Engineer I (Highway Construction Project Engineer) with Scholarship

PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE
Job ID: 28234 (2 positions)
Agency: Department of Transportation / Division of Operations
Location: Huron
Salary: $31.66
Pay Grade: E1
Closing Date: 10/04/2024
This is a full-time position with the Department of Transportation. For more information about 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 (SD DOT) has a perfect opportunity for you as a Highway Construction Project Engineer!
As a member of our close-knit team, you will experience meaningful, exciting, and empowering work every day, all while maintaining balance with your personal life. That's because the South Dakota Department of Transportation puts our employees first in everything we do. With generous PTO policies and 11 paid holidays, you can advance your career and still have time to make memories with friends and family. Our team members receive on-the-job training, and some of the best benefits available, with 6% matching retirement contributions and health insurance options that include a $0 premium employee-only coverage plan.
Keep the most important things in your life your top priority with a long-term career that makes it possible.
Benefits you won't find anywhere else:

• 6% matching retirement funding
• Accruable sick leave and vacation leave
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave
• On-the-job training
• Advancement paths for all positions
• Flexible scheduling
• HSA and low and high deductible health insurance plans

Job Description:
The SD DOT Division of Operations is seeking a motivated individual of sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate level status working towards a B.S. in Civil Engineering that is interested in an opportunity for an educational scholarship and intern position that would transition into permanent employment with the SD DOT following graduation. Permanent employment with SD DOT provides a rewarding career with opportunities for advancement, a flexible work schedule, and great benefits. Join a team dedicated to providing better lives through better transportation. As a Highway Construction Project Engineer with the SD DOT, you will work with industry experts, field staff and contractors to construct projects let by the SD DOT.
Initially you will work as an intern. In the role of an intern, duties will consist of assisting engineering personnel within the Area Office with various duties relating to construction and construction engineering.
Scholarship Details:

• Remain working for DOT for at least 12 months per semester of assistance regardless of the amount of assistance taken per semester.
• Remain in the specific position hired into for the term of the scholarship agreement.
• Maximum assistance of $4,000 per semester, four semesters total.
• Remain a full-time student - 12 credit hours per semester.
• Receive a 2.5 GPA for each semester during which they are receiving assistance.
• Complete education within:
• 12 months for students entering their 4thyear.
• 24 months for students entering their 3rdyear.
• 36 months for students entering their 2ndyear.
• Work full-time as an Intern with SDDOT in an engineering related position between school years.

Scholarships will be opened to all engineering students attending accredited colleges/universities.
Each student receiving financial assistance will be required to sign the SDDOT's Tuition Reimbursement Agreement.
For Full-time Entry-Level Civil Engineer w/Scholarship (up to $16,000) details, click here:
The Highway Construction Project Engineer 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 work; providing information to the public, other government agencies, internally, the media, and the private sector; planning and assigning work; and providing staff guidance and support.
A typical 40-hour work week, Monday through Friday, can be expected; although, hours may vary during construction activity including overtime and some weekends. A typical work week during off-construction season is limited to 40 hours.
Work activity will involve both an office environment and an outdoor environment. Interaction with the public typically consists of contact with landowners, contractors, the traveling public, and local government. This position requires travel to and from work sites within an approximate 90-mile radius of Huron. Overnight travel can be expected for attending training courses and meetings. Overnight travel for projects is very limited. Outdoor work involves working in all-weather types, working around traffic, heavy construction equipment, rugged terrain, and sometimes water bodies. Regular 40-hour work weeks, mid-November through March. Some extended work hours and weekends, April through mid-November.
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
• 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)
• (Reimbursement of Professional Licenses (if applicable)

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
Applicants in their sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate level status pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil or Geological Engineering are preferred.
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, etc.
• 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;
• 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 survey equipment and perform the necessary calculations;
• effectively utilize Microsoft Office products and other related software.

Ability to:

• work cooperatively in a team atmosphere;
• lead a team of technical experts through the process of solving complex transportation engineering related problems;
• interpret, apply, and revise department policies and processes;
• 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
• keep current with development in your own field or expertise and apply this knowledge to effectively manage resources;
• 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;
• treat customers courteously and is 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;
• work cooperatively with others and promote a friendly work climate in order to achieve shared goals;
• lift 35 pounds routinely, 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.

Additional Requirements: Please attach a resume to your application.
For Full-time Entry-Level Civil Engineer w/Scholarship (up to $16,000) details, click here:
Join the South Dakota Department of Transportation! View more about this opportunity here:
Position Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in civil engineering for entry-level position.
Certification in one or more materials testing areas and/or one or more inspection areas is required within the first year of employment. Further certification areas will be determined by the supervisor according to job responsibility and needs. Required certifications must be maintained for continued employment. Classes and training in the certification areas are provided through the South Dakota Department of Transportation.
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.
Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach your resume.
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:
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"