Highway Construction Project Engineer

The South Dakota State Government

Job Location:

Yankton, SD - USA

Hourly Salary: $ 32 - 44

Posted on: 5 hours ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

Job ID: 34038
Agency: Department of Transportation / Division of Operations
Location: Yankton SD
Salary: $32.06 - $44.34 per hour depending on experience
Pay Grade: E1 - E3
Closing Date: 12/19/2025

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

Introduction:
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 an Highway Construction Project Engineer!

Job Description:
Were looking for a Highway Construction Project Engineer to help us live out our mission of providing Better Lives Through Better Transportation.

Our Yankton Area Office oversees over 690 miles of roads and bridges including 60 miles of Interstate 29. Were looking for a Project Engineer who exemplifies our core values and is willing to develop skills in construction administration asphalt paving concrete paving grading bridge construction and more.

Youll 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:

Positive attitude
Willingness to learn
Self-motivated and determined mindset

What the SDDOT Offers:

Health insurance (zero-cost premium plan low and high deductible plans and single and family plans)
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
Flexible scheduling
Paid overtime (if applicable)

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
Bachelors degree in civil engineering and work experience related to road and bridge construction and maintenance.

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 field conditions and around highway and construction 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;
construction materials (preferred but not required);
construction contract administration (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:

operate computers use Microsoft software and other related software;
operate survey equipment and perform the necessary calculations (preferred but not required).

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.

Position Requirements:
Bachelors degree in Civil Engineering or related field (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
Valid drivers license
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 $88469.00 annually.

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

Additional Requirements: To be considered please attach your resume and college transcript to your application.

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 here . 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:

An Equal Opportunity Employer

#LI-Onsite

PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE Job ID: 34038 Agency: Department of Transportation / Division of Operations Location: Yankton SD Salary: $32.06 - $44.34 per hour depending on experience Pay Grade: E1 - E3 Closing Date: 12/19/2025 This is a full-time positi...

Positive attitude
Willingness to learn
Self-motivated and determined mindset

What the SDDOT Offers:

Health insurance (zero-cost premium plan low and high deductible plans and single and family plans)
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
Flexible scheduling
Paid overtime (if applicable)

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 field conditions and around highway and construction 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;
construction materials (preferred but not required);
construction contract administration (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:

operate computers use Microsoft software and other related software;
operate survey equipment and perform the necessary calculations (preferred but not required).

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.

Certification in one or more materials testing areas (asphalt concrete gravel)
Certification in one or more inspection areas
Valid drivers license
Further certifications will be determined by the supervisor according to job responsibility or needs