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Region Operations Technician (Materials)

South Dakota State Government

Pierre, SD

Posted/Updated: Today

Job Description
Job ID: 31748
Agency: South Dakota Department of Transportation
Location: Pierre, SD
Salary: $24.41 - $28.72 hourly, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: GH
Closing Date: 6/25/25

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 Region Materials Technician!

Job Description:
The Region Operations Technician (Materials) is an expert in a specific field of operations that requires the application of engineering technology, and provides quality control over activities in that field within a geographical region of the state to ensure ongoing compliance with applicable department laws and rules. This position conducts Independent Assurance (IA) testing for the Pierre Region within Department of Transportation. Duties may include, but are not limited to:
  1. collecting samples and performs Portland Cement Concrete independent assurance tests to verify calibration of equipment, correct testing procedures, and results of acceptance testing performed by Department of Transportation Area personnel;
  2. collecting samples and performs asphalt concrete independent assurance tests to verify calibration of equipment, correct testing procedures, and results of acceptance testing performed by Department of Transportation Area personnel and/or contractor personnel;
  3. collecting samples and perform aggregate gradation and in-place density independent assurance tests to verify calibration of equipment, correct testing procedures, and results of acceptance testing performed by Department of Transportation Area personnel;
  4. collecting samples and performs soils gradation and in-place density independent assurance tests to verify calibration of equipment, correct testing procedures, and results of acceptance testing performed by Department of Transportation Area personnel;
  5. inspecting precast concrete products and pre-stressed reinforced concrete products;
  6. inspecting mixer unit and commercial plants annually;
  7. monitoring, maintaining, testing and processes concrete cylinders to determine strength of concrete;
  8. analyzing soils and aggregate and other specified mixtures to determine classification;
  9. coordinating and obtaining soil samples from borrow sites to ensure accurate collection of samples for submittal;
  10. performing and/or witnessing core sampling on pavements and structures to obtain accurate strength/depth information and to ensure contractors utilize the proper procedures for obtaining cores;
  11. inspecting contractor's materials testing equipment/records to ensure appropriate calibrations records match laboratory equipment;
  12. certifying contractor water truck tank capacity and pile driving equipment weights for use by Department of Transportation Area office personnel on construction projects;
  13. ordering, maintaining inventory, issuing, calibrating, maintaining, and repairing testing and sampling equipment and supplies and issuing equipment/supplies to Department of Transportation Areas within the Region.

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.

A valid driver's license is required.

Incumbent must be willing and able to report to work for inclement weather conditions and other highway emergencies; and must be able to report to their home station within 30 minutes, under normal driving conditions, from the time of notification.

What the SDDOT Offers:
  • Hiring incentive
  • 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)

The total compensation of Hourly Wage + State/Federal Benefits for a typical year for entry level Assistant Region Bridge Engineer is approximately $71,022.00 annually.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
An associates degree in Civil Engineering Technology or related degree and/or experience with testing a variety of construction materials (e.g., asphalt, concrete, soils, aggregate).

Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:
  • Civil Engineering techniques (preferred but not required);
  • Department of Transportation materials testing procedures (preferred but not required).

Skill to:
  • perform basic mathematical computations;
  • maintain and repair equipment;
  • operate computers and use Microsoft software.

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 all details of assignments and complete work properly, accurately, and thoroughly.

Position Requirements:
Hours of work: Typical 40-hour workweek, Monday through Friday although hours may vary during construction activity including weekends. Occasional overtime is required.

Travel Requirement: Occasional in-state travel with overnights stays may be required.

Working Conditions: Work assignments are frequently performed outside in all weather conditions and around highway traffic. Also includes exposure to various operating equipment and moving mechanical parts (e.g., shakers, drill rigs, laboratory equipment, etc.) and exposure to dust, chemicals, loud noises, and hot materials.

Physical Requirement: Use arms, legs and back to safely move, drag, and lift 40 pounds frequently, up to 60 pounds occasionally (without assistance), and 90 or more pounds infrequently (with assistance). Sit and stand for extended periods of time. Routinely reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch. Walk long distances over many kinds of terrain and outdoor elements. Be able to hear audible warning signals and to accurately perform liquid limit tests.

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=1RM
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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South Dakota State Government
500 East Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501