Construction Technician

State of South Dakota; Belle Fourche (SD); On-site; USD 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental and Vision

Paid time off

Retirement benefits

Paid holidays

Overtime eligibility

Job summary

The South Dakota Department of Transportation is seeking a Construction Technician in Belle Fourche, SD. This full-time role focuses on construction inspection, testing of materials, and ensuring contractor conformance to plans and specs. The job involves outdoor duties, travel within ~100 miles, and possible overtime.

Ideal candidates have a technical degree and interest in road construction, with opportunities for mentoring and professional growth within a collaborative team environment.

Qualifications

• 2-year technical degree in civil engineering technology or related field is preferred.
• Experience in transportation construction or surveying preferred.
• Valid driver’s license required within first year.

Responsibilities

• Inspect and test concrete, asphalt, and aggregates per plans and specs.
• Inspect road construction and paving operations in field and office settings.
• Set up survey data collection and recordkeeping for projects.
• Monitor traffic control and safety around work zones.
• Prepare reports and maintain records of tests and inspections.
• Assist with winter storm operations when needed.

Skills

Civil engineering practices

Construction materials knowledge

Engineering surveying equipment

Education

Associate degree in civil engineering technology

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job ID: 36989
Agency: Department of Transportation - Division of Operations
Location: Belle Fourche, SD
Salary: $22.74 - $23.87 hourly, depending on experience
Pay Grade: GG
Closing Date: 08/26/2026

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 Belle Fourche Area Office is looking for a Construction Technician to help us live out our mission of providing “Better Lives Through Better Transportation”.

Job Description

We're looking for an 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 northwestern South Dakota.

You'll have opportunities to work both independently and in team settings, both in the office and in the field. Our team dynamics are supportive and goal-oriented, and we have mentoring opportunities for new employees to develop skills and abilities on the job.

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 100-mile radius of Belle Fourche. Overnight travel can be expected for attending training courses and working on project sites.

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
• Paid overtime (if applicable)

Duties And Responsibilities

All position responsibilities are tightly related to the SDDOT mission of efficiently providing 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

Knowledge Of

Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• 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 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.

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 of 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.

Compensation

The total compensation of Hourly Wage + State/Federal Benefits for a typical year for entry level Construction 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.

South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources and Administration

"An Equal Opportunity Employer"