Towards Zero Death Coordinator

Job
Agency:
Department of Transportation, Division of Planning & Engineering

Location:

Pierre, SD
Salary: $77,214.24 - $90,828.00 Annual Salary, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: L
Closing Date: 01/13/2026

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 Toward Zero Death Coordinator!

The Toward Zero Deaths (TZD) Coordinator plays a pivotal role in advancing South Dakota DOT's commitment to a safe and efficient public transportation system—one where every journey ends safely. This position leads the implementation of the DOT's Zero Fatality Transportation Safety Initiative, grounded in the Safe System Approach (SSA) and the Toward Zero Deaths (TZD) framework. The Coordinator will champion a culture of safety across agencies, communities, and transportation modes.

By fostering collaboration, aligning policies, and driving data‑informed strategies, the Coordinator will help ensure that every road user in South Dakota—whether driving, walking, biking, or riding—is supported by a transportation system designed to prevent fatal and serious injury crashes.

• 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

• Lead the SDDOT's implementation of the TZD initiative and ensuring alignment with the Safe System Approach principles.
• Facilitate interagency collaboration across transportation, public safety, health, education, and tribal partners.
• Organize and lead stakeholder workshops, conferences, and quarterly coordination meetings.
• Develop and manage formal agreements between agencies to define roles and responsibilities.
• Identify and support other safety champions within agencies and communities.
• Engage in public education campaigns in coordination with Communications and Public Safety teams.
• Build relationships and foster engagement with non‑profit agencies to improve highway safety.
• Support data‑driven decision‑making by integrating crash, health, and demographic data.
• Track and report on performance indicators, including leading and lagging metrics.

• Degree in any of the following:
  • Transportation related field, including Logistics and Supply Chain Management
  • Regional, Transportation or Urban Planning
  • Marketing, communication, or advertising
  • Business or Public Administration
  • Public Health, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in transportation safety, planning, law enforcement or interagency coordination.
• Strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with data analysis and performance measurement.
• Familiarity with Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP), Safe Systems Approach (SSA), and Toward Zero Death (TZD) frameworks.
• Experience working with tribal governments and rural communities.

The total compensation of Hourly Wage + State/Federal Benefits for a typical year for entry level Toward Zero Death Coordinator is approximately $.

This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act. 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…