Construction Technician
Job ID: 38122 | Agency: Department of Transportation – Division of Operations | Location: Watertown, SD | Pay Grade: GG | Closing Date: 11/10/2026
About the role
This is a full-time Construction Technician position with the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT). The role involves developing skills in construction inspection and testing, asphalt paving, concrete paving, grading, and bridge construction in northwestern South Dakota. Work is performed both independently and in teams, in office and field settings. The team culture is supportive and goal‑oriented, with mentoring opportunities for new employees.
Work assignments are frequently performed outdoors in all weather conditions, around traffic, heavy construction equipment, rugged terrain, and sometimes water bodies. Interaction with the public includes contact with landowners, contractors, the traveling public, and local government. Overnight travel can be expected for training courses and project sites.
Schedule
Typically a 40‑hour workweek, Monday through Friday. Hours may vary during construction activity, including overtime and some weekends. During the off‑construction season, the workweek is limited to 40 hours.
Responsibilities
- Inspecting portland cement concrete paving
- Collecting and testing portland cement concrete samples
- Inspecting and observing portland cement concrete plant inspections
- Collecting and testing samples for asphalt plant quality control/quality assurance
- Inspecting asphalt paving
- Monitoring grading operations
- Collecting and testing aggregate and soil samples
- Inspecting pipe materials and installation
- Inspecting erosion and sediment control
- Inspecting structures and materials
- Setting up and collecting survey data
- Inspecting temporary traffic control through and around work zones
- Completing various records and reports
Requirements
- 2‑year technical degree in civil engineering technology, engineering/architectural drafting, or a vocational technical degree in a related field and/or 2 years of experience in transportation‑related construction or surveying (preferred)
- Valid driver’s license (required)
- All licenses and certifications must be obtained 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 and/or needs; required certifications must be maintained for continued employment
- SDDOT provides training and certification, transportation, safety gear, and other provisions to get started and update on best practices
- As a condition of continued employment, additional technical training and/or certifications related to the position may be required
Qualifications
Knowledge (preferred but not required):
- Civil engineering practices
- Construction materials and methods as they pertain to highway construction
- Various types of engineering survey equipment
Skills:
- Operate computers and use Microsoft software
- Use a calculator and accurately perform basic mathematical functions
Abilities:
- Display high standards of ethical conduct
- Treat customers courte