Materials Technician 4

Iowa; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Iowa Department of Transportation seeks a Material Technician 4 to conduct essential pavement evaluations and testing across state highways. Join a dedicated team responsible for supporting pavement design and management efforts while aligning with core departmental values. The position offers competitive pay, benefits, and opportunities for growth.

Benefits

Competitive pay and benefits

Paid time off

Retirement package with employer match

Employee Discount Programs

Qualifications

• Must possess relevant certifications for testing materials.
• State of Iowa asbestos inspector license required.
• Valid Class C Non-Commercial Operator’s License needed.

Responsibilities

• Conduct pavement testing procedures as part of a team.
• Maintain certifications and ensure compliance with testing standards.
• Assist with equipment maintenance and calibration.

Skills

Collaboration

Ethical conduct

Customer service

Determination

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Associate of Applied Science degree

Tools

Field testing equipment

Job description

The Iowa Department of Transportation is seeking a dedicated individual interested in participating in pavement evaluation and testing. As a member of a four-person team, you will travel across the state to assess pavements on State Highways and Interstates. The findings from these evaluations will play a crucial role in supporting the Department's pavement design and management initiatives, as well as informing the development of pavement rehabilitation projects at both the central office and district levels.

This position aligns with the Iowa DOT’s mission of enhancing lives through transportation, and the selected candidate will embody the Department's five core values: Safety First, People Matter, Customer Focused, Servant Leadership, and Integrity Without Exception.

Location: Construction and Materials Bureau, Ames, Iowa.

Shift: Summer hours - 6:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Thursday.

Winter hours - 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday.

Material Technician 4 Responsibilities:

• Participating in roadway pavement testing procedures such as inertial profiling, structural testing (FWD), and friction testing as part of a 4-person team.
• Performing field pavement testing and evaluation to support the pavement design and pavement management efforts of the Department.
• Assisting other Sections in the Central Materials Laboratory with testing during peak periods. Maintain needed certifications for testing materials.
• Helping with maintenance and calibration of test equipment, so they remain in proper operational condition and in compliance with specifications.
• Ensuring that testing iscompleted according to the standards.
• Operating computers and applying related software applications

Desired abilities:

• Works collaboratively with a diverse group of people.
• Maintains an attitude of determination and dedication.
• Displays high standards of ethical conduct.
• Treats customers and teammates courteously and is responsive to their needs.
• Commits to providing a high-quality product and service.
• Addresses and respectfully listens to others.
• Motivates others towards completing a common goal.

Special Requirements:

• State of Iowa asbestos inspector license.
• Maintain a minimum of a valid Class C Non-Commercial Operator’s License.
• Require certification for testing materials and operating specialized equipment as required by the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Technical Training and Certification Program for Highway Materials and Construction, and/or other certifications as required. (Profilograph Testing)
• Must be able to travel in-state and will be required to stay away from home overnight during the testing season.

What we offer YOU:

• Competitive pay and benefits package including health, dental, flexible spending, and life insurance.?
• Insurance benefits start first of the month following 30 days of employment. 2025 health and dental insurance premiums can be found 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 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 !

You have the freedom to flourish in Iowa – Apply today!

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.

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

1) Five years of full-time work experience in the sampling and testing of materials, and/or inspection of:

a. Highway construction and maintenance projects; and/or

b. Bridge construction and maintenance projects.

2) All of the following (a and b):

a. Three years of full-time work experience (as described in number one); and

b. A total of two years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in part a), where 30 thirty semester hours or equivalent of college, university or technical school course work with an emphasis in engineering, metallurgy, geology, or chemistry equals one year of full-time experience.

3) All of the following (a and b):

a. Three years of full-time work experience (as described in number one); and

b. An Associate of Applied Science degree, a certificate, or equivalent in Civil Engineering Technology from an accredited community college.

4) Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in chemical, civil, construction, environmental, materials, mechanics, structural or transportation engineering or in engineering management and one-year experience as described in number one above.

5) Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes one year of full-time work as a Materials Technician 3 or Highway Technician Senior.

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

• Designated 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 Class A Commercial Driver’s License with the required endorsements and applicable restrictions must be obtained and subsequently maintained to continue employment.
• If a CDL is not required, designated positions are required to have and maintain a minimum of a valid Class C Non-Commercial Operator’s License.
• In conjunction with Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (parts 40 and 382), designated positions in this job class require 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 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.
• Positions require certification for testing materials and operating specialized equipment as required by the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Technical Training and Certification Program for Highway Materials and Construction; and/or other certifications as required.
• Employees must be able to travel and may be required to stay away from home overnight during assignments.
• Employees in designated positions must be able to work up to 16 consecutive hours