Engineer I - III (Highway Construction Project Engineer)

State of South Dakota; Rapid City (SD); On-site; USD 45,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental, Vision & HSA

Life insurance

Retirement plan

Paid vacation

Sick leave

Holidays

Meal per diems

Job summary

State of South Dakota Department of Transportation in Rapid City, SD is seeking a Highway Construction Project Engineer to support mission-critical transportation infrastructure. The role encompasses design, materials testing, inspection of roads, bridges, concrete and asphalt paving, and field surveys.

Ideal candidates hold a BS in Civil Engineering, with FE/PE eligibility, and experience in construction contract administration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering or related field required.
• Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) or Professional Engineer (PE) license eligible.
• Construction contract administration experience preferred; English proficiency required.

Responsibilities

• Design work and prepare project plans.
• Test and sample materials (concrete, asphalt, gravel, soil).
• Inspect roadways, paving, and structures (bridges, culverts).
• Conduct field surveys.
• Inspect temporary traffic controls near work zones.
• Provide technical guidance to peers and staff.
• Plan and assign work; mentor staff.
• Communicate with the public and agencies in writing and speech.

Skills

Growth Mindset

Vision and Creativity

Team-oriented attitude

Confident, action-oriented

Attention to detail

Ethical standards

Education

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

FE/PE license eligible

Tools

CAD software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Agency: Department of Transportation / Division of Operations

Location: Rapid City, SD

Salary: $32.85 - $45.45 per hour, depending on qualifications

Pay Grade: E1 - E3

Closing Date: 09/23/2026

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/.

We're looking for a Highway Construction Project Engineer to help us live out our mission of providing “Better Lives Through Better Transportation.”

We're looking for an individual who exemplifies our core values and is willing to develop skills in construction administration, asphalt paving, concrete paving, grading, bridge construction, and more.

You’ll have opportunities to work both independently and in team settings, both in an office environment and an outdoor environment. Our team dynamics are supportive and goal-oriented. Team members at SDDOT are purpose-driven and know the difference their work makes.

What You Bring to 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

Responsibilities

All position responsibilities are tightly related to the SDDOT mission of efficiently provide a safe and effective public transportation system. These duties include:

• perform project design work and plans;
• test, and sample materials (Portland cement concrete, asphalt, gravel and soil);
• inspect roadways, concrete and asphalt paving, and structures (bridges, box culverts, pipe culverts, and installations);
• perform field surveys;
• inspect temporary traffic controls through and around work zones;
• provide technical guidance to peers, managers, subordinates, external entities;
• planning and assigning work, and providing staff guidance and support;
• provide communication both verbally and written to the public, government agencies, media, private sector, and internally.

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 60-mile radius of Rapid City. Overnight travel can be expected for attending training courses and meetings.

Licenses And Certifications

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.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

Only applicants with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering or a related field will be considered. Applicants should possess or be eligible to obtain their Fundamentals of Engineering or Professional Engineering license. Prior construction contract administration and construction engineering experience is preferred. Speak English proficiently and fluently. Position level will be dependent upon experience.

Knowledge Of

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Civil Engineering highway and bridge construction theories, principles, and design practices;
• basic practices and terminology of computer operations and computer-aided design and drafting practices;
• construction materials (preferred but not required);
• manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (preferred but not required);
• construction contract administration (preferred but not required);
• Department of Transportation policies and procedures (preferred but not required);
• technical processes and methods needed to perform duties associated with transportation engineering and construction.

Skill To

• correct application of engineering principles as they apply to highway construction;
• use a computer and operate Microsoft and CAD software;
• communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Ability To

• read and follow construction plans;
• interpret, comprehend, and implement department specifications and special provisions;
• provide work direction and training to project technicians, interns, and seasonals;
• prioritize daily work based on department requirements and contractor activities;
• enforce policies, specifications, and standards;
• complete plan design based on current specifications and DOT procedures;
• display high standards of ethical conduct;
• demonstrate self-confidence and take action when needed;
• attend to all details of assignments and complete work properly, accurately, and thoroughly;
• listen attentively to others and clearly convey information and ideas;
• develop expertise by actively identifying development needs, taking advantage of development opportunities, and applying newly learned knowledge and skills on the job;
• treat customers courteously and be responsive to their needs;
• exercise sound judgment when making decisions and take prompt, decisive action;
• actively seek, collect, and evaluate information to learn more about issues or events;
• 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 project and assignments;
• work cooperatively with others and promote a friendly work climate in order to achieve shared goals;
• 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;
• routinely reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

Compensation

The total compensation for Hourly Wage + State/Federal Benefits for a typical year for an entry-level Highway Construction Project Engineer is approximately $91,332.00 annually.

Qualifications of the successful applicant will determine the engineering classification level assigned.

Salary Will Be Set Depending On Qualifications.

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]