS, MS, and PhD degrees, and it is currently home to about 160 students. CBE has a strong research enterprise with annual grant expenditures exceeding $3.0 MM. For more information regarding the Karen M. Swindler CBE Department, visit http://www.sdsmt.edu/CBE.
TO APPLY:
Applications must be made online at https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu. 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 (605) 394-1203 or hr@sdsmt.edu. Review of applications will begin July 17, 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
07/10/2026
Closing Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
First Consideration Date
07/17/2026
Advertised Salary
Minimum rate of $21.41 hourly, depending upon education and experience, GG
Duration of the Term
12 months
If Other, describe duration
Appointment Percent
100
Work Hours
7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Typical Hours Worked Per Week
Appointment Type
Regular
Scope of Search
External (includes Internal)
If internal, define scope of search
This position requires
Valid Drivers License
If other, please indicate
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. South Dakota Mines is recognized frequently for its rigorous curriculum, groundbreaking research, and return on investment.
Rapid City, the home of the Hardrockers, is the state's second-largest city with an MSA population of nearly 160,000. The city 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.
Contact Information