Construction Technician

Sdsoybean; Watertown (SD); On-site; USD 31,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Employee assistance program

Dental, Vision and HSA

Free basic life insurance policy

South Dakota Retirement System with a

Paid leave

Sick leave

Paid family leave

Military leave

11 paid holidays

Longevity pay

Semimonthly pay periods

Meal per diems

Job summary

South Dakota Department of Transportation in Watertown, SD is seeking a Construction Technician to perform construction inspection, materials testing, and field oversight of highway projects. This role offers exposure to concrete and asphalt paving, grading, and bridge construction, with opportunities to work both independently and in teams in Northwestern South Dakota.

The position emphasizes safety, accuracy, and collaboration, with travel for training and project sites, and a 40-hour workweek

Qualifications

• 2-year technical degree in civil engineering technology or related field, or 2 years of transportation construction or surveying experience.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Certification in materials testing or inspection preferred within first year.
• Ability to lift up to 90 pounds infrequently and perform field inspections.

Responsibilities

• Inspect portland cement concrete paving and test samples.
• Inspect asphalt paving and monitor grading operations.
• Set up and collect survey data and complete records and reports.
• Interact with landowners, contractors, and the traveling public.

Skills

Growth mindset

Vision and creativity

Team-oriented

Action-oriented

Attention to detail

Ethical standards

Education

2-year technical degree or 2 years experience

Job description

Watertown, SD | Transportation | Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly

22.74 - 23.87 US per hour

Posted 2 days ago

Description

Job ID: 38122
Agency: Department of Transportation - Division of Operations
Location: Watertown, SD
Salary: $22.74 - $23.87 hourly, depending on experience
Pay Grade: GG
Closing Date: 11/10/2026

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 (SDDOT) has a perfect opportunity for you as a Construction Technician!

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.

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
• 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

Duties and Responsibilities:

This position performs technical engineering support and construction trade's 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.

Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• 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.

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;
• safely move, drag, and lift 35 pounds frequently, up to 60 pounds occasionally (without assistance), and 90 or more pounds infrequently (with assistance);
• routinely reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl;
• walk, sit, and stand for extended periods of time.

Position Requirements:

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).

Valid driver’s license is 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 is required.
• further certifications will be determined by the supervisor according to job responsibility and/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 Construction Technician is approximately $67,003.00 annually.

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 here . This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.