Material Laboratory Technician (Pavement Smoothness Technician)

State of South Dakota; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vacation leave

Sick leave

Retirement plan

Job summary

South Dakota Department of Transportation in Pierre, SD is seeking a Pavement Smoothness Technician to collect inertial profiler data and prepare detailed reports for newly constructed pavements. The role includes highway materials testing in the Central Materials Laboratory and on active construction sites.

The ideal candidate will have an Associate degree in civil engineering technology and experience in highway construction inspection.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in civil engineering technology or related field is required within the first year of employment.
• Experience with highway construction inspection and materials testing is preferred.
• Certification in materials testing or inspection areas is desired and will be determined by supervisor.

Responsibilities

• Collect inertial profiler pavement smoothness data for new pavements and prepare smoothness reports.
• Perform highway construction materials testing in the Central Materials Laboratory and on active projects.

Skills

Test equipment

MS Office

Reading project specs

Education

Associate degree in civil engineering technology

Tools

Inertial profiler

Laboratory test equipment

Data collection software

Job description

Job ID: 38274

Agency: Department of Transportation / Division of Planning & Engineering

Location: Pierre, SD

Salary: $25.02 Hourly, depending on experience

Pay Grade: H

Closing Date: 11/12/2026

This is a Full-Time position with the Department of Transportation. For more information about the Department of Transportation, please visit http://dot.sd.gov .

The incumbent will be responsible for collecting inertial profiler pavement smoothness data for newly constructed Portland cement concrete and asphalt pavements and preparing smoothness reports for each project. The position also includes performing highway construction materials testing in the Central Materials Laboratory as assigned.

Work assignments take place on active highway construction projects and inside a highway materials laboratory. Outdoor duties involve working in all weather conditions. The position requires travel within South Dakota, and some extended workdays may be necessary to complete pavement smoothness testing. Overnight travel is minimal. Laboratory work may involve exposure to dust, chemicals, noise, and heated materials.

What The SDDOT Offers

• Health insurance (low and high deductible plans which include a $0 premium employee-only coverage plan)
• Well-being program
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible benefits - dental, vision, life insurance, critical illness and more
• Health savings account
• 6% fully matched retirement plan
• Vacation leave (15 vacation days per year)
• Sick leave (14 days per year)
• Military leave (15 days per year)
• Paid parental & family medical leave
• 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 Pavement Smoothness Technician is approximately $72,490.00 annually.

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.

Incumbent must have a valid driver's license.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

Associate degree in civil engineering technology or related field and experience in highway construction inspection and materials testing.

Knowledge Of

• techniques and procedures involved in the sampling and testing of materials used in the construction and maintenance of highways;
• the uses of common highway construction material testing equipment (preferred but not required).

Skills To

• computer skills to operate test equipment, Microsoft Office and Department specific software;
• mechanical skills to operate and maintain equipment;
• perform mathematical calculations accurately.

Ability To

• perform highway construction materials testing within acceptable standards;
• understand and comprehend written materials in order to follow procedures;
• set priorities, schedule activities, acquire resources, and monitor progress to ensure the successful completion of projects and assignments;
• attend to all details of assignments and complete work properly, accurately, and thoroughly;
• listen attentively to others and clearly convey information and ideas;
• display a high level of effort and commitment towards completing assignments and goals;
• work cooperatively with others and promote a friendly work climate;
• provide training, guidance, and feedback to help others develop specific knowledge and skills needed to perform tasks;
• actively identifies development needs, takes advantage of development opportunities, and applies newly learned knowledge and skills on the job;
• read, interpret and implement state and federal laws, policies, procedures, and standards in a variety of sampling and testing activities;
• communicate effectively with SDDOT personnel and contractors;
• maintain positive working relationships;
• prioritize workload, schedule and complete work within timeframes;
• provide training and work directions to others;
• use arms, legs and back to safely move, drag, lift 30 pounds frequently, up to 50 pounds occasionally (without assistance), and 100 or more pounds infrequently (with assistance);
• sit or stand for extended periods of time.

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

NCRC: If you possess a National Career Readiness Certificate, please submit the certificate with your application. For more information on how to acquire a National Career Readiness Certificate contact a South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation Job Service Office. A certificate is not necessary to be considered.

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"