Senior Design Engineer

Full 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 Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is looking for a motivated Professional Engineer (PE) to join our Design Engineering Section to provide technical assistance in the planning, directing and coordinating of a comprehensive program of construction, repair and preventative maintenance for DNR facilities, buildings and structures.

The position will manage the full project lifecycle from initial planning and multi-disciplinary design through construction and maintenance.

This involves conducting complex structural and mechanical analyses, preparing comprehensive contract documents—including drawings, specifications, and cost estimates—and providing professional authentication via a civil engineering stamp.

Then, throughout the construction phase, coordinate with stakeholders and field engineering to manage information requests, review submittals, and perform rigorous site inspections to ensure compliance with design principles and contract specifications.

The position works with DNR field staff to translate facility needs into actionable designs, overseeing the process from initial site surveys through to construction.

By coordinating closely with local teams and survey personnel, ensure all contract documents are grounded in accurate field data.

Focus is on providing management with clear, well-vetted options that balance practical site requirements with long-term operational goals.

This role also provides professional and technical expertise to the Director, engineering staff, and operating divisions in strict accordance with department policies and procedures, while also reviewing information and data on sustainable materials and design techniques.

The Department values continuous learning and expects the successful candidate to maintain a high-level technical proficiency through a program of professional development, including university coursework, industry conferences, and professional society workshops.

This involves staying current with evolving federal, state, and local construction codes and legislation to ensure all projects remain in full legal and regulatory compliance.

Essential Functions

•Prepare complete engineering plans and specifications for complex and advanced building facilities in the capacity of a professional engineer.

•Fulfill the requirements of the Engineer of Record for design and construction phases of a project.

•Estimating and scheduling using computers and specialized software.

•Document proposals, search for precedents, and seek out alternative procedures for architectural problems or projects.

•Plan and participate in the work of subordinate professional and technical assistants in the development of plans and specifications. Develop and foster teamwork.

Special Requirements:

1.Iowa Professional Engineering License Required

2.Travel across the state as required for field work or other work-related appointments/issues/meetings.

3.Adjust well to change, work pressures, or difficult situations without undue stress

4.Work independently with consistent results and minimal supervision

Critical Job Competencies

Accountability, Integrity, High Productivity, Team Player, Interpersonal Skills, Communication Skills, Customer Focus, Self-Management (Initiative), Computer Skills, Technical Skills (Engineering, Design, Collaboration).

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

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.

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

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.

Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, Civil, Mechanical, Architectural or a related engineering field, six years of full-time engineering experience in the design/construction of buildings, utilities, earthwork, or related facilities/structures, and possession of a valid Professional Engineer license recognized by the State Board of Engineering Examiners or Certificate of Registration as a Professional Architect by the State Board of Architectural Examiners;employees with current continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes two years of full-time work as a Facilities Engineer 1, and possession of a valid Professional Engineer license recognized by the State Board of Engineering Examiners or Certificate of Registration as a Professional Architect by the State Board of Architectural Examiners.

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

Additional Information

Within a period of time as determined by the appointing authority, certain employees in this class may be required to obtain a Fire Sprinkler Installer and Maintenance License in accordance with Chapter 100D, Iowa Code.

Applicants for 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.