Engineer - III; Highway Construction Project Engineer

Rapid City, SD | Transportation | Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly

32.85 - 45.45 US per hour

Posted 4 days ago | Apply before September 23, 2026

Job
Agency:
Department of Transportation / Division of Operations

Location:

Rapid City, SD
Salary: $32.85 - $45.45 per hour, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: E1 - E3
Closing Date: 09/23/2026

This is a full-time position with the Department of Transportation. For more information on the Department of Transportation, please visit https://dot.sd.gov/ .

We're looking for a Highway Construction Project Engineer to help us live out our mission of providing “Better Lives Through Better Transportation.”

We're looking for a individual who exemplifies our core values and is willing to develop skills in construction administration, asphalt paving, concrete paving, grading, bridge construction, and more.

You'll have opportunities to work both independently and in team settings, both in an office environment and an outdoor environment. Our team dynamics are supportive and goal-oriented. Team members at SDDOT are purpose-driven and know the difference their work makes.

What You Bring to the SDDOT:

• 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

What the SDDOT Offers:

• Health insurance (zero-cost premium plan, low and high deductible plans, and single and family plans
• 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

All position responsibilities are tightly related to the SDDOT mission of efficiently provide a safe and effective public transportation system. These duties include:

• perform project design work and plans;
• test, and sample materials (Portland cement concrete, asphalt, gravel and soil);
• inspect roadways, concrete and asphalt paving, and structures (bridges, box culverts, pipe culverts, and installations);
• perform field surveys;
• inspect temporary traffic controls through and around work zones;
• provide technical guidance to peers, managers, subordinates, external entities;
• planning and assigning work, and providing staff guidance and support;
• provide communication both verbally and written to the public, government agencies, media, private sector, and internally.

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

This position requires travel to and from work sites within an approximate 60 mile radius of Rapid City. Overnight travel can be expected for attending training courses and meetings.

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…