Engineer I - II (Assistant Geotechnical Engineer)

State of South Dakota; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 94,129,000 - 114,502,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Well-being program

Employee assistance program

Dental, Vision and HSA

Free basic life insurance

South Dakota Retirement System with 0.

Job summary

State of South Dakota Department of Transportation seeks an Assistant Geotechnical Engineer in Pierre, SD. You will support geotechnical design, construction, subsurface investigations, and laboratory analysis for statewide transportation projects.

A BS in Civil or Geological Engineering and an FE/PE license are required. Travel for site inspections and field support is part of the role; state benefits and retirement are included.

Qualifications

• FE or PE license required or eligible.
• Bachelor of Science in Civil or Geological Engineering or related field.

Responsibilities

• Assist foundation, geology and soils sections with geologic studies.
• Collect subsurface information and perform laboratory analysis.
• Provide design recommendations for structural foundations, soil embankments, subgrade improvement and slope stability.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering principles

South Dakota geology

Geotechnical subsurface investigation

Microsoft software

Communication

Education

Bachelor of Science in Civil or Geological Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job ID: 37591

Agency: Department of Transportation / Division of Planning & Engineering / Office of Materials and Surfacing

Location: Pierre, SD

Salary: $32.85 - $39.96 per hour, depending on qualifications

Pay Grade: E1 - E2

Closing Date: 10/14/2026

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?

Assistant Geotechnical Engineer!

Join a dedicated team of professionals working in a diverse, challenging field. South Dakota is one of the most geologic diverse states in the nation. As the Assistant Geotechnical Engineer with the South Dakota Department of Transportation, you will provide geotechnical design information and construction support for transportation projects throughout the state. Duties will include assisting the Foundation, Geology, and Soils Sections with geologic studies, the collection of subsurface information, and laboratory analysis, as well as design recommendations for structural foundations, soil embankments, subgrade improvement, and slope stability.

Work is normally in an office environment with eight-hour work days.

Travel is required for site inspections and construction support. Statewide overnight travel with drill crews will occasionally be required to obtain a working knowledge of subsurface exploration methods and techniques.

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:

• geotechnical engineering principles (soil mechanics, groundwater, etc.);
• South Dakota geology;
• geotechnical subsurface investigation techniques;
• operate computers, use Microsoft software, and other related software.

Skill To

• communicate effectively both verbally and in writing;
• manage multiple projects concurrently.

Ability To

• effectively plan, prioritize, and organize work to meet schedules and deadlines;
• prepare, interpret, and use engineering plans, maps, specifications, and technical reports;
• read and interpret state and federal rules and regulations;
• understand and comply with department standards, policies, and procedures;
• organize, analyze and evaluate available information and draw upon reasonable conclusions;
• provide work direction.

Position Requirements

Applicant should possess or be eligible to obtain an FE or PE license.

Only applicants with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil or Geological Engineering or a related engineering field will be considered.

Compensation

The total compensation of Hourly Wage + State/Federal Benefits for a typical year for entry level Assistant Geotechnical Engineer is approximately $91,332.00 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

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

http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus

"An Equal Opportunity Employer"