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Posted: April 15, 2026 (6 days ago)

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Engineer EIT

State of Iowa

542 Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Fresh

Location

Salary

$29.11 - $44.32

per hour

Closes

May 9, 2026

Job Description

Summary

This entry-level engineering job with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources involves helping design and maintain public spaces like state parks and wildlife areas to keep them safe and functional for everyone.

You'll work closely with experienced engineers on creating plans, using computer tools for drawings and estimates, and sometimes visiting sites to check construction progress.

It's ideal for recent or soon-to-be graduates in engineering fields who enjoy hands-on work, learning new skills, and contributing to environmental protection.

Key Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in civil, construction, environmental, or agricultural engineering (pending May 2026 graduates eligible)
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD for developing designs, drawings, and project illustrations
  • Experience or ability to use engineering software for calculations, quantities, and construction estimates
  • Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, for collaborating with staff, agencies, and contractors
  • Capability to travel across Iowa and provide on-site assistance, including construction observation and inspections
  • Knowledge of facilities engineering principles, state building codes, and regulations
  • Team-oriented with skills in self-management, problem-solving, and adapting to changes

Full Job Description

ENGINEER EIT JOB DESCRIPTION

Only applicants who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements and meet all selective requirements (listed below) will be placed on the eligible list.

The Department of Natural Resources encourages all applicants to upload a current resume and cover letter to their online application.

The Iowa DNR is seeking a motivated engineer to join our Engineering Design team. This position offers a unique opportunity to help preserve and improve Iowa’s public lands and facilities.

Working under the direct mentorship of a Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.), the successful applicant will ensure that state infrastructure—from state parks to wildlife areas—is safe, compliant, and built to serve the public for generations.

The position is open to pending May 2026 graduates in the civil, construction, environmental or agricultural engineering fields.

Responsibilities include assisting with develop designs and drawings using AutoCAD. Utilizing engineering software to calculate or modify construction quantities and supplementary project information.

Utilize and create computer-generated maps, plans, or displays to illustrate project details. Develop tools or workflows to more efficiently design construction projects.

Assist with the preparation of Contract Documents including drawings, specifications, construction estimates, and bid documents, and assist with the determination of applicable construction alternatives if contracts require modifications.

This position will work on site at projects to provide assistance to field engineers and surveyor on an as-needed basis. Assistance may include construction observation, operating survey equipment, and inspection of the contracted work to verify that it meets specified requirements.

This position will also provide support and administrative assistance including but not limited to providing permitting assistance in tracking and preparing permit applications, securing necessary permits for construction projects, researching historic construction data, and maintaining up to date reference material.

The Department values continuous learning. The successful candidate will be expected, and encouraged to attend workshops and seminars to advance their skills in AutoCAD and Autodesk Civil 3D, modern construction methods, and engineering design.

Essential Functions

Apply the principles and practices of facilities engineering and of state building codes, rules and regulations.

•Preparation of complete engineering plans and specifications for a variety of building facilities; estimating and scheduling using computers and specialized software.

•Communicate effectively verbally and in writing with DNR staff, management personnel, and other state and federal agencies.

•Read, interpret, and accurately obtain necessary information from engineering related source documents/data to document proposals, search for precedents, and seek out alternative procedures for engineering problems or projects.

•Provide assistance with inspection and construction observation of capital projects; coordinate contractor relations, change orders and payment requests; ability to adjust to change, work pressures or difficult situations without undue stress.

•Travel across the state as required.

Critical Job Competencies

Accountability, Integrity, Ethical Conduct, High Productivity, Team Player, Customer Focus/Customer Service, Communication Skills, Computer Skills, Self-Management, Interpersonal Skills, Technical Skills (engineering design using

AutoCAD).

What You Get From Us:

  • A competitive pay plan and rewarding work.
  • Insurance benefits that start the first of the month following 30 days of employment.
    (Premiums can start as low as $64/month for single and $210/month for family coverage).
  • Separate vacation and sick leave accruals that start on the first day and can roll over annually.
  • Nine paid holidays/year.
  • Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) retirement package with employer match.
  • Optional deferred compensation (457/401A) plan with employer match.
  • Professional training opportunities.
  • Family friendly and professional work environment.
  • Employee Discount Programs (vision, cellular, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, counseling)
  • The State’s total compensation package features benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation. For a list of additional benefits, please visit the DAS website for more information.
  • Flexible work schedules (as approved by the supervisor).
  • Opportunities for hybrid telework (as approved by the supervisor).
  • Workout/Gym facilities available onsite at 6200 Park Ave.

Comments

The starting salary for new state (Executive Branch) employees is expected to be at the base of the pay range.

Additional salary increases may occur after the first six months, and then annually (if applicable).

The State’s total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation. Visit the DAS website for more benefit information.

Program Webpage Link https://www.iowadnr.gov/programs-services/engineering

Pending Applicants: College or university students that are pending graduation in May of 2026, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil, Construction, Environmental or Agricultural Engineering with 6 months’ experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in any of the following areas are eligible to apply for this position: Survey crew, construction inspector, or professional civil engineer (able to read blueprints, plans, and/or specifications); designing, planning, construction, and management of infrastructures; technology concerned with the reduction of pollution, contamination, and deterioration of the surroundings in which humans live; and, machinery and power systems, structural design, mechanical analysis or ventilation, and climate control..

Ensure you are kept up-to-date of this position by checking your email regularly for emails from info@govermentjobs.com. This is a system generated email from the DAS application system and it may be sent directly to your Junk/Spam folder.

DNR Application Tips

For more information about DNR Employment Opportunities and position specific notices, please visit the DNR Employment website.

The State of Iowa is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

E-Verify and Right to WorkThe 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

Iowa DNR Mission

To conserve and enhance our natural resources in cooperation with individuals and organizations to improve the quality of life in Iowa and ensure a legacy for future generations.

Requirements

097 Civil Engineering
6 months’ experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in one or more of the following: • Survey crew • Construction inspector • Professional civil engineer Must be able to read blueprints, plans, and/or specifications.

OR

223 Construction Engineering
6 months’ experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in the professional discipline that deals with the designing, planning, construction, and management of infrastructures such as highways, bridges, airports, railroads, buildings, dams, and utilities.

OR

182 Environmental Engineering
6 months’ experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in the area of engineering that is centered on the technology concerned with the reduction of pollution, contamination, and deterioration of the surroundings in which humans live.

OR

007 Agricultural Engineering
6 months’ experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both including knowledge in one or in a combination of the following areas: machinery and power systems, structural design, mechanical analysis or ventilation, and climate control.

Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in engineering.

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

Additional Information

*Applicants for conservation/natural resources positions should indicate in the appropriate section of the application: hydraulics, fluid mechanics or hydrology coursework completed or submit a college transcript with the application.

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Posted on NEOGOV: 4/15/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 4/16/2026

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-iowa-5307730