Construction Technician (Asphalt Mix Design Journey Technician)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Well-being program

Employee assistance program

Dental and Vision

Health savings account

Paid leave

Job summary

The Construction Technician position with the State of South Dakota’s Department of Transportation in Pierre, SD tests hot mix asphalt for highway construction. You will verify samples, operate and calibrate lab equipment, and maintain orderly records, with limited travel and a typical 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

schedule. Ideal candidates hold an associate degree in civil engineering technology or related field, or relevant materials testing experience, and may pursue certifications within the first

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in civil engineering technology or related field, or materials testing experience.
• Knowledge of civil engineering technology practices and materials used for highway construction.
• Certifications in materials testing may be required within the first year.

Responsibilities

• Test hot mix asphalt and verify samples to ensure design compliance.
• Log, store, and track mineral aggregate and asphalt samples.
• Calibrate, standardize, and maintain laboratory equipment and test apparatus.
• Purchase laboratory supplies to keep materials testing operations stocked.
• Maintain a fully functional laboratory and ensure safety standards are met.

Skills

Mathematical calculations

Operate computers

Attention to detail

Education

Associate's degree in Civil Engineering Technology

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Microsoft software

Job description

Job ID: 37637
Agency: Department of Transportation / Division of Planning and Engineering / Office of Materials & Surfacing
Location: Pierre, SD
Salary: $22.74 - 23.87 Hourly, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: G
Closing Date: 10/02/2026

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/.

The position of a Construction Technician (Asphalt Mix Design Journey Technician) performs tests necessary to verify or design hot mix asphalt for highway construction. Duties may include, but are not limited to verifying, logging, and storing mineral aggregate and hot mix asphalt mix material samples; performing mineral aggregate and hot mix asphalt material testing; performing laboratory equipment inventory; calibrating, standardizing, checking, and maintaining laboratory equipment; purchasing laboratory supplies to ensure adequate supplies are available; and maintaining a laboratory to ensure a fully functional laboratory at all times.

Physical dexterity to perform highway construction material testing, routine standing, and ability to lift 30 to 50 pound material samples and occasionally maneuver up to 100 pounds is necessary. Predominately indoor work environment with exposure to dust, chemicals, noise, heat, and very hot materials. Normal working hours will be 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Alternative work schedule may be available. Very limited travel. South Dakota driver’s license would be beneficial.

Certification in one or more materials testing areas and/or one or more inspection areas may be 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.

What The SDDOT Offers

• Health insurance (low and high deductible plans which include a $0 premium employee-only coverage plan)
• Well-being program
• Employee assistance program
• Dental and Vision
• 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

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

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

An associate's degree in civil engineering technology, a related field, or experience in materials testing is preferred.

Knowledge Of

• civil engineering technology practices (preferred but not required);
• materials used for highway construction.

Skill To

• operate, calibrate, and maintain materials testing equipment (preferred but not required);
• accurately perform mathematical functions;
• operate computers and use Microsoft software.

Ability To

• display high standards of ethical conduct;
• attend to details of assignments and complete work properly, accurately, and thoroughly;
• 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;
• treat customers courteously and be responsive to their needs;
• safely move, drag, and lift 30 pounds frequently, up to 50 pounds occasionally (without assistance), and 100 or more pounds infrequently (with assistance).

Join the South Dakota Department of Transportation! View more about this opportunity here: https://youtu.be/4Bwxxkb3oZo.

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

NCRC: If you possess a National Career Readiness Certificate, 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.

South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources and Administration

Telephone: [phone] Email: [e-mail]

http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus

"An Equal Opportunity Employer"