Garage Operations Assistant - Leon

State of Iowa - Executive Branch; Leon (IA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

Iowa Department of Transportation is seeking a Garage Operations Assistant (GOA) to lead and support highway maintenance staff, prioritizing critical tasks and upholding safety. You’ll work with the team to keep operations running smoothly, coordinating daily activities, safety protocols, and project planning in a fast-paced environment.

The role requires a CDL permit, potential pre-employment checks, and the ability to reside within 45 minutes of the Leon Maintenance Garage.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school, GED, or equivalency; and four years of full-time highway maintenance and equipment operation experience.
• Two years of full-time highway maintenance and equipment operation experience; and
• Up to two years of education and/or full-time experience where 30 semester hours equals one year of experience.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and communicate daily maintenance operations with the Highway Maintenance Supervisor
• Handle routine administrative tasks with common technology and software
• Prepare project plans aligned with budget and operational requirements
• Review maintenance records, inventories, and crew reports for accuracy
• Oversee traffic control setups for safe roadway operations
• Coordinate snow operations and operate snow-removal equipment
• Assist with grading and paving projects

Education

High school diploma or GED or equivalent

Two years highway maintenance experience

Education/experience equivalence (30 semester hours = 1 year)

Experience in state executive branch (two years)

Job description

Job Description

The Iowa Department of Transportation is looking for a confident, people-focused leader who brings a safety-first approach and a knack for keeping operations running smoothly.

The Iowa Department of Transportation is looking for a confident, people-focused leader who brings a safety-first approach and a knack for keeping operations running smoothly. As a Garage Operations Assistant (GOA), you’ll work directly with highway maintenance staff, prioritizing critical tasks that help make Iowa’s roadways safer and further our Mission - Making Lives Better Through Transportation . You’ll build a strong, supported team by embracing our Core Values: Safety First, People Matter, Customer Focused, Servant Leadership, and Integrity Without Exception.

Responsibilities

• Coordinating and communicating daily maintenance operations in partnership with the Highway Maintenance Supervisor
• Handling routine administrative tasks using common technology and software
• Preparing project plans that align with budget and operational requirements
• Reviewing maintenance records, material inventories, supply logs, and crew reports for accuracy
• Overseeing traffic control setups to ensure safe and efficient roadway maintenance operations
• Coordinating snow operations and operating snow-removal equipment
• Assisting with grading and paving projects

Residency

Leon Maintenance Garage - Within five (5) months, employees are required to reside within 45 minutes driving time, during normal conditions, from the assigned work location.

Shift

7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Hours may vary, and are subject to be on call 24 hours a day during emergencies and/or weather conditions. Some overnight travel may be required.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and benefits package including health, dental, flexible spending, and life insurance
• Insurance benefits start the first month following 30 days of employment, and costs can be reviewed here .
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Paid time off effective immediately - biweekly vacation, separate sick leave, accruals rollover on a yearly basis, and 9 paid holidays per year.
• Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) Retirement Package with employer match
• Optional 401A plan with employer contributions.
• Employee Discount Programs from a variety of vendors (vision, cellular, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, counseling; legal, financial).

We encourage you to learn more about the State of Iowa Employee Benefits and costs at the State of Iowa Employee Benefits Website !

Requirements

• A CDL permit upon hire.
• Class A and endorsements/restrictions on your CDL within 5 months following your hire date.

Entry-level driver Training is available upon hire through the Iowa DOT. The multifaceted training will help meet all state and federal regulations.

• A successful U.S. DOT Clearinghouse query.
• A pre-employment physical verifying the physical ability to perform the duties described. Click the video link for a demonstration: OPC Webinar Chapter 4 PCP Demo Test (youtube.com)
• A pre-employment drug screen and will be required to participate in ongoing random drug and alcohol testing programs.
• May be required to obtain pesticide/herbicide certifications or other certifications as needed.

Help make Iowa roadways safe for you, your family, and your friends.

Iowa DOT complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the EEO & ADA Officer at 515-689-1009 or via email at [e-mail].

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov .

Minimum Qualification Requirements

• Graduation from high school, GED, or equivalency, and experience equal to four years of fulltime work in highway maintenance and equipment operation.
• All of the following (a, b, and c):
• Graduation from high school, GED, or equivalency; and
• Two years of full-time work experience in highway maintenance and equipment operation; and
• A total of two years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in part b), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in construction technology/management or engineering equals one year of full-time experience.
• Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes two years of full-time work as a Highway Technician Associate or Equipment Operator Senior.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.

Additional Qualification Requirements

• Positions in this class require possession of a valid Commercial Learner’s Permit upon hire. Within a timeframe determined by the appointing authority, a valid Commercial Driver’s License with the required endorsements and applicable restrictions must be obtained and subsequently maintained to continue employment.
• In conjunction with Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (parts 40 and 382), this job requires a pre-employment drug screen and will require ongoing participation in the employer’s random drug and alcohol testing program and will be subject to the regulations regarding the Federal drug and alcohol testing program.
• Prior to starting employment, all persons are required to have a post offer, pre-employment physical verifying the physical ability to perform the duties described.
• Within a period of time after hire, as determined by the appointing authority, employees in this class may be required to obtain and maintain Herbicide Applicator certification from the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.
• Travel, including overnight travel, may be required for positions in this class. Employees must arrange transportation to and from assigned work areas.
• Within a timeframe determined by the appointing authority, employees in designated positions are required to reside within a defined driving time, during normal conditions, from the assigned work location.
• Employees must respond to emergency situations as required.
• Employees must be able to work up to 16 consecutive hours.