Engineer - III; Highway Construction Project Engineer

Job Information

Job
Agency:
Department of Transportation / Division of Operations

Location:

Aberdeen, SD
Salary: $32.06 - $44.34 per hour, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: E1 - E3
Closing Date: 03/03/2026

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 Construction Project Engineer.

We're looking for a Highway Construction Project Engineer to help us live out our mission of providing “Better Lives Through Better Transportation.” We're looking for a Highway Construction Project Engineer who exemplifies our core values and is willing to develop skills in construction administration, asphalt paving, concrete paving, grading, bridge construction, and more. You'll have opportunities to work both independently and in team settings, both in the office and in the field.

Our team dynamics are supportive and goal-oriented, and we have mentoring opportunities for new employees to develop skills and abilities on the job. Team members at SDDOT are purpose-driven and know the difference their work makes.

• Positive attitude
• Willingness to learn
• Self-motivated and determined mindset

• 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)
• Reimbursement of Professional Licenses (if applicable)

All position responsibilities are tightly related to the SDDOT mission to efficiently provide a safe and effective public transportation system. These duties include but are not limited to:

• Perform contract administration, reports, estimates, construction change orders, etc.;
• Perform project design work and plans;
• Inspect, test, and sample materials (Portland cement concrete, asphalt, gravel and soil);
• Inspect roadways, concrete and asphalt paving, and structures (bridges, box culverts, pipe culverts, and installations);
• Perform field surveys;
• Inspect temporary traffic controls through and around work zones;
• Regular 40‑hour work weeks, mid‑November through March;
• Some extended work hours and weekends, April through mid‑November.

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

• Civil engineering highway and bridge construction theories, principles, and design practices;
• Basic practices and terminology of computer operations and computer‑aided design and drafting practices;
• Construction materials (preferred but not required);
• Construction contract administration (preferred but not required);
• Department of Transportation policies and procedures (preferred but not required);
• Experience with various types of engineering survey equipment (preferred).

• Operate computers, use Microsoft software, and other related software;
• Operate survey equipment and perform the necessary calculations.

• Work cooperatively in a team atmosphere;
• Lead a team of technical experts through the process of solving complex transportation engineering related problems;
• Interpret, apply and revise department policies and processes;
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing;
• Create an environment that fosters high ethical standards;
• Manage day‑to‑day responsibilities in a manner that instills public trust;
• Use vision, creativity, reasoning, and experience to reach conclusions and make effective decisions;
• Anticipate and meet the needs of customers by delivering and continuously improving quality…