Three South Dakota Job Service offices closing in early 2024

December 18, 2023

PIERRE, S.D.–As Gov. Kristi Noem continues a $6.5 million advertising campaign to attract more workers to South Dakota, her Department of Labor and Regulation is cutting positions and closing offices across the state, according to an email obtained by KWAT News.

Department Secretary Marcia Hultman says Job Service offices in Brookings, Winner and Madison will close, effective February 8th, with all positions at those three offices being eliminated.

Additionally, employment service assistant positions will be eliminated in Aberdeen, Mitchell, Spearfish and Vermillion.

Offices in Aberdeen, Mitchell, Pierre, Spearfish and Vermillion will be open by appointment only, and secretary positions will be eliminated in Rapid City and Watertown as well as one job services position in Lake Andes.

Statewide, a total of 22 positions are affected.

Hultman says the cuts are the result of federal funds not increasing, while the cost of doing business has grown. Hultman went on to say, “our top priority is to help staff find employment within state government should that be their preference. We will be working diligently throughout this transition to prioritize continuity of service to our clients, partners, and communities.”