Material Laboratory Technician (Pavement Smoothness Technician)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid holidays

Vacation leave

Sick leave

Job summary

Department of Transportation in Pierre, SD is seeking a Material Laboratory Technician (Pavement Smoothness Technician). The role involves collecting inertial profiler data and preparing reports for pavement sections, plus performing lab-based materials testing on highway construction projects.

Ideal candidate has an Associate degree in civil engineering technology or related field, experience in highway construction inspection and materials testing, and a valid driver's license.

Qualifications

• This position requires an Associate degree in civil engineering technology or related field and experience in highway construction inspection and materials testing.
• Certification in one or more materials testing areas and/or inspection areas must be obtained within the first year.
• Incumbent must have a valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Collect inertial profiler pavement smoothness data for new pavements and prepare smoothness reports.
• Perform highway construction materials testing in the Central Materials Laboratory.
• Travel within South Dakota and work on active highway projects; outdoor duties in all weather.

Skills

Computer skills

Mechanical skills

Mathematical calculations

Education

Associate degree in civil engineering technology or related field

Tools

Test equipment

Department-specific software

Highway construction material testing equipment

Job description

Material Laboratory Technician (Pavement Smoothness Technician) - 38274

25.02 - 25.02 US per hour

Posted yesterday | Apply before November 12, 2026

Description

Job ID: 38274
Agency: Department ofTransportation / Division of Planning & Engineering
Location:Pierre, SDSalary:$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)
• 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.