Highway Maintenance Worker

State of South Dakota; Britton (SD); On-site; USD 31,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Well-being program

Paid leave

Sick leave

Holiday pay

Job summary

The State of South Dakota Department of Transportation in Britton is seeking a Highway Maintenance Worker to join a crew dedicated to keeping state highways safe and drivable. The role includes signage, pavement markings, and maintaining guardrails and facilities, with duties that cover winter maintenance and on-call emergency work.

Expect a schedule of 10-hour days May–Sept and 8-hour days Oct–Apr, with night shifts, weekends, and holiday hours during emergencies.

Qualifications

• Experience in operation of heavy equipment/farming or ranching equipment and/or heavy construction preferred.
• Valid driver's license required; must obtain a Class A CDL with tanker endorsement and N endorsement within 120 days of hire; tanker and no transmission restrictions.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and repair state highways, signage, traffic control devices, and pavement markings.
• Operate and maintain a variety of equipment; perform preventive maintenance and basic repairs.
• Respond to emergencies, winter maintenance, and weather-related incidents; work in all weather conditions.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Job description

$2,500 Hiring Incentive Available

Current Department of Transportation Employees and Those from Other State Agencies Do Not Qualify

Former Department of Transportation employees must have a minimum of 1-year break in employment to be eligible for the hiring incentive.

Job ID: 37153

Agency: Department of Transportation / Division of Operations

Location: Britton

Salary: $22.74 - $24.25 per hour, depending on experience

Pay Grade: GG

Closing Date: 09/10/2026

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? The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) has a perfect opportunity for you as a Highway Maintenance Worker!

Job Description

Highway Maintenance Workers are responsible for ensuring the state highways are kept safe and drivable for the traveling public at all times. This position involves working as a member of a crew. Duties may include, but are not limited to, performing roadway maintenance activities; performing roadside activities; installing and replacing signs, permanent traffic control devices, and pavement markings; maintaining and repairing guardrail systems; performing structure maintenance and repair activities; performing winter maintenance; maintaining and repairing department facilities and properties; performing preventative maintenance and equipment repair; responding to emergencies and other incidents; providing on-the-job training and work direction; providing temporary traffic control through and around work zones and emergency/hazardous sites; maintaining documentation; operating and using a variety of equipment and tools; and promoting a safe work environment and participating in public safety awareness activities.

From approximately May 1 to September 30, the anticipated work schedule for this position is 10-hour days, 4 days per week, from Monday through Thursday each week. From approximately October 1 - April 30, the anticipated work schedule for this position is eight-hour days, Monday through Friday. Night and shift work will be required, including working weekend hours and holidays during emergencies and inclement weather.

Work assignments are frequently performed outside in all weather conditions and around highway traffic.

Incumbent is eligible to receive $5.00 per hour winter maintenance premium pay when responding to and performing winter maintenance duties during a weekend and/or holiday.

Incumbents must have a valid driver license and must have or obtain a valid commercial driver license (CDL) within 120 days of hire date to retain employment. The incumbent must have a Class A CDL with the tanker endorsement and no restrictions in order to operate any Class A vehicle that is a truck-tractor/semi-trailer, with manual transmission. The CDL must include an N endorsement (tank vehicle) for specific positions and must have no transmission restrictions.

Employee will be subject to pre-employment, random, reasonable-suspicion, post-accident, follow up, and return-to-duty drug and alcohol testing.

Pursuant to SDCL 32-12A, applicants will be required to authorize the Department of Transportation to obtain a complete driving record. Applicants living outside of South Dakota may be asked to provide a motor vehicle record from their state of residence.

Incumbent must be willing and able to report to work for inclement weather conditions and other highway emergencies; and must be able to report to their home station within 30 minutes, under normal driving conditions, from the time of notification.

What You Bring To The SDDOT

• positive attitude;
• willingness to learn;
• self-motivated and determined mindset.

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
• Paid overtime (if applicable)

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

Experience in the operation of heavy equipment/farming or ranching equipment and/or experience in heavy construction is preferred.

Knowledge Of

Desired Knowledge, Skills,