What are the responsibilities and job description for the Engineer I - III (Highway Construction Project Engineer) position at State of South Dakota?

5,000 Hiring Incentive!

Current Department of Transportation Employees do NOT qualify for Hiring Incentive

Job ID : 30411

Agency : Department of Transportation / Division of Operations

Location : Mitchell

Salary : $31.66 - $43.79 hour, depending on experience

Pay Grade : E1 - E3

Closing Date : 02 / 18 / 2025

This is a full-time position with the Department of Transportation. For more information on the Department of Transportation, please visit

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 Highway Construction Project Engineer!

Our Mitchell Area Office oversees over 900 miles of roads and bridges, including 125 miles of Interstate 90, in east-central South Dakota. We're looking for a Highway Construction Project Engineer who exemplifies our core values and is willing to develop skills in asphalt paving, concrete paving, bridge construction, and more.

You'll have opportunities to work both independently and in team settings, both in the office and in the field. Our team dynamics are supportive and goal-oriented, and we have mentoring opportunities for new employees to develop skills and abilities on the job. 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 :

Hiring incentive

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

Duties and Responsibilities :

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

perform contract administration, reports, estimates, construction change orders;

perform project design work and plans;

inspect, 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;

regular 40-hour work weeks, mid-November through March;

some extended work hours and weekends, April through mid-November.

Work assignments are frequently performed outside in all weather conditions and around highway traffic.

Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

Knowledge of :

civil engineering highway and bridge construction theories, principles, and design practices;

basic practices and terminology of computer operations and computer aided design and drafting practices (preferred but not required);

construction materials (preferred but not required);

manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (preferred but not required);

Department of Transportation policies and procedures (preferred but not required);

Experience with various types of engineering survey equipment (preferred but not required).

Skill to :

communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing;

operate computers, use Microsoft software, and other related software;

operate survey equipment and perform the necessary calculations.

Ability to :

work cooperatively in a team atmosphere;

create an environment that fosters high ethical standards;

manage day-to-day responsibilities in a manner that instills public trust;

use vision, creativity, reasoning, and experience to reach conclusions and make effective decisions;

anticipate and meet the needs of customers by delivering and continuously improving quality services;

develop networks and use them to strengthen internal and external support;

listen attentively to others and clearly convey information and ideas;

treat customers courteously and be responsive to their needs;

actively seek, collect, and evaluate information to learn more about issues or events;

set priorities, schedule activities, acquire resources, and monitor progress to ensure the successful completion of project and assignments;

safely move, drag, and lift 35 pounds frequently, up to 60 pounds occasionally (without assistance), and 90 or more pounds infrequently (with assistance);

walk, sit, and stand for extended periods of time;

routinely reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

Position Requirements :

Currently have a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering OR graduate in the Spring of 2025 with a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering for entry-level position. EIT or PE licensure is preferred but not required.

Valid driver's license is required.

Certifications are required within the first year of employment. Classes and training for certification requirements are provided through SDDOT.

Certification in one or more materials testing areas (asphalt, concrete, gravel).

Certification in one or more inspection areas.

Further certifications will be determined by the supervisor according to job responsibility or needs.

Required certifications must be maintained for continued employment.

Compensation :

The total compensation of Hourly Wage State / Federal Benefits for a typical year for entry level Highway Construction Project Engineer is approximately $88,469.00 annually.

Qualifications of the successful applicant will determine the engineering classification level assigned.

Salary will be set depending on qualifications.

We provide training and certification, transportation, safety gear, and equipment to get you started and keep you updated on best practices. As a requirement for continued employment, you may need to secure further technical training and / or certifications related to this position and its responsibilities.

Join the South Dakota Department of Transportation! View more about this opportunity here :

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 at This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

Must apply online :

You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.

South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources

Telephone : 605.773.3148 Email : careers@state.sd.us

An Equal Opportunity Employer"

LI-Onsite

Salary : $88,469

Apply for this job

Receive alerts for other Engineer I - III (Highway Construction Project Engineer) job openings

Engineer I - III (Highway Construction Project Engineer)

What are the responsibilities and job description for the Engineer I - III (Highway Construction Project Engineer) position at State of South Dakota?

What is the career path for a Engineer I - III (Highway Construction Project Engineer)?

Job openings at State of South Dakota

Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Engineer I - III (Highway Construction Project Engineer) jobs in the Mitchell, SD area that may be a better fit.

We don't have any other Engineer I - III (Highway Construction Project Engineer) jobs in the Mitchell, SD area right now.

AI Assistant is available now!