Survey Crew Chief

State of South Dakota; Mobridge (SD); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Well-being program

Employee assistance program

Retirement benefits

Paid leave and holidays

Job summary

State of South Dakota’s Department of Transportation seeks a Survey Crew Chief to perform engineering surveys for highway construction and design projects, including topographical, drainage, and as-built surveys. You will prepare survey files, provide construction staking, and ensure data integrity for asset inventories.

Typical 40-hour weeks in outdoor conditions with potential weekend work. Valid driver license required; prior experience with GPS, Trimble equipment, and MicroStation/InRoads is

Qualifications

• 2-year vocational technical degree or 4-year Construction Management degree.
• Experience with survey practices and data collection for highway projects is preferred.
• Familiarity with GPS, robotic total station, Trimble hardware, and related software is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Perform engineering surveys for construction and highway design projects.
• Create topographical, drainage, resurfacing, bridge deck, and as-built surveys.
• Submit survey files and provide construction staking information.
• Maintain equipment and oversee survey activities under project timelines.
• Collect data for asset inventories and ensure accuracy of final survey reports.

Skills

GPS

Robotic total station

Highway engineering

Trimble equipment

MicroStation

InRoads

Education

Two-year vocational technical degree in related field

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management

Tools

Trimble survey equipment

MicroStation

InRoads

Survey software

Job description

Job ID: 37402

Agency: Department of Transportation / Division of Operations

Location: Mobridge, SD

Salary: $25.02 - $29.44, depending on experience

Pay Grade: GH

Closing Date: 09/24/2026

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?

Job Description

The Survey Crew Chief performs various engineering surveys for construction purposes and provides survey information for highway design. Duties may include, but are not limited to, creating a preliminary topographical survey, drainage survey, resurfacing survey, bridge deck elevation survey and/or as-built survey, and encroachment survey; creating and submitting survey files; providing construction staking; collecting data for asset inventories to identify type, location, and condition of assets (guardrails, culverts, signs, etc.) on the State highway system; conducting physical inventory of material stockpiles (e.g., gravel, sand, abrasives, salt, etc.); creating a final survey of completed projects to determine final quantities; ensuring equipment is maintained and functions according to instructional booklets; overseeing survey activities to ensure projects are completed.

Typical 40-hour workweek, Monday through Friday, although hours may vary during construction activity including weekends.

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

Incumbents must have a valid driver license.

What You Bring To The SDDOT

• Growth mindset
• Vision and creativity
• Team-oriented attitude
• Confident, action-oriented personality
• Attention to detail and a passion for organization
• Commitment to fostering high ethical standards

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

Knowledge Of

Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• current survey practices (GPS, robotic total station);
• principles, theories, and practices of highway or road engineering (preferred but not required);
• Trimble survey equipment and software (preferred but not required);
• Microstation and Inroads applications (preferred but not required).

Skill To

• operate survey equipment;
• perform survey- and construction-related mathematical calculations;
• operate computers and use various software products;
• read, interpret, and implement construction plans and specifications.

Ability To

• display high standards of ethical conduct;
• adjust effectively to changing, new, or different situations at work;
• attend to all details of assignment and complete work properly, accurately, and thoroughly;
• listen attentively to others and clearly convey information and ideas;
• remain focused in stressful situations and keep emptions under control at all times;
• treat customers courteously and be responsive to their needs;
• display a high level of effort and commitment towards completing assignments and goals;
• set priorities, schedule activities, acquire resources, and monitor progress to ensure the successful completion of projects and assignments;
• work cooperatively with others and promote a friendly work climate;
• use arms, legs and back to safely move, drag, lift 35 pounds frequently, up to 60 pounds occasionally (without assistance), and 90 or more pounds infrequently (with assistance);
• walk, sit and stand for extended periods of time;
• routinely reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.

Join the South Dakota Department of Transportation! View more about this opportunity here: https://youtu.be/WdCQix5wB8A

Position Requirements

2-year vocational technical degree in a related field, a 4-year Construction Management degree, or have 2 years related experience.

Compensation

The total compensation of Hourly Wage + State/Federal Benefits for a typical year for entry level Survey Crew Chief is approximately $72,490.00 annually.

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

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

An Equal Opportunity Employer