Equipment Technician

South Dakota State Government; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 49,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Game Fish & Parks seeks Equipment Technicians to diagnose and repair heavy equipment, automobiles, and diesel systems, ensuring safety and reliability for operators and the public. Incumbents may perform road-side repairs and routine maintenance using diagnostic tools and shop equipment.

Candidates must have a valid driver's license and may be required to obtain a Class A CDL within 30 days of hire. ASE certifications and metal fabrication skills are preferred.

Qualifications

• Class A commercial driver license (CDL) required or can be obtained within 30 days.
• ASE certifications preferred.
• Metal fabrication skills and able to work with coworkers and customers.
• Knowledge of automotive and diesel technology, engines, drive trains, hydraulics, electrical systems.
• Ability to diagnose malfunctions and perform repairs using diagnostic tools and schematics.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose malfunctions and determine corrective actions for automotive, diesel, and industrial equipment.
• Repair or recover stalled or broken equipment on road or job sites.
• Operate computer software and diagnostic equipment to test and verify repairs.
• Read schematics, blueprints, and manuals; weld and fabricate parts as needed.
• Maintain safety standards and establish working relationships with coworkers and customers.

Skills

CDL Class A

ASE certifications

Metal fabrication

Automotive tech

Diesel tech

Electrical systems

Diagnostics

Welding

Machine shop tools

Safety procedures

Tools

Electrical meters

Welding equipment

Machine shop tools

Diagnostics equipment

Job description

Job ID: 37355 Agency: Game Fish & Parks Location: Custer, SD (Custer State Park) Salary: $23.56 - $26.50/hr, depending on qualifications Pay Grade: H Closing Date: 09/29/2026

This position will be expected to diagnose and repair computer and mechanical malfunctions in wheeled vehicles, industrial, and construction equipment to ensure safety of operators, safety to peripheral contacts, efficient operation, and the integrity of the equipment; sets‑up new equipment by attaching auxiliary equipment, making necessary adaptations and adjustments; and running diagnostic tests of computer and mechanical systems to ensure equipment is in full operating condition.

Equipment Technicians

work on heavy equipment and are required to lift heavy objects, sometimes in awkward positions; work at all angles, under and on top of equipment; in confining spaces, often between elements are heavy and on jacks, are subject to falling equipment; work around high‑pressure hoses and connections, high voltage electricity, power presses, welders, and cutting torches; are exposed to fumes from exhaust systems, welding, solvents, paints, and other fluids; work with a wide variety of tools, many of which require extensive physical strength and manual dexterity; work side‑by‑side with no separating walls and in small areas and are at risk from moving vehicles; repair or recover stalled and broken down equipment on the road in high traffic areas and in adverse weather conditions; and some weekend work may be required for special events such as bike rally and buffalo roundup or emergency situations.

Incumbent must have a valid driver's license and be able to obtain a Class A commercial driver's license (CDL) within 30 days of hire date to retain employment. Employee will be subject to pre‑employment, random, reasonable‑suspicion, post‑accident, follow up, and return‑to‑duty drug and alcohol testing.

This is a full‑time position with the Department of Game Fish & Parks. For more information on the Department of Game Fish & Parks, please visit https://gfp.sd.gov/.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

A Class A commercial driver license (CDL), current Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications, metal fabrication skills; and able to establish working relationships with coworkers and customers is preferred.

Knowledge of:

• the standard principles, methods, tools, and equipment of the automotive and diesel technology trade;
• the principles of internal combustion engines, different drive trains, gear boxes, hydraulic systems, and electrical systems;
• computer hardware and software;
• the principles of automotive computer technology, diagnostics, and repair methods;
• occupational hazards and safety precautions of the mechanics' trade;
• variances of design among manufacturers;
• electrical monitors and meters;
• welding technology; safe handling and disposal methods for hazardous materials;
• human relations sufficient to establish working relationships with coworkers and customers.

Ability to:

• diagnose malfunctions and determine corrective actions;
• operate computer software applications;
• diagnose and resolve network problems;
• read and interpret schematics, blueprints, and manuals;
• determine necessary tensile strength of fabricated parts;
• operate diagnostic equipment and interpret results;
• visualize an end product from an idea;
• operate equipment and determine if it is functional and safe;
• weld;
• use a variety of machine shop tools and equipment; and
• establish working relationships with coworkers and customers.

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

Offers of employment are conditional upon successful completion of a drug screening.

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'