CAD Technician (Structural CAD Technician)

South Dakota State Government; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 31,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Well-being program

Employee assistance program

Dental & Vision

Job summary

South Dakota State Government, Department of Transportation, is seeking a Structural CAD Technician to develop highway structure plans for bridges and related structures in Pierre or Sioux Falls, SD. The role supports safe infrastructure and efficient construction, with responsibilities in drafting and plan review.

Ideal candidates bring civil drafting education and CAD experience, plus attention to detail and collaborative spirit to work with design teams on highway projects.

Qualifications

• A civil drafting technology or related degree, experience in computer assisted drafting, or any equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Experience with CAD and highway structure drafting preferred.
• Ability to interpret structural plans and quantities.

Responsibilities

• Create highway structure plans for bridges, box culverts and retaining walls.
• Participate in structure site inspections and review plans.
• Compute structure quantities and ensure accuracy of drawings.

Skills

Structure construction plans knowledge

Drafting & graphic design terminology

CAD software proficiency

Attention to detail

Teamwork and collaboration

Education

Civil drafting technology degree or related

Tools

Bentley MicroStation V8i

Bentley Microstation Connect

Bentley OpenBridge Modeler

Job description

Job ID: 38187
Agency: Department of Transportation / Planning & Engineering
Location: Pierre or Sioux Falls, SD
Salary: $22.74 - $23.87 per hour, depending on experience
Pay Grade: G
Closing Date: 11/18/2026

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/.

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 Structural CAD Technician!

Join a team dedicated to providing better lives through better transportation. As a CAD Technician (Structural CAD Technician) with the South Dakota Department of Transportation Office of Bridge Design you will work with highway structures, ensuring safe and efficient structures are available to the traveling public now and into the future. Duties include, but are not limited to, creating highway structure plans for use in constructing bridges, box culverts, retaining walls, and other miscellaneous structures. Other tasks include participating in structure site inspections, reviewing plans created by others, and computing structure quantities.

A candidate with significant experience may be allowed to work from Sioux Falls, otherwise, the position will be based in Pierre. Also, a candidate with significant experience may be allowed to work remotely at a 4:1 ratio with working in the office.

What You Bring to the SDDOT:

• Growth mindset
• Vision and creativity
• Team-oriented attitude
• Confident, action-oriented personality
• Attention to detail and a passion for organization
• Commitment to fostering high ethical standards

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

Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• structure construction plans and/or highway structure construction (preferred but not required);
• standard terminology, techniques, and practices of drafting and graphic design.

Skill to:

• utilize Bentley MicroStation V8i, Bentley Microstation Connect, Bentley Open Bridge Modeler or similar computer aided drafting (CAD) software;
• mathematically calculate structure material quantities.

Ability to:

• display high standards of ethical conduct;
• adjust effectively to changing, new, or different situations at work;
• demonstrate self-confidence and take action when needed;
• attend to all details of assignments 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 and assignments;
• work cooperatively with others and promote a friendly work climate in order to achieve shared goals.

Position Requirements:

A civil drafting technology or related degree, experience in computer assisted drafting, or any equivalent combination of training and experience.

Compensation:

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

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

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.

'An Equal Opportunity Employer'

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