Equipment Technician

State of South Dakota; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 27,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental and vision

Paid leave

Health savings account

Employee assistance program

Job summary

A government transportation agency in South Dakota is seeking an Equipment Technician. In this role, you will install, diagnose, and repair various systems on vehicles and equipment. The ideal candidate holds an associate's degree and has experience in automotive repair. The position offers a competitive salary and an extensive benefits package, including health insurance and paid leave.

Qualifications

• One year of experience in automotive or heavy equipment repair preferred.
• Valid driver's license and required to obtain Class A CDL within 120 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Install, diagnose, and repair computer, mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems on vehicles.
• Perform minor and major repairs on mechanical/electrical systems.
• Maintain winter maintenance equipment systems.

Skills

Operate skid loader

Perform basic mathematical computations

Operate general computer software

Fabricate and rebuild equipment/components

Perform welding on equipment/components

Education

Associate's degree in automotive technology or related field

Tools

Basic personal hand and air tools

Job description

Join to apply for the Equipment Technician role at the State of South Dakota Department of Transportation.

• Job ID: 33321
• Agency: Department of Transportation / Division of Operations
• Location: Pierre, SD
• Salary: $26.97 - DOE
• Pay Grade: H
• Closing Date: 10/27/2025

Responsibilities

• Install, diagnose, and repair computer, mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems on vehicles and equipment.
• Set up new equipment, including lights, radios/antenna, signs and numbers, license plates, and permanent attachments.
• Transport equipment/vehicles for repairs, parts, and service.
• Diagnose mechanical/electrical systems and computer system(s) on equipment/vehicles.
• Perform minor and major repairs (e.g., engine, transmission, differential rebuilding, brakes, belts, cooling system, suspension, electrical, computer).
• Fabricate new equipment/components and modify/rebuild existing components.
• Perform welding on a wide variety of equipment/components.
• Maintain winter maintenance equipment systems.
• Perform preventive maintenance and repair to power and hand tools.
• Evaluate and recommend acquisition of applicable tools and materials.

Skills

• Operate skid loader, front-end loader, telehandler, and forklift.
• Perform basic mathematical computations for precise measurements and repair estimates.
• Operate general computer software and access onboard computer systems.
• Fabricate and rebuild equipment/components.
• Perform welding on equipment/components.

Knowledge

• Principles, methods, tools, and equipment of diesel and automotive technology trade.
• Electronic diesel engine computer technology, diagnostics, and repair.
• Internal combustion engines, drive trains, gearboxes, hydraulic systems, and electrical systems.
• Electrical monitors and meters for diagnosing computer, mechanical, and electrical systems on equipment/vehicles.
• Minor and major repair on equipment and vehicles (e.g., engine, transmission, differential rebuilding, brakes, belts, cooling system, air conditioning, suspension, electrical, computer).
• Occupational hazards and safety precautions of the mechanics' trade.

Abilities

• Display high standards of ethical conduct and customer service.
• Work cooperatively with others to achieve shared goals.
• Complete assignments accurately and thoroughly.
• Safely move, drag, and lift 35–90 pounds under specified conditions.
• Walk, sit, stand, and reach for extended periods; routinely reach, climb, balance, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

Benefits

• Health insurance (low and high deductible plans, $0 premium employee-only coverage)
• Well-being program
• Employee assistance program
• Dental and vision
• Health savings account
• Free basic life insurance policy
• South Dakota Retirement System (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, 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 Equipment Technician is approximately $74,945.00 annually.

Ideal Candidate

• Associate's degree in automotive technology, auto mechanics, diesel mechanics, or completion of a formal post‑secondary technical training program (≥30 credit hours).
• One year of experience in automotive or heavy equipment repair (preferred).

Employment Requirements

• Valid driver's license and required to obtain Class A CDL with no transmission restrictions within 120 days of hire.
• Must provide own basic personal hand and air tools for repairs.
• Must be able to report to work for inclement weather and highway emergencies; able to reach home station within 30 minutes under normal driving conditions.
• Must authorize obtaining a complete driving record; out-of-state applicants may provide state record.
• Subject to pre‑employment, random, reasonable‑suspicion, post‑accident, follow‑up, and return‑to‑duty drug and alcohol testing.

Veterans and Disability

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

Equal Opportunity

“An Equal Opportunity Employer”.

Immigration and Work Eligibility

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.

Application Instructions

Must apply online: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=2KE.

Phone: [phone] Email: [e-mail].

Contact

South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Additional Resources

Visit http://dot.sd.gov