Weights & Measures Inspector

State of South Dakota; Watertown (SD); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

$0 premium employee health insurance

Eleven paid holidays

Generous vacation and sick leave

Job summary

A government agency in South Dakota is seeking a candidate for a hands-on role involving the inspection of commercial scales and equipment. This position requires travel across the region, with some overnight stays, and involves physically demanding tasks including lifting up to 50 lbs. Candidates should have mechanical aptitude, organizational skills, and the ability to solve problems independently. Additional benefits include health insurance options and retirement benefits.

Qualifications

• Valid driver's license required.
• Background in agriculture or commercial trade is helpful but not required.
• Ability to perform math calculations, including unit conversions and basic algebra.

Responsibilities

• Plan routes and perform inspections of commercial equipment.
• Test and verify equipment accuracy.
• Complete accurate inspection reports.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Organizational skills

Ability to troubleshoot equipment

Confidence in communication

Job description

Location: Aberdeen, Watertown, or elsewhere in Northeast South Dakota.

What You’ll Do

• Plan your own routes and perform hands‑on inspections of scales, fuel meters, and other commercial equipment.
• Test and verify equipment accuracy to make sure customers and businesses are treated fairly.
• Spot problems, explain what’s wrong, and work directly with operators to understand what needs corrected.
• Complete, clear, accurate inspection reports.
• Represent the Department of Public Safety professionally while working in the field.

Working Conditions

• Regional travel throughout South Dakota, including frequent overnight stays; often planned in advance and may involve multiple consecutive days in the field, typically 2–3 weeks per month, with scheduling that can allow for extended workdays and 4‑day workweeks depending on workload and time of year.
• Active, hands‑on work including lifting up to 50 lbs., getting in and out of vehicles, and working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
• Work in a range of environments, including retail locations, agricultural sites, and fuel systems, with occasional exposure to heights or hazardous materials.

Licenses and Certifications

Valid driver’s license required.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• Mechanical aptitude and the ability to work with tools and troubleshoot equipment.
• Confidence communicating directly with business owners and explaining issues clearly.
• Good organizational skills and the ability to work independently without close supervision.
• Background in agriculture or commercial trade is helpful but not required.

Helpful Knowledge

• Weights & Measures programs related to commercial devices.
• NIST Handbooks 44, 130, and 133.
• State and federal laws and regulations related to inspections and compliance.

Ability To

• Lift up to 50 lbs. repeatedly.
• Operate state vehicles and be comfortable backing and maneuvering a trailer in a variety of settings.
• Perform math calculations, including unit conversions and basic algebra.
• Read and follow written instructions, policies, laws, and regulations.
• Build working relationships with the public and coworkers.
• Manage your time, stay organized, and meet deadlines.
• Solve problems in the field and make sound decisions.

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

Successful applicant(s) will be required to undergo a background investigation. An arrest/conviction record will not necessarily bar employment.

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.