Highway Technician - District Survey

Iowa; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Iowa Department of Transportation is seeking a Highway Technician for survey activities to improve Iowa roadways. This role involves outdoor surveying and supporting maintenance operations during cold months. Candidates must have a Commercial Learner’s Permit and the ability to obtain necessary CDL classifications. Join a dedicated team focused on delivering safer roads and enhancing transportation across Iowa.

Benefits

Competitive pay and benefits

Opportunities for growth and development

Paid time off immediately

Retirement plan (IPERS) with employer match

Employee discount programs

Qualifications

• Possess a Commercial Learner’s Permit.
• Obtain a Class B CDL with endorsements within 45 days.
• Obtain a Class A CDL with endorsements within 5 months.

Responsibilities

• Complete right-of-way and highway alignment surveys.
• Collect survey data for right-of-way acquisition.
• Operate DOT technical devices and snow equipment.

Skills

Mathematical calculations

Software operation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Relevant experience in highway maintenance or survey

Tools

DOT technical devices

Snow equipment

Job description

The Iowa Department of Transportation is looking for individuals interested in both survey and maintenance areas!

As a Highway Technician – District Survey, your days will involve outdoor survey activities for highway projects that improve Iowa roadways, aligning with our Mission - Making Lives Better Through Transportation. You will contribute to our Core Values: Safety First, People Matter, Customer Focused, Servant Leadership, and Integrity Without Exception, working alongside your teammates.

Most of the year, you will work with the survey team; during cold months, you will support maintenance garages with snow removal. Despite working in two areas, you will be part of one dedicated team!

A CDL permit is required upon hire, with Class A and endorsements/restrictions CDL to be achieved within 5 months. CDL Training is provided for Iowa DOT employees, including Behind-the-Wheel Range and Road training, plus web-based Theory training to meet regulations.

Location: District 1 Office [Ames]. Employees must reside within 45 minutes driving time from the nearest maintenance garage within five months.

Shift: 6:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Thursday. Hours may vary, with on-call duties during emergencies or weather, and some overnight travel may be required.

In this role, you will:

• Complete right-of-way and highway alignment surveys for project plans
• Collect survey data for right-of-way acquisition plats and legal descriptions
• Operate DOT technical devices and software
• Operate snow equipment

To succeed, you should learn new software, access multiple applications, perform mathematical calculations, and operate equipment.

Requirements:

• Possess a Commercial Learner’s Permit
• Obtain a Class B CDL with endorsements within 45 days
• Obtain a Class A CDL with endorsements within 5 months

Benefits include:

• Competitive pay and benefits (health, dental, flexible spending, life insurance)
• Insurance benefits start after 30 days; health and dental premiums for 2025 are available online
• Opportunities for growth and development
• Paid time off immediately, including vacation, sick leave, holidays
• Retirement plan (IPERS) with employer match
• Optional 401A plan with employer contributions
• Employee discount programs

Visit the State of Iowa Employee Benefits Website for more details.

If you enjoy variety in your work, apply now!

The Iowa DOT is an equal opportunity employer. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request, including interpreters, modified equipment, and ADA access.

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements:

• High school diploma or GED and two years of relevant experience
• Two years of education and/or experience in highway maintenance, survey, or related fields, with 30 semester hours equaling one year
• Eighteen months of full-time experience in a relevant role within the state executive branch

Additional requirements include possession of a valid Commercial Learner’s Permit, obtaining a Class B CDL within 45 days, and a Class A CDL within 5 months, along with compliance with drug testing, physical, and other certifications as required. Travel and emergency response duties may be involved, and residence within a specified driving time from the work location is required.