Apprentice Highway Worker - Wall Division

County of Los Angeles; Rapid City (SD); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government agency in Rapid City, SD, is seeking an Apprentice Highway Worker to ensure safe roadways through maintenance work. This role involves hands-on tasks such as operating heavy equipment and performing snow removal. Candidates should have road construction experience and a high school diploma. A valid driver’s license is required, and applicants must be able to obtain a South Dakota Class A CDL within 90 days of hire. Join a supportive team dedicated to public safety!

Benefits

Health insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Qualifications

• One or more years of road construction/maintenance experience.
• Valid driver's license and able to obtain a South Dakota Class A CDL.

Responsibilities

• Perform road construction and maintain highways and surrounding terrain.
• Remove snow and ice from roads and bridges.
• Maintain compliance with all County policies and procedures.

Skills

Road construction/maintenance experience

Knowledge of equipment and truck operation

Effective communication

Education

High school diploma or GED certificate

Tools

Heavy equipment

Trucks

Construction machinery

Snow removal equipment

Job description

Position Description

Start your career making a real impact with the Pennington County Highway Department as an Apprentice Highway Worker in Wall, SD—a community nestled on the edge of the stunning Badlands National Park and just under an hour from Rapid City, the gateway to the Black Hills National Forest. This hands‑on role is ideal for those who take pride in maintaining public safety while working outdoors in one of the most scenic regions in South Dakota.

Join a high‑performing team driven by integrity, innovation, and teamwork. The Highway Department fosters a culture of strong communication, continued training, and employee recognition, all while striving to be the region’s pace setter in highway maintenance. With a crew known for its genuine care and support for one another, you’ll find purpose and camaraderie in your day‑to‑day work.

Position Objective

The role of the Apprentice Highway Worker is to ensure the roadways are safe for the travelling public by performing maintenance work on County highways and bridges.

Position Functions

Essential Functions

• Perform road construction and maintain highways and surrounding terrain including operation of heavy equipment, trucks, construction machinery, snow removal equipment, etc. in a safe and efficient manner
• Remove snow and ice from roads and bridges
• Prepare equipment for snow removal including installing chains, changing cutting edges and/or loading trucks with sanding materials
• Know the functions and limitations of each piece of equipment
• Maintain bridges and access areas including inspection, maintenance and replacement of structural members, compaction of backfill area
• Maintain all construction and maintenance equipment in a safe and orderly conditionPerform related duties as assigned by supervisor
• Maintain compliance with all County policies and procedures

Qualifications

Education And/Or Experience Required

• One or more years of road construction/maintenance experience
• High school diploma or GED certificate
• Knowledge of equipment and truck operation
• Must have a valid driver’s license and have or be able to obtain a South Dakota Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with tanker endorsement within ninety (90) days of hire date

Physical Requirements

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and quantitative productivity standards
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state and local standards
• Must be able to move about and operate necessary tools and equipment.
• Must be able to move up to 50 pounds unassisted, and move 100 pounds with assistance
• Ability to communicate effectively orally, in‑person and in writing
• Required to use appropriate personal protective equipment

Additional Information

Working Environment

• Most work is performed outdoors where the employee is exposed to outside weather conditions including extreme cold, extreme heat, moving mechanical parts, precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, toxic chemicals, high volume traffic, heavy equipment and noise related to construction projects. Noise level may be loud at times.
• Subject to call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays and must live within 30 minutes of divisional office/shop hired for
• Overtime hours may be required

Pennington County Benefit Summary

The following is a summary of benefits available to full‑time and part‑time benefited employees of Pennington County.

Heath Care Program

• Health – Pennington County has a self‑funded health care program for employees and their dependents. Health Insurance and Prescription Drug is covered through Wellmark (Blue Cross Blue Shield). Two plans are offered: a traditional PPO plan with co‑pay structure and a high deductible plan with higher deductible/out‑of‑pocket maximums.
• Dental – Dental coverage is provided through Delta Dental of South Dakota. 100% of usual and customary charges for preventive and diagnostic procedures are covered, after a $50 deductible per individual / $150 per family. Routine and restorative procedures, endodontics, periodontics, and major services are covered at 50%. There is an annual maximum of $1000 per individual. Orthodontics are not covered under this plan.
• Prescription – The Health care program includes retail and mail order (90‑day supply) prescription coverage, both requiring an affordable co‑pay. Co‑pays do not accumulate toward satisfaction of the deductible or co‑insurance limit.
• Note: Health care program coverage is effective on the 1st of the month following one complete month of employment. The program is available for employees and their dependents.

Life Insurance

• Pennington County provides a $20,000 basic life insurance policy for every benefited employee. Optional supplemental life insurance can be purchased for employee, spouse, and dependent children.

Employee Assistance Program

• Pennington County employees and family members may receive counseling services for issues relating to financial difficulties, marital and family distress, emotional problems, and alcohol or drug abuse. Generally speaking, as many as three visits annually are provided at no charge. Services are confidential.

Retirement Plan

• Pennington County is a member of the South Dakota Retirement System (SDRS). The employee contributes 6% (8% for public safety) of gross wages. The contribution is matched by the County. Upon separation from employment with Pennington County, individuals who are fully vested in SDRS (three years of contributory service) have the right to receive a monthly lifetime retirement benefit at retirement age.
• Employees may choose to save additional funds toward retirement on a pre‑tax basis through the SDRS supplemental retirement program. Other SDRS benefits include long term disability, family, and spouse benefits.

Supplemental Insurance

• AFLAC offers various supplemental insurance policies for employees and family members. These policies are portable and guaranteed renewable. Premiums are deducted from payroll.

Paid Time Off

• Vacation – Vacation time accrues per pay period at the rate of 3.077 hours for new employees with incremental increases based on years of service. Maximum hours of accumulation apply.
• Sick Leave – Sick leave accrues at the rate of 3.077 hours per pay period. Employees may use up to 80 hours of available sick leave annually for other designated reasons. Sick leave separation benefits are available after 10 years of employment.
• Holidays – Employees are eligible for up to 11 paid holidays per year.
• All Paid Time Off benefits are prorated based on the number of hours worked or benefit time taken in a pay period for all benefited employees.

This summary is for general information only. Employees have access to complete and detailed policies, procedures, or summary plan descriptions for all benefits cited.