Chief Driller

Job ID: 33624
Agency: Department of Transportation / Division of Planning & Engineering / Office of Materials & Surfacing
Location: Pierre, SD
Salary: $32.05 Hourly, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: H
Closing Date: 11/20/2025

This is a full-time position with the Department of Transportation. For more information on the Department of Transportation, please visit http://dot.sd.gov

Join a dedicated team of professionals working in a diverse, challenging field. South Dakota is one of the most geologic diverse states in the nation. As a Chief Driller with the South Dakota Department of Transportation, you will oversee a drill crew and perform subsurface explorations collecting soil information to support design and construction of South Dakota’s transportation facilities. Duties include, but are not limited to, operating geotechnical drilling equipment; inspecting and maintaining drill rigs and transport vehicles; and maintaining a supply of inventory items to ensure the worksite is fully stocked and operational.

A typical work week consists of statewide overnight travel Monday through Thursday each week on a year-round basis.

Work assignments are frequently performed outside in all weather conditions and around highway traffic.

Incumbents must have a valid driver license and must have or obtain a Class A commercial driver's license (CDL) with no transmission restrictions within 120 days of hire date to retain employment. Employee will be subject to pre-employment, random, reasonable-suspicion, post-accident, follow up, and return-to-duty drug and alcohol testing.

Pursuant to SDCL 32-12A, applicants will be required to authorize the Department of Transportation to obtain a complete driving record. Applicants living outside of South Dakota may be asked to provide a motor vehicle record from their state of residence.

What You Bring to the SDDOT:

• Positive attitude
• Willingness to learn
• Self-motivated and determined mindset

What the SDDOT Offers:

• Health insurance (low and high deductible plans which include a $0 premium employee-only coverage plan)
• Well-being program
• Employee assistance program
• Dental and Vision
• 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

The total compensation of Hourly Wage + State/Federal Benefits for a typical year for entry level Chief Driller is approximately $89,407.00 annually.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
Experience in geotechnical subsurface investigations.

Knowledge of:

• South Dakota geology and surficial soils;
• standards and specifications applicable to the collection of subsurface data;
• operation and maintenance of geotechnical exploration drill rigs;
• preventative equipment maintenance methods.

Skill to:

• operate a computer and use Microsoft software;
• operate, maintain and repair various equipment;
• drive and operate a manual transmission.

Ability to:

• display high standards of ethical conduct;
• attend to all details of assignment and complete work properly, accurately, and thoroughly;
• treat customers courteously and be responsive to their needs;
• display a high level of effort and commitment towards completing assignments and goals;
• set priorities, schedule activities, acquire resources, and monitor progress to ensure the successful completion of projects;
• work cooperatively with others and promote a friendly work climate;
• use arms, legs and back to safely move, drag, lift 35 pounds frequently, up to 60 pounds occasionally (without assistance), and 95 or more pounds infrequently (with assistance);
• walk, sit and stand for extended periods of time;
• routinely reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or craw;
• have the physical dexterity to operate drilling equipment.

Join the South Dakota Department of Transportation! View more about this opportunity here: https://youtu.be/4Bwxxkb3oZo .

This position is eligible for Veterans’ Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

NCRC: If you possess a National Career Readiness Certificate, please submit the certificate with your application. For more information on how to acquire a National Career Readiness Certificate contact a South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation Job Service Office. A certificate is not necessary to be considered.

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=2Q3
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"

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