Engineer IV; Foundation Engineer

Join to apply for the Engineer IV (Foundation Engineer) role at State of South Dakota

Job
Agency:
Department of Transportation / Division of Planning and Engineering / Office of Materials and Surfacing

Location:

Pierre, SD
Salary: $87,479.89 - $ Annual Salary, depending on experience
Pay Grade: E4
Closing Date: 01/09/2026
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 (SDDOT) has a perfect opportunity for you as a Foundation Engineer
. Join a dedicated team of professionals working in a diverse, challenging field. South Dakota is one of the most geologically diverse states in the nation. As a Foundation Engineer with the SDDOT, you will provide geotechnical recommendations to designers for projects throughout the state to include bridges, buildings, retaining walls, traffic signals, and roadway lighting. You also will provide technical assistance to field engineers during construction of driven piling, drilled shafts, spread footings, and retaining walls.
Work is normally in an office environment with eight‑hour work days. Travel is required for site inspections and construction support.

• 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

• Geotechnical engineering principles (soil mechanics, groundwater, etc.);
• South Dakota geology.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing;
• Operate computers, use Microsoft software, and other related software;
• Manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Effectively plan, prioritize work to meet schedules and deadlines;
• Prepare, interpret, and use engineering plans, maps, specifications, and technical reports;
• Read and interpret state and federal laws and rules and department standards, policies, and procedures;
• Organize, analyze, calculate, and evaluate available information and draw upon reasonable conclusions;
• Provide work direction.

Professional Engineering License

A bachelor's degree in civil or geological engineering plus 5 years of geotechnical engineering experience.
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.
Must apply online: https://gen‑stateofsouthdako‑
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone:  Email: careers.us
/workforus
An Equal Opportunity Employer

Apply online only. Resume submissions via email or other methods are not accepted. Refer to the online application link above for the full application process.