Senior Design Engineer
State of Iowa
Posted: February 5, 2026 (1 day ago)
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State of Iowa
542 Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Location
Iowa, 50319
Salary
$29.11 - $44.32
per hour
Type
Full Time
More Engineering jobs →Closes
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, using computer tools to create plans and drawings, and occasionally visit project sites to check on construction.
It's a great fit for recent engineering graduates who enjoy teamwork, learning new skills, and contributing to environmental preservation.
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.
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
•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:
(Premiums can start as low as $64/month for single and $210/month for family coverage).
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.
Add 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 Engineering are eligible to apply for this position.
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.
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.
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.
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
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