Communications Internship - Summer/Fall 2026
State of Iowa
FreshPosted Feb 19
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Posted: February 13, 2026 (7 days ago)
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Communications Technician 3
State of Iowa
645 Iowa Department of Transportation
Location
Iowa, 50319
Salary
$26.54 - $40.23
per hour
Type
Full-Time
More Communications & Media jobs →Closes
March 1, 2026
Job Description
Summary
This job involves installing, maintaining, and fixing communication systems like radios, wireless networks, cameras, and phone setups for the Iowa Department of Transportation to keep transportation operations running smoothly across the state.
You'll work hands-on in various locations, including outdoors and on the road, often dealing with emergencies.
A good fit would be someone who enjoys technical troubleshooting, can handle physical work in tough weather, and communicates well with teams and vendors.
Key Requirements
- Strong knowledge of telecommunications principles and troubleshooting skills
- Ability to install, program, and maintain radio, wireless, and network systems
- Experience configuring IP security cameras, video systems, and VoIP telephones
- Physical ability to work outdoors in all weather, lift up to 75 lbs with assistance, and pass a pre-employment physical
- Valid driver's license and willingness to travel statewide, including on-call 24/7 for emergencies
- Pass background check and maintain NCIC certification
- Excellent communication skills for training users, collaborating with vendors, and working independently in a fast-paced environment
Full Job Description
Are you passionate about keeping people connected?
Join our team as a Communications Technician 3 and play a key role in supporting the Iowa Department of Transportation’s (DOT) critical communication systems across the state.
From radio networks to cutting-edge wireless technology, you’ll ensure our infrastructure runs smoothly and reliably.
Iowa DOT’s Mission is Making Lives Better Through Transportation.
To accomplish our Mission, the person selected for this position will demonstrate actions and behaviors guided by the Iowa Department of Transportation’s five CORE values: Safety First, People Matter, Customer Focused, Servant Leadership, and Integrity Without Exception.
Location: Southeast Quadrant of Iowa
Schedule: Full-time, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM; On-call 24/7 for emergencies and travel across Iowa, including overnight stays.
As a Communications Technician 3, you’ll take on a variety of technical and hands-on responsibilities, including:
- Install, program, and maintain radio and wireless systems in DOT facilities and vehicles, ensuring reliable communication statewide.
- Troubleshoot and repair network systems, partnering with engineers to resolve issues with circuits, routers, switches, and wireless access points.
- Configure and maintain IP security cameras and video systems at driver’s license stations and enforcement sites.
- Install and service communication equipment in specialty vehicles, including radios, cameras, radar systems, and emergency lighting.
- Maintain telephone and cellular systems, including VoIP and related cabling infrastructure.
- Inspect and coordinate maintenance for antenna sites, towers, and related infrastructure, ensuring compliance with FCC and FAA standards.
- Provide training and documentation to end users on communication equipment and systems.
- Collaborate with vendors and contractors to oversee installations and repairs, ensuring quality and safety standards are met.
What Makes You a Great Fit
- Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions and able to lift heavy equipment (up to 75 lbs with assistance).
- Strong understanding of telecommunications principles and troubleshooting skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent communication skills for collaborating with team members, vendors, and end users.
Special Requirements:
- Must successfully pass a background check and maintain certification for the Iowa System and National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
- 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)
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: aa-eeo@iowadot.us
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.
Qualifications
Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:1) All of the following (a and b):
a. Two years of full-time work experience in telecommunication/radio system design, installation, or service; and
b. A total of two years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in electronic technology equals one year of full-time experience.
b. A total of two years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in electronic technology equals one year of full-time experience.
2) Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes eighteen months of full-time work as a Communications Technician 2.
For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.
Additional Information
Within a period of time after hire, as determined by the appointing authority, employees in this class may be required to obtain a chauffer's license.Positions in this class may require the ability to pass a background investigation.Travel, including overnight travel, may be required for positions in this class.
Employees must arrange transportation to and from assigned work areas.
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