Material Laboratory Technician; Pavement Smoothness Technician

Job

Agency:
Department of Transportation / Division of Planning & Engineering

Location:

Pierre, SD

Salary: $25.02 Hourly, depending on experience

Pay Grade: H

Closing Date: 09/15/2026

This is a Full-Time position with the Department of Transportation. For more information about the Department of Transportation, please visit http://dot.sd.gov .

The incumbent will be responsible for collecting inertial profiler pavement smoothness data for newly constructed Portland cement concrete and asphalt pavements and preparing smoothness reports for each project. The position also includes performing highway construction materials testing in the Central Materials Laboratory as assigned.

Work assignments take place on active highway construction projects and inside a highway materials laboratory. Outdoor duties involve working in all weather conditions. The position requires travel within South Dakota, and some extended workdays may be necessary to complete pavement smoothness testing. Overnight travel is minimal. Laboratory work may involve exposure to dust, chemicals, noise, and heated materials.

• Health insurance (low and high deductible plans which include a $0 premium employee-only coverage plan)
• Well-being program
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible benefits - dental, vision, life insurance, critical illness and more
• Health savings account
• 6% fully matched retirement plan
• Vacation leave (15 vacation days per year)
• Sick leave (14 days per year)
• Military leave (15 days per year)
• Paid parental & family medical leave
• 11 paid holidays
• Longevity pay
• Semimonthly pay periods
• Eligibility for meal per diems

The total compensation of Hourly Wage + State/Federal Benefits for a typical year for entry level Pavement Smoothness Technician is approximately $72,490.00 annually.

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.

Incumbent must have a valid driver's license.

Associate degree in civil engineering technology or related field and experience in highway construction inspection and materials testing.

• 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…