Construction Technician

PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

Job ID: 36402 (Two Positions)
Agency: Department of Transportation / Division of Operations
Location: Rapid City, SD
Salary: $22.74 - $23.87 per hour, depending on experience
Pay Grade: G
Closing Date: 06/29/2026

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 Construction Technician!

Job Description:
The South Dakota Department of Transportation Rapid City Area Office is looking for a Construction Technician to help us live out our mission of providing “Better Lives Through Better Transportation".

We're looking for a individual who exemplifies our core values and is willing to develop skills in construction inspection and testing, asphalt paving, concrete paving, grading, and bridge construction in and around the Black Hills of western South Dakota. The Rapid City Area is fortunate to maintain 130 miles of Interstate 90, as well as many other rural and urban highways within and round the beautiful Black Hills.

You'll have opportunities to work both independently and in team settings, both in an office environment and an outdoor environment. Our team dynamics are supportive and goal-oriented. Team members at SDDOT are purpose-driven and know the difference their work makes.

Work assignments are frequently performed outside in all weather conditions. Outdoor work involves working in all weather types and working around traffic, heavy construction equipment, rugged terrain, and sometimes water bodies.

This position is typically a 40-hour workweek, Monday through Friday; although, hours may vary during construction activity, including overtime and some weekends. A typical workweek during off-construction season is limited to 40 hours.

Interaction with the public typically consists of contact with landowners, contractors, the traveling public, and local government.

This position requires travel to and from work sites within an approximate 60 mile radius of Rapid City. Overnight travel can be expected for attending training courses and meetings.

What You Bring to the SDDOT:

• Growth mindset
• Willingness to learn
• Team-oriented attitude
• Self-motivated and determined mindset
• Attention to detail and a passion for organization

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
• Sick leave (14 days per year)
• 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)
• 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 of efficiently provide a safe and effective public transportation system. The position of a Construction Technician performs technical engineering support and construction trades-related work and is necessary to ensure conformance of work performed by the Contractor to plans and specifications through inspection of work and materials testing. These duties include:

• Sample and test Portland cement concrete and inspect Portland cement concrete plant and paving operations
• Sample and test asphalt surfacing and inspect asphalt plant and paving operations
• Test and inspect grading operations
• Sample and test aggregates and soils
• Inspect pipe materials and installation
• Inspect erosion and sediment control
• Inspect structures and related materials
• Set up and collect survey data
• Inspect temporary traffic control through and around work zones
• Complete various records and reports
• Occasionally assist with winter storm operations
• Provide communication both verbally and written to the public, government agencies, media, private sector, and internally

Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• civil engineering practices (preferred but not required);
• construction materials and methods as they pertain to highway construction (preferred but not required);
• various types of engineering survey equipment (preferred but not required).

Skill to:

• operate computers and use Microsoft software;
• use a calculator and accurately perform basic mathematical functions;
• read and interpret plans, specifications, and technical drawings.

Ability to:

• display high standards of ethical conduct;
• treat customers courteously and be responsive to their needs;
• work cooperatively with others and promote a friendly work climate in order to achieve shared goals;
• display a high level of effort and commitment towards completing assignments and goals;
• attend to details of assignments and complete work properly, accurately and thoroughly;
• address deficiencies found in highway construction materials and methods based on plans, specifications, and technical drawings;
• pass testing and inspection certification courses and independently apply knowledge learned through these courses to real work applications;
• safely move, drag, and lift 35 pounds frequently, up to 60 pounds occasionally (without assistance), and 90 or more pounds infrequently (with assistance);
• walk, sit, and stand for extended periods of time;
• routinely reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

Position Requirements:
A 2-year technical degree in civil engineering technology, engineering/architectural drafting or a vocational technical degree in a related field and/or 2 years experience in transportation related construction or surveying. (preferred)

A valid driver's license is required.

Certification in one or more materials testing areas and/or one or more inspection areas is required within the first year of employment. Further certification areas will be determined by the supervisor according to job responsibility and needs. Required certifications must be maintained for continued employment. Classes and training in the certification areas are provided through the Department of Transportation.

Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach your resume and a construction math quiz will be administered following the interview.

Compensation:
The total compensation of Hourly Wage + State/Federal Benefits for a typical year for entry Construction Technician is approximately $67,003.00 annually.

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=47M
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: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus

"An Equal Opportunity Employer"
#LI-Onsite