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Winter Reserve Snow Plow Operator
Career Insights for Operating Engineer / Heavy Equipment Operator
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Scorecard
Based on South Dakota data
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What they do
An Operating Engineer or Heavy Equipment Operator drives and operates heavy equipment used in quarries, construction sites, landfills, refuse and recycling centers, or ports. Heavy Equipment may include, but is not limited to, bulldozers, excavators, paving equipment and pile drivers.
$59,816 / year median in South Dakota
+12% projected growth
Job Description
Winter Reserve Snow Plow Operator South Dakota State Government Watertown, SD Posted/Updated:
Today Job Description Position Title:
Winter Reserve Snow Plow Operator Locations:
Watertown (1) and Brookings (2)
Positions Available:
3
Agency:
Department of Transportation /
Division of Operations Minimum Salary:
$22.80 - $24.60 per hour depending on experience
Closing Date:
March 31, 2027
•Seasonal positions can be filled prior to the closing date.
• The normal winter season is approximately September 24 through May 8.
Duties:
Snow Plow Operators are responsible for snow and ice removal on State highways during inclement weather. Duties may include completing general maintenance assignments. Training will be provided.
Hours:
The hours needed will vary depending on the severity of winter conditions. Winter reserve drivers typically work only during winter conditions affecting travel. Please note this is a temporary or seasonal, non-benefited position, exempt form civil service.
Requirements:
Must be 18 years of age and have the ability to operate heavy equipment. Must have a valid driver's license and Class A or Class B commercial driver's license (CDL) with a
N:
Tank Vehicles endorsement. If you do not have a
N:
Tank Vehicles endorsement you have 30 days from the date of hire to obtain it. Employee will be subject to pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, follow-up accident, and return-to-duty drug and alcohol testing. Offers of employment are conditional upon successful completion of a drug screening. Applicants will be required to authorize the Department of Transportation to obtain a complete driving record. Incumbent must be willing to report to work during inclement weather conditions, including weekdays, weekends, holidays, early mornings, and evenings. Incumbent must be able to report to their assigned Department of Transportation Shop within 30 minutes, under normal driving conditions, from the time of notification.
Application/Hiring Procedures:
Applicants have the option to fill out the online application: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=4TC or The State of South Dakota Seasonal/Temporary Application form and email or mail it to the address listed below. Photocopies are acceptable. Applications are also available from any South Dakota Department of Transportation Office. Be specific when completing the application form. List any relevant licenses or certificates (e.g., driver's license, Commercial Driver's License, CPR, etc.) as well as any equipment you can operate. Supervisors will contact the applicants they wish to interview. Interviews will begin in September and continue until positions are filled. Not all applicants will receive an interview, but all applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application. It is essential that your mailing address and your telephone information are complete, so we can contact you. Paper applications can be emailed or mailed to:
Department of Transportation ATTN:
Calvin Esche, Maintenance Supervisor 510 SD Highway 22 West Clear Lake
SD 57226
Email:
Calvin.
Esche@state.sd.us
Benefits
- Dental Insurance