Geologist 2

Society of Exploration Geophysicists; Ames, Northern (IA, KY); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits start after 30 days

IPERS Retirement System

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Iowa Department of Transportation in Ames seeks a Geologist 2 to support the quality assurance program for aggregates used in highway and bridge construction. You will apply geological expertise through laboratory testing and field responsibilities to ensure materials meet codes, standards, and specifications.

Responsibilities include fieldwork at quarries, sampling, reporting, and collaboration with technicians and staff geologists to uphold the integrity of Iowa's transportation system.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in geology or closely related geological science.
• Alternate degree in natural science, computer science, math, or engineering with two years in related earth sciences.

Responsibilities

• Advise producers, construction staff, and materials teams on standards and testing.
• Guide technicians on sampling, inspection and testing procedures.
• Perform tests to determine physical properties and operate XRF/XRD equipment; explain processes to staff.
• Conduct field work at quarries and pits, collect samples, and prepare reports with recommendations.
• Update geological sections for quarries and measure bedding with laser tools.
• Support Staff Geologists in other districts as needed.
• Evaluate pavement history, inspect aggregate performance, and identify drilling locations.
• Assess revetment stone performance in the field.

Skills

Geology

Field Work

Sampling

Materials Testing

X-ray Fluorescence

X-ray Diffraction

Report Writing

Education

Geology degree

Earth Science / Engineering degree + 2 yrs exp

Tools

XRF

XRD

Job description

Join the Construction and Materials Bureau as a Geologist 2, where you will be an essential contributor to the quality assurance program for aggregates used in highway and bridge construction. In this critical role, your geological expertise and field insights will directly support the integrity of Iowa’s transportation system, ensuring every project is grounded in reliable materials, rigorous evaluation, and a commitment to excellence.

At the Iowa Department of Transportation, our mission - Making Lives Better Through Transportation. The individual selected for this role will help carry that mission forward by demonstrating behaviors guided by our five core values: Safety First, People Matter, Customer Focused, Servant Leadership, and Integrity Without Exception. These values shape how we work, how we serve, and how we deliver transportation solutions that make a meaningful difference across the state.

Location

Ames, Iowa

Shift Requirements

8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Monday – Friday

As a Geologist 2, you will provide essential geological expertise that supports the quality, safety, and reliability of materials used in Iowa’s highway and bridge construction. You will work closely with aggregate producers, construction teams, and materials staff to ensure proper interpretation and application of relevant codes, standards, and specifications. Your work will include both laboratory testing and meaningful field responsibilities that contribute directly to the integrity of the state’s transportation system.

Key responsibilities include:

• Advising aggregate producers, construction staff, and materials teams on material standards, specifications, and testing requirements.
• Guiding technicians on correct sampling, inspection, and testing procedures.
• Performing scientific tests to determine physical properties of construction materials and operating X-ray fluorescence and X-ray powder diffraction equipment, along with explaining these processes clearly to staff.

You will also complete important field and evaluation tasks, including:

• Conducting field work at quarries and gravel pits, assessing ledge control, collecting representative samples, and preparing reports with recommendations.
• Updating or creating geological sections for quarries and measuring bedding using laser range-finding tools.
• Supporting Staff Geologists in additional Districts as needed.
• Evaluating PCC pavement service history, compiling pavement history files, inspecting aggregate performance, and identifying locations for pavement core drilling.
• Performing field evaluations of revetment stone performance.

What we are looking for:

• Commitment to excellence.
• Collaborative teammates.
• Proactive problem solver with strong attention to detail.
• Motivated, friendly, inclusive and get-it-done attitude.
• Embrace and encourage a culture that thrives on innovative ideas and changes.
• Professional positive attitude.

Special Requirements:

• Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license
• This position occasionally requires heavy lifting (up to 75 pounds with team or mechanical assistance for heavier items) and walking up to two miles on uneven terrain.

As a State of Iowa employee, you will be eligible for the following 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
• 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 view more about the State of Iowa Employee benefits and costs at the State of Iowa Employee Benefits Website!

The Iowa Department of Transportation is an equal-opportunity employer. If you require a reasonable accommodation in completing any screening, interviewing, pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the selection process, please direct your request to the affirmative action & equal employment opportunity (AA/EEO) Officer at [e-mail]

Reasonable accommodation such as interpreter, translator, written materials, modified equipment/devices, ADA access, etc. This does not include scheduling needs.

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

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

1. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in geology, physical geography, or a closely related geological science.
2. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in a natural science, computer science, math, or engineering field, and experience equal to two years of full-time work in ground water, soils, environmental geology, geographic information systems, or other related earth science specialty