Job ID: 36685
Agency: Department of Transportation / Division of Operations
Location: Aberdeen, SD
Salary: $32.85 - $45.45 per hour, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: E1 - E3
Closing Date: 07/24/2026
This is a full-time position with the Department of Transportation. For more information on the Department of Transportation, please visit https://dot.sd.gov/ .
Introduction:
Ready for a rewarding career that provides exciting and meaningful work? Looking for a place that values innovation and teamwork? In need of schedules and benefits that make it possible to both support and enjoy your family?
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) has a perfect opportunity for you as a Highway Construction Project Engineer!
Job Description:
We're looking for a Highway Construction Project Engineer to help us live out our mission of providing “Better Lives Through Better Transportation.”
We're looking for a Highway Construction Project Engineer who exemplifies our core values and is willing to develop skills in construction administration, asphalt paving, concrete paving, grading, bridge construction, and more.
You'll have opportunities to work both independently and in team settings, both in the office and in the field. Our team dynamics are supportive and goal-oriented, and we have mentoring opportunities for new employees to develop skills and abilities on the job. Team members at SDDOT are purpose-driven and know the difference their work makes.
What You Bring to the SDDOT:
- Positive attitude
- Willingness to learn
- Self-motivated and determined mindset
What the SDDOT Offers:
- Health insurance (zero-cost premium plan, low and high deductible plans, and single and family plans
- Well-being program
- Employee assistance program
- Dental, Vision and Health Savings Account
- Free basic life insurance policy
- Membership in the South Dakota Retirement System with partial state match
- Paid leave (15 vacation days per year)
- Sick leave (14 days per year)
- Paid family leave (12 weeks for birth and adoption of child, equivalent to 40 hours per week)
- Military leave (15 days per year)
- 11 paid holidays
- Longevity pay
- Semimonthly pay periods
- Eligibility for meal per diems
- Paid overtime (if applicable)
Duties and Responsibilities:
All position responsibilities are tightly related to the SDDOT mission to efficiently provide a safe and effective public transportation system.
These duties include but are not limited to:
- perform contract administration, reports, estimates, construction change orders, etc.;
- perform project design work and plans;
- inspect, test, and sample materials (Portland cement concrete, asphalt, gravel and soil);
- inspect roadways, concrete and asphalt paving, and structures (bridges, box culverts, pipe culverts, and installations);
- perform field surveys;
- inspect temporary traffic controls through and around work zones;
- regular 40-hour work weeks, mid-November through March;
- some extended work hours and weekends, April through mid-November.
Work assignments are frequently performed outside in all weather conditions and around highway traffic.
Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge:
- civil engineering highway and bridge construction theories, principles, and design practices;
- basic practices and terminology of computer operations and computer aided design and drafting practices;
- construction materials (preferred but not required);
- construction contract administration (preferred but not required);
- Department of Transportation policies and procedures (preferred but not required);
- experience with various types of engineering survey equipment (preferred).
Skills:
- operate computers, use Microsoft software, and other related software;
- operate survey equipment and perform the necessary calculations.
Abilities:
- work cooperatively in a team atmosphere;
- lead a team of technical experts through the process of solving complex transportation engineering related problems;
- interpret, apply and revise department policies and processes;
- communicate effective, both verbally and in writing;
- create an environment that fosters high ethical standards;
- manage day-to-day responsibilities in a manner that instills public trust;
- use vision, creativity, reasoning, and experience to reach conclusions and make effective decisions;
- anticipate and meet the needs of customers by delivering and continuously improving quality services;
- develop networks and use them to strengthen internal and external support;
- keep current with development in your own field or expertise and apply this knowledge to effectively manage resources;
- demonstrate self-confidence and take action when needed;
- attend to all details of assignments and complete work properly, accurately, and thoroughly;
- listen attentively to others and clearly convey information and ideas;
- treat customers courteously and be responsive to their needs;
- actively seek, collect, and evaluate information to learn more about issues or events;
- set priorities, schedule activities, acquire resources, and monitor progress to ensure the successful completion of projects and assignments.
Position Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering & successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam.
Certifications are required within the first year of employment. Classes and training for certification requirements are provided through SDDOT.
- Certification in one or more materials testing areas (asphalt, concrete, gravel)
- Certification in one or more inspection areas
- Valid driver's license
- Further certifications will be determined by the supervisor according to job responsibility or needs
- Required certifications must be maintained for continued employment.
Compensation:
The total compensation of Hourly Wage + State/Federal Benefits for a typical year for entry level Highway Construction Project Engineer is approximately $91,332.00 annually.
Join the South Dakota Department of Transportation! View more about this opportunity here: https://youtu.be/WdCQix5wB8A .
This position is eligible for Veterans’ Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.
The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.
The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information here . This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.
Must apply online: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=4DQ
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources and Administration
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: [email protected]
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"
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