Engineer I - III (Foundation Engineer)

at  South Dakota State Government

CURRENT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION EMPLOYEES DO NOT QUALIFY FOR HIRING INCENTIVE

Job ID: 28128 (Two Positions)
Agency: Department of Transportation / Division of Planning and Engineering / Office of Materials and Surfacing
Location: Pierre
Salary: $31.66 - $43.79 per hour, depending on experience
Pay Grade: E1 - E3
Closing Date: 10/14/2024
This is a full-time position with the Department of Transportation. For more information on the Department of Transportation, please visit https://dot.sd.gov/.

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?
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.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

We’re looking for a Foundation Engineer to help us live out our mission of providing “Better Lives Through Better Transportation.”
In the office, our Foundations Engineers provide designs and recommendations for transportation projects across the entire state which include bridges, buildings, retaining walls, traffic signals, roadway lighting, and more. On construction projects, you will provide technical assistance to field engineers for pile driving, drilled shafts, spread footings, and retaining walls. We’re looking for a Foundation Engineer who exemplifies our core values and is willing to develop skills in geotechnical analysis, design, and construction.
You’ll 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.
Work is normally in an office environment with eight-hour work days. Travel is required for site inspections and construction support. Statewide overnight travel with drill crews will occasionally be required to obtain a working knowledge of subsurface exploration methods and techniques.
Some extended work hours may be required during construction season Work assignments are occasionally performed outside in all weather conditions and possibly around highway traffic.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Only applicants with a bachelor’s degree in civil or geological engineering or a related engineering field will be considered. Applicant should possess or be eligible to obtain an FE or PE license.
Valid driver’s license required.

Knowledge of:

• civil engineering highway and bridge construction theories, principles, and design practices;
• geotechnical engineering principles (soil mechanics, groundwater, etc.);
• South Dakota geology;
• basic practices and terminology of computer operations;
• construction materials (preferred but not required);
• department of Transportation policies and procedures (preferred but not required)

Skill to:

• communicate effectively both verbally and in writing;
• operate computers, use Microsoft software, and other related software;
• manage multiple projects concurrently

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE SDDOT:

• positive attitude;
• willingness to learn;
• self-motivated and determined mindset.

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:

• provide geotechnical designs and recommendations;
• provide technical assistance during construction projects;
• inspect construction activities and projects;
• occasional travel with drill crews to perform subsurface explorations until a working knowledge is acquired;
• regular 40-hour work weeks;
• some extended work hours may be required during construction season Work assignments are occasionally performed outside in all weather conditions and possibly around highway traffic.

Knowledge of:

• civil engineering highway and bridge construction theories, principles, and design practices;
• geotechnical engineering principles (soil mechanics, groundwater, etc.);
• South Dakota geology;
• basic practices and terminology of computer operations;
• construction materials (preferred but not required);
• department of Transportation policies and procedures (preferred but not required).

Skill to:

• communicate effectively both verbally and in writing;
• operate computers, use Microsoft software, and other related software;
• manage multiple projects concurrently.

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 projects and assignments;
• prepare, interpret, and use engineering plans, maps, specifications, and technical reports;
• read and interpret state and federal laws/rules and department standards, policies, and procedures;
• provide work direction.