Engineer I - II (Highway Construction Project Engineer)

$2,500 Hiring Incentive!
Current Department of Transportation Employees do NOT qualify for Hiring Incentive

Job ID: 22433
Agency: Department of Transportation / Division of Operations
Location: Pierre
Salary: $28.40 - $31.48 an hour, depending on experience
Pay Grade: E1-E2
Closing Date: 04/10/2023

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

The Pierre Area Office is looking for an enthusiastic Project Engineer willing and able to work on all types of projects in the Area. This office manages a wide variety of projects from chip and crack seals to PCC and asphalt paving projects to bridges and box culvert construction.

The Project Engineer (Engineer I-II) performs contract administration on a variety of small to moderately complex projects such as reconstruction projects, structures, portland cement concrete paving projects and asphalt paving projects. Duties include, but are not limited to preparing project documents; compiling, analyzing, and preparing project information and data; developing preliminary design plans; reviewing plans and plats; developing final, complete project plans; providing technical guidance to peers, managers, subordinates, and/or external entities; attending and providing training; reviewing the work of others; inspecting materials; inspecting contractor's work; providing information to the public, other government agencies, internally, the media and the private sector; and planning and assigning work and providing staff guidance and support.

A typical 40-hour workweek, Monday through Friday; although, hours may vary during construction activity including weekends.

Work activity will involve both an office environment and an outdoor environment. Outdoor work involves working outdoors in all weather and around traffic.

What we offer to you beyond the paycheck:

Hiring Incentive
Health Insurance (Low & High Deductible Single and Family Plans)
Well-Being Program
Employee Assistance Program
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Health Savings Account
Basic Life Insurance Coverage (free to employee)
Membership in South Dakota Retirement System
Leave: Vacation Leave (15 paid vacation days)
Sick Leave (14 paid sick days)
Paid Family Leave (24 hours per week for eight weeks for birth or adoption of a child)
Military Leave (15 days per calendar year)
11 Paid Holidays
Longevity Pay
Semimonthly Pay Periods
Eligibility for Meal Per Diems
Flexible Scheduling
Paid Overtime

The total compensation of Hourly Wage + State/Federal Benefits for a typical year for entry level Engineer is approximately $79,651.33 annually.

Licenses and Certifications:
Currently have a bachelor's degree in civil engineering OR graduate by June of 2023 with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering for entry-level position.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
Only applicants with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or related degree to be considered. Candidates with work experience related to road and bridge construction are preferred.

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;
construction materials (preferred but not required);
construction contract administration (preferred but not required);
Department of Transportation policies and procedures (preferred but not required).

Skill to:

operate computers, use Microsoft software, and other related software;
operate survey equipment and perform the necessary calculations.

Ability to:

display high standards of ethical conduct;
demonstrate self-confidence and take action when needed;
attend to all details of assignments and complete work properly, accurately, and thoroughly;
listen attentively to others and clearly convey information and ideas;
develop expertise by actively identifying development needs, taking advantage of development opportunities, and applying newly learned knowledge and skills on the job;
treat customers courteously and is responsive to their needs;
exercise sound judgment when making decisions and take prompt, decisive action;
actively seek, collect and evaluate information to learn more about issues or events;
display a high level of effort and commitment towards completing assignments and goals;
set priorities, schedule activities, acquire resources, and monitor progress to ensure the successful completion of project and assignments;
work cooperatively with others and promote a friendly work climate in order to achieve shared goals;
safely move, drag, 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.

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 employer paid health insurance 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: :1443/lmghr/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=LML
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: Email:

"An Equal Opportunity Employer"

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