Engineering Manager II (Geotechnical Engineer Manager)

Job ID: 36275
Agency: Department of Transportation / Planning & Engineering / Materials & Surfacing
Location:Pierre, SDSalary: $101,891.27 - $119,872.08 Annual Salary, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: EM2
Closing Date: 06/16/2026

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


Join a team of dedicated professionals making a lasting impact on South Dakota's transportation system. With some of the most geologically diverse terrain in the nation, South Dakota offers a uniquely challenging and rewarding environment for geotechnical engineering.

As the Geotechnical Engineer Manager within the Materials & Surfacing Program of the South Dakota Department of Transportation, you will lead the department's geotechnical engineering efforts and guide a team of experts responsible for evaluating and shaping the ground beneath our highways, bridges, and transportation structures. This leadership role oversees the development of geotechnical recommendations and ensures the delivery of high quality, technically sound guidance that supports the safe, reliable design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure across the state. The position also provides support for bid letting, design and construction standards, program and project funding, and quality assurance activities within the geotechnical discipline.

Primary responsibilities include the following:

• lead and supervise Geotechnical Engineering Activity staff by defining roles, assigning and prioritizing project workloads, providing daily work direction, and ensuring consistent technical quality in all deliverables;
• provide effective performance management, coaching, and feedback to promote professional growth and maintain a high functioning work unit;
• maintain an effective and well staffed geotechnical team by coordinating training needs, promoting professional development, and supporting recruitment and retention efforts;
• provide technical oversight and review of complex or high profile geotechnical engineering work, assist in developing and implementing policies and procedures, and represent the geotechnical unit in internal and external meetings;
• deliver expert technical guidance to internal and external customers on all geotechnical engineering topics.

Technical responsibilities:

The Geotechnical Engineer Manager is responsible for oversight and leadership in all areas of SDDOT geotechnical design, construction, and investigation, including:

• foundations design and evaluation, including shallow foundations, deep foundations, drilled shafts, and subsurface improvement techniques;
• soils engineering, including providing recommendations to roadway and structure designers related to soil behavior in highway construction; evaluation of subgrade conditions; assessment of groundwater influence; and development of soil modification or subsoil improvement methods to support safe, durable, and cost effective roadway designs;
• geologic engineering, including characterization of soil and rock formations; evaluation of material properties and behavior; identification and interpretation of geologic conditions that influence design or construction; and guidance on the proper use, treatment, and accommodation of geologic materials in transportation projects;
• landslide and rockfall evaluation, rehabilitation, and mitigation design, including assessment of slope stability, rock slide hazards, and long term performance of mitigation systems;
• retaining wall analysis and design, including mechanically stabilized earth walls, cast in place walls, and other structural geotechnical systems;
• subsurface investigations, including planning, scoping, and interpretation of drilling, sampling, in situ testing, and geophysical methods;
• oversight of two statewide geotechnical drill crews who perform subsurface exploration activities and ensure safe, accurate, and efficient data collection;
• oversight of soils and foundations laboratory technicians who perform geotechnical laboratory testing and ensure accuracy, consistency, and timely reporting of test data;
• development of geotechnical recommendations for roadway, structure, and maintenance projects, ensuring designs comply with state and federal standards, accepted engineering practices, and SDDOT policies;
• this position requires extensive expertise in geotechnical, soils, and geologic engineering principles, design methodologies, material behavior, and construction practices. The ideal candidate will be capable of leading a diverse technical team, managing complex statewide geotechnical work, and serving as SDDOT's primary authority in the geotechnical field;
• work mainly in an office environment with some field inspections.

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
• 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

The total compensation of Hourly Wage + State/Federal Benefits for a typical year for entry level Geotechnical Engineer Manager is approximately $129,711.00 annually.

Licenses and Certifications:
Applicants should possess or be eligible to obtain Professional Engineering licensure.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
Only applicants with a bachelor's degree in Civil or Geological Engineering will be considered. A minimum of 8 years of progressive geotechnical engineering experience and experience either managing others in a supervisory capacity or demonstrated ability to effectively lead others.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• geotechnical engineering principles and practices related to transportation projects, including general understanding of soil and rock behavior, foundations, slope stability, and retaining wall systems;
• principles of soils and geologic evaluation as they relate to design, construction, and subsurface investigations;
• geotechnical field and laboratory practices and interpretation of related reports, shop drawings, submittals, and other applicable related construction/design documents;
• civil engineering principles as applied to highway construction and public works;
• personnel and fiscal management concepts;
• state and federal laws, regulations, and departmental policies governing engineering processes, project development, design, and construction.

Skill to:

• manage and execute multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining schedules and quality standards;
• manage and coordinate the work of engineering staff, geotechnical lab testing technicians, and geotechnical drill crews;
• communicate effectively through public speaking and technical discussions;
• operate MicroStation and Microsoft Office products.

Ability to:

• establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers.
• analyze technical information, evaluate alternatives, and draw sound conclusions;
• communicate information clearly, concisely, and logically in written and verbal form;
• interpret applicable laws, regulations, standards, and specifications related to engineering practices;
• enforce policies, define standards, and develop procedures that support efficient workflow;
• plan, direct, and support the work of professional, technical, and field staff;
• problem solve and make timely decisions in a fast paced environment;
• build and maintain positive and productive working relationships.

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 and Administration
Telephone: View phone number on click.appcast.io Email: View email address on click.appcast.io

"An Equal Opportunity Employer"

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