Transportation Analyst (Pavement Evaluation Equipment Operator)

Job ID: 36319

Agency: Department of Transportation / Division of Planning & Engineering

Location: Pierre, SD

Salary: $27.28-$32.09 Hourly, depending on qualifications

Pay Grade: I

Closing Date: 06/18/2026

This is a Full-Time position with the Department of Transportation. For more information about the Department of Transportation, please visit http://dot.sd.gov.

The Pavement Evaluation Equipment Operator conducts non-destructive pavement testing, collects and processes data to support design, and provides inputs for data-driven decisions for South Dakota's highways. Data collection activities performed by the Pavement Evaluation Operator are primarily conducted using two main types of equipment: a Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR). The Pavement Evaluation Operator assists with the collection of SDDOT's inertial profiler when needed and is responsible for maintaining asset inventories, including centerline rumble strips, mid-block crossings, passing zones, and other transportation assets.

Duties may include but are not limited to review and develop the FWD testing schedule; lead the data collection team and ensure a safe work environment; provide guidance and direction to seasonal employees and temporary staff during field operations; communicate with maintenance staff to arrange traffic control, when applicable; operate, inspect, troubleshoot, and maintain testing equipment and vehicles; conduct railroad crossing inspections and report data to the Federal Railroad Administration; maintain and verify asset inventories within the Roadway Information System; collect pavement and asset data using FWD, GPR, Inertial Profiler, GIS Applications, and other data collection technologies; process FWD and GPR data; maintain inventories of supplies, tools, and equipment necessary for field operations; perform routine equipment inspections, preventative maintenance, and minor repairs.

From approximately May 1 through October 31, the anticipated work schedule is four 10‑hour days, Monday through Thursday, with statewide overnight travel during this period; a typical work week involves the incumbent departing Monday morning and returning Thursday afternoon. From approximately November 1 through April 30, the schedule shifts to five 8‑hour days, Monday through Friday, with duties focused on office work and equipment maintenance. Work assignments throughout the year are frequently performed outdoors in all weather conditions and often in areas with high‑volume, high‑speed traffic.

A valid driver's license is required.

What the SDDOT Offers:

• Health insurance (low and high deductible plans which include a $0 premium employee-only coverage plan)
• 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
• Vacation leave (15 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

The total compensation of Hourly Wage + State/Federal Benefits for a typical year for entry level Pavement Evaluation Equipment Operator is approximately $77,929.00 annually.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

Experience in construction materials, pavements, and ground penetrating radar is preferred.

Responsibilities:

Knowledge of:

• construction materials and construction practices;
• principles of pavement evaluation and non-destructive testing;
• operation, maintenance, and repair of various testing equipment;
• complex testing equipment and troubleshooting techniques;
• Microsoft Excel, Word, and other Microsoft Office products.

Skill to:

• operate, calibrate, inspect, and maintain pavement testing equipment;
• interpret highway construction plans;
• develop and coordinate field testing and inventory schedules;
• use a computer and operate Microsoft software applications;
• use and maintain a variety of hand and power tools.

Ability to:

• display high standards of ethical conduct;
• adjust effectively to changing, new, or different situations;
• work independently;
• organize and coordinate statewide pavement testing activities with minimal supervision;
• troubleshoot and resolve equipment and data collection issues in the field;
• attend to all details of assignments and complete work properly, accurately, and thoroughly;
• listen attentively to others and clearly convey information and ideas;
• 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 projects and assignments;
• work cooperatively with others and promote a friendly work climate;
• frequently perform work assignments outside in all weather conditions and around highway traffic;
• use arms, legs and back to safely move, drag, and lift 25 pounds frequently, up to 55 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;
• navigate roadway ditches, raised medians, barriers and other obstacles or uneven terrain by foot quickly and safely;
• work without direct supervision and prioritize work activities based on department policies.

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: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=45O

You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.

South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources and Administration

Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us

http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus

"An Equal Opportunity Employer"

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