Transportation Engineer Associate

Iowa; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Iowa Department of Transportation is seeking a Transportation Engineer Associate to enhance transportation systems in Iowa. This role involves critical thinking and teamwork to ensure project compliance and effective communication with stakeholders. Ideal candidates are recent graduates with a degree in engineering, ready to make a difference.

Benefits

Competitive pay and benefits

Paid time off from day one

Opportunities for professional growth

Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS)

Employee Discount Programs

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university in relevant engineering fields.
• Certification as an Engineer in Training (EIT) required within 24 months.
• Licensure as a professional engineer required within 6 years.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Resident Construction Engineer with Contract Administration.
• Ensure Contractors adhere to plans and specifications.
• Document construction progress and materials used.

Skills

Critical Thinking

Teamwork

Customer Service

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Construction, Structural, Environmental, Materials, Transportation Engineering, or Engineering Management

Job description

Are you seeking to diversify your skills and use your energy and ideas towards making a difference?

Are you a pending or recent college graduate with a degree in one of the following areas:

Civil, Construction, Structural, Environmental, Materials, Transportation Engineering, or Engineering Management?

Look no further! As our newest Transportation Engineer Associate, you will have the opportunity to apply your critical thinking skills while fulfilling our Mission - Making Lives Better Through Transportation. Read on to discover how you can contribute your strengths to the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Core Values: Safety First, People Matter, Customer Focused, Servant Leadership, and Integrity Without Exception, alongside your supportive teammates.

Location: Sioux City

Shift Requirements: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM—4:30 PM

As a Transportation Engineer Associate, you will play a vital role in developing projects that enhance the transportation systems in Iowa. You will work in an environment that values teamwork, customer service, and a positive attitude.

Your duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Assisting the Resident Construction Engineer with Contract Administration
• Ensuring Contractors adhere to plans, specifications, and standards requirements
• Documenting construction progress and materials used to authorize Contractor payment
• Sampling, inspecting, and testing materials for compliance
• Evaluating Traffic Control and Staging needed to perform the work
• Performing audits and preparing as-built records upon construction completion
• Communicating with internal Iowa DOT staff, Contractors, utility companies, and the public
• Assisting Design by collecting field data and providing input for plan preparation
• Directing and overseeing the project inspection team

Special Requirements:

• Possess and maintain a valid driver's license
• Applicants hired with verification of graduation must graduate with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university within 10 months of hire
• Certification as an Engineer in Training (EIT) by the Iowa Engineering & Land Surveying Examining Board is required within 24 months of hire
• Licensure as a professional engineer is required within 6 years of hire for continued employment

The Iowa Department of Transportation partners with the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Through this partnership, DOT engineers gain discounted memberships and conference discounts. Interested? Visit https://www.asce.org/membership.

What we offer YOU:

• Competitive pay and benefits including health, dental, flexible spending, and life insurance
• Insurance benefits start the first of the month following 30 days of employment. 2025 health and dental premiums can be viewed here
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Paid time off from day one—biweekly vacation, sick leave, rollover, and 9 paid holidays annually
• Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) with employer match
• Optional 401A plan with employer contributions
• Employee Discount Programs (vision, cellular, fitness, recreation, passes, travel, counseling, legal, financial)

Learn more about the State of Iowa Employee benefits 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. For accommodations during the hiring process, contact our AA/EEO Officer at [e-mail].

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

• 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 engineering management
• Verification of graduation with major coursework in the same fields

Additional certifications or licenses may be required after hire, including EIT certification and professional engineer licensure, as determined by the appointing authority.