Engineer I - III (Assistant Region Traffic Engineer)

About the role

This full-time position with the Department of Transportation involves design layout and assembly of highway construction and maintenance plans, including roadway surfacing, pipe culverts, minor grading, guardrail, riprap, permanent signing, pavement marking, traffic control, and traffic signal plans. Duties include project scoping, producing plans for highway construction or maintenance projects, preparing work orders for maintenance crews, reviewing project plans for accuracy and completeness, overseeing traffic studies and analyses, and providing technical assistance to construction staff and contractors.

Responsibilities

• Participate in project scoping
• Produce permanent signing, pavement marking, and other plans for highway construction or maintenance projects
• Prepare work orders for maintenance crews to complete traffic-related improvements
• Review assigned project plans for accuracy and completeness
• Provide oversight of traffic studies and analyses
• Provide technical assistance to construction staff and assist with contractor questions

Requirements

• A valid driver’s license
• A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field
• Passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of highway design methods, processes, and sequences (preferred but not required)
• Familiarity with standard terminology, techniques, and practices of drafting and graphic design
• Understanding of engineering and scientific principles applicable to highway design
• Ability to access, operate, and maintain various software applications (e.g., Microsoft Office, MicroStation, InRoads, ArcGIS)
• Skill in reading and interpreting highway construction plans, right-of-way plats, and regulatory documents
• Ability to provide technical information and interpretation to permitting agencies, consultants, contractors, and SDDOT staff
• Demonstrated high standards of ethical conduct aligned with SDDOT’s core values
• Capacity to work independently on multiple concurrent projects and participate in the entire design process
• Attention to detail to ensure work is completed properly, accurately, and thoroughly
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental personnel, management, contractors, consultants, and the public
• Sound judgment in decision-making and prompt, decisive action
• Strong listening and communication skills, both verbal and written
• Cooperative teamwork and promotion of a positive work climate

Schedule

A typical 40-hour work week, Monday through Friday, with possible variation depending on workload. Work is primarily office-based with occasional field work, which may involve driving and working throughout the Aberdeen Region in all weather conditions and around traffic.

Benefits

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

Pay

$32.85–$45.45 per hour, depending on qualifications. The total compensation (hourly wage plus state/federal benefits) for a typical year for an entry-level Assistant Region Traffic Engineer is approximately $91,332 annually.