Construction Technician

Job
Agency:
Department of Transportation - Division of Operations

Location:

Belle Fourche, SD
Salary: $22.74 - $23.87 hourly, depending on experience
Pay Grade: GG
Closing Date: 08/26/2026

This is a full-time position with the Department of Transportation. For more information on the Department of Transportation, please visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). .

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 Belle Fourche Area Office is looking for a Construction Technician to help us live out our mission of providing “Better Lives Through Better Transportation”.

We're looking for an individual who exemplifies our core values and is willing to develop skills in construction inspection and testing, asphalt paving, concrete paving, grading, and bridge construction in northwestern South Dakota.

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.

Work assignments are frequently performed outside in all weather conditions. Outdoor work involves working in all-weather types and working around traffic, heavy construction equipment, rugged terrain, and sometimes water bodies.

This position is typically a 40-hour workweek, Monday through Friday; although, hours may vary during construction activity, including overtime and some weekends. A typical workweek during off-construction season is limited to 40 hours.

Interaction with the public typically consists of contact with landowners, contractors, the traveling public, and local government.

This position requires travel to and from work sites within an approximate 100-mile radius of Belle Fourche. Overnight travel can be expected for attending training courses and working on project sites.

• 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

• 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)

All position responsibilities are tightly related to the SDDOT mission of efficiently providing a safe and effective public transportation system. The position of a Construction Technician performs technical engineering support and construction trades-related work and is necessary to ensure conformance of work performed by the Contractor to plans and specifications through inspection of work and materials testing. These duties include:

• Sample and test Portland cement concrete and inspect Portland cement concrete plant and paving operations
• Sample and test asphalt surfacing and inspect asphalt plant and paving operations
• Test and inspect grading operations
• Sample and test aggregates and soils
• Inspect pipe materials and installation
• Inspect erosion and sediment control
• Inspect structures and related materials
• Set up and collect survey data
• Inspect temporary traffic control through and around work zones
• Complete various records and reports
• Occasionally assist with winter storm operations

Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• civil engineering practices (preferred but not required);
• construction materials and methods as they pertain to highway construction (preferred but not required);
• various types of engineering survey equipment (preferred but not required).

• operate computers and use Microsoft software;
• use a calculator and accurately perform basic mathematical functions;
• read and interpret plans, specifications, and technical drawings.

• display high standards of ethical conduct;
• treat customers courteously and be responsive to their needs;
• work cooperatively with others and promote a friendly work climate to achieve shared goals;
• display a high level of effort and commitment towards completing assignments and goals;
• attend to details of assignments and complete work properly, accurately and thoroughly;
• address deficiencies found in highway construction materials and methods based on plans, specifications, and technical…