Materials Laboratory Technician (Chemical Lab Technician
Listed on 2026-08-14
-
Engineering
Civil Engineering
Job
Agency:
Department of Transportation / Division of Planning & Engineering
Location:
Pierre, SD
Salary: $25.02 Hourly, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: H
Closing Date: 08/24/2026
This is a Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly position with the Department of Transportation. For more information about the Department of Transportation, please visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). .
This position is located in the South Dakota DOT's Central Materials Laboratory. It oversees the operations of the chemical laboratory. Duties may include, but are not limited to perform testing on highway construction materials (e.g., traffic markings, silicone, wood, corrugated metal pipe, structural bolts); generate reports and determine acceptability of tests performed; maintain and repair equipment associated with testing; responsible for maintenance, calibration, etc.
of DOT's nuclear density gauges and transfers knowledge and teaches testing procedures for certification courses.
Work assignments are performed primarily indoors with some outdoor duties. Indoor work is in a materials laboratory with exposure to dust, chemicals, noise and hot materials. Limited exposure to low level nuclear radiation. Outdoor duties are performed at material supplier’s facilities. Outdoor working conditions include work in all-weather types. Some longer workdays can be expected to complete work. Very limited overnight travel.
What The SDDOT Offers
- Health insurance (low and high deductible plans which include a $0 premium employee-only coverage plan)
- Well-being program
- Employee assistance program
- Dental and Vision
- 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
Licenses And Certifications
Certification in one or more materials testing areas and/or one or more inspection areas is required within the first year of employment. Further certification areas will be determined by the supervisor according to job responsibility and needs. Required certifications must be maintained for continued employment. Classes and training in the certification areas are provided through the Department of Transportation.
A valid driver's license is required.
The Ideal Candidate Will Have
Associate degree in civil engineering technology or related field and experience in highway construction inspection and materials testing.
Responsibilities
Knowledge of:
- techniques and procedures involved in the sampling and testing of materials used in the construction and maintenance of highways;
- the uses of common highway construction material testing equipment (preferred but not required).
- computer skills to operate test equipment, Microsoft Office and Department specific software;
- mechanical skills to operate and maintain equipment;
- perform mathematical calculations accurately.
- perform highway construction materials testing within acceptable standards;
- understand and comprehend written materials in order to follow procedures;
- set priorities, schedule activities, acquire resources, and monitor progress to ensure the successful completion of projects and assignments;
- attend to all details of assignments and complete work properly, accurately, and thoroughly;
- listen attentively to others and clearly convey information and ideas;
- display a high level of effort and commitment towards completing assignments and goals;
- work cooperatively with others and promote a friendly work climate;
- provide training, guidance, and feedback to help others develop specific knowledge and skills needed to perform tasks;
- actively identifies development needs, takes advantage of development opportunities, and applies newly learned knowledge and skills on the job;
- read, interpret and implement state and federal laws,…
(If this job is in fact in your jurisdiction, then you may be using a Proxy or VPN to access this site, and to progress further, you should change your connectivity to another mobile device or PC).