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Journey Transportation Technician

South Dakota State Government

Custer, SD

Posted/Updated: Today

Job Description
Job ID: 32476
Agency: Department of Transportation / Division of Operations
Location: Custer, SD
Salary: $22.19 per hour, depending on experience
Pay Grade: G
Closing Date: 09/08/2025

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 Journey Transportation Technician!

Job Description:
The position performs technical engineering support and construction trades related work. Duties may include, but are not limited to inspecting Portland cement concrete paving; collecting and testing Portland cement concrete samples; inspecting and observing Portland cement concrete plant inspections; collecting and testing samples for asphalt plant quality control/quality assurance; inspecting asphalt paving; monitoring grading operations; collecting and testing aggregate and soil samples; inspecting pipe materials and installation; inspecting erosion and sediment control; inspecting structures and materials; setting up and collecting survey data; inspecting temporary traffic control through and around work zones; and completing various records and reports.

This position has a typical 40-hour work week, mid-November through March with some extended work hours and weekends, April through mid-November .

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

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:
  • inspect, test, and sample materials (Portland cement concrete materials, asphalt materials, gravel and soil materials);
  • inspect structures (bridges, box culverts, pipe culverts, and installations);
  • perform field surveys;
  • inspect temporary traffic controls through and around work zones;
  • complete various records and reports.

Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:
  • civil engineering techniques (preferred but not required);
  • elementary physical, mechanical, and earth science principles (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.

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;
  • 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:
Technical degree in civil engineering technology, engineering/architectural drafting, and/or experience in transportation related to construction or surveying (preferred, but not required).

All licenses and 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;
  • a 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.

We provide training and certification, transportation, safety gear, and other provisions to get you started and update you on best practices. As a requirement for continued employment, you may need to secure further technical training and/or certifications related to this position and its responsibilities.

Compensation:
The total compensation of Hourly Wage + State/Federal Benefits for a typical year for entry level Journey Transportation Technician is approximately $65,680.00 annually.

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 at https://bhr.sd.gov/job-seekers/work-for-state-government/ . 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=26P
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"

#LI-Onsite
South Dakota State Government
500 East Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501