Attorney Research Position (1 year term) – Transportation Division (DOT)
State of Iowa
FreshPosted Feb 18
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Posted: February 19, 2026 (1 day ago)
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Transportation Engineer Associate
State of Iowa
645 Iowa Department of Transportation
Location
Iowa, 50319
Salary
$31.50 - $48.78
per hour
Type
Full-Time
More Engineering jobs →Closes
March 23, 2026
Job Description
Summary
This job involves working on a team to design and improve highways and transportation systems in Iowa, from studying options to creating detailed plans that balance safety, cost, and environmental needs.
It's a great fit for someone with a civil engineering background who enjoys using advanced software for 3D modeling and collaborating with others on complex projects.
The role supports the state's goal of better transportation while offering opportunities for professional growth through engineering certifications.
Key Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or related field (implied for engineering role)
- Ability to obtain Engineer certificate from Iowa State Board of Engineering Examiners within 24 months of hire
- Licensure as a Professional Engineer required within 6 years for continued employment
- Proficiency in advanced civil engineering software, including 3D modeling and visualizations
- Experience in highway design, data analysis, and producing construction plans
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to collaborate with stakeholders
- Commitment to safety, innovation, and effective communication
Full Job Description
The Design Bureau within the Transportation Development Division at the Iowa Department of Transportation is looking to hire a full-time Transportation Engineer Associate who will be part of a team developing projects that enhance the state and national transportation systems in Iowa.
You will be an essential member of a highway design team that collaborates with numerous stakeholders to develop innovative transportation improvement plans.
As a Transportation Engineer Associate, your duties will include, but are not limited to:
- Participating in engineering studies of transportation system improvements and developing alternatives for meeting the goals of the identified improvement.
- Analyzing transportation engineering data to determine the optimal operating characteristics for the proposed highway improvement project.
- Producing highway designs that are engineered in harmony with national (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) and Iowa DOT design guidance.
- Participating on a team to produce decisions that balance safety, mobility, environmental impacts, property impacts, cost, and long-term maintenance.
- Performing design and engineering analysis for small to large, highly complex highway improvement projects using advanced civil engineering software applications, including 3D modeling and visualizations.
- Preparing roadway construction plans that clearly and accurately convey all aspects of the project.
Preferred Experience:
- Ability to successfully utilize advanced software applications and work in a 3D design environment that produces cutting-edge 3D machine guidance data for automated construction equipment.
- Ability to successfully utilize advanced software applications.
Preferred Characteristics:
- Analyze challenges, define successful solution alternatives, and proactively solve problems.
- Passion and commitment to excellence in our highway design products.
- Effectively communicate with all levels of management and a wide variety of individuals involved in our development process.
- Embrace and encourage a culture that thrives on innovative ideas and leading changes that result in effective process and project improvements.
Additional Requirements:
- Possession of an Engineer certificate issued by the Iowa State Board of Engineering Examiners is required within 24 months of hire.
- Licensure as a Professional Engineer is required within 6 years of hire for continued employment as a Transportation Engineer Associate.
The Iowa Department of Transportation is proud to be a partner with the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).
Through this partnership, DOT engineers are granted membership at a largely discounted price, as well as discounts for conferences and continuing education through the ASCE.
We are excited to offer this benefit and to have you join this partnership with us! If you're interested in learning more about this benefit, please visit https://www.asce.org/membership.
Iowa Department of Transportation’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.
Shift: Days, Monday through Friday. Flex schedule available.
Location: Design Bureau – Ames, Iowa
As a State of Iowa employee, you will be eligible for the following benefits:
- Competitive pay and benefits package including health, dental, flexible spending, and life insurance
- Insurance benefits start the first month following 30 days of employment, and costs can be reviewed 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 a variety of vendors (vision, cellular, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, counseling; legal, financial).
We encourage you to learn 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 an 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: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 in engineering management.Possession of a verification of graduation with major course work in chemical, civil, construction, environmental, materials, mechanics, structural, or transportation engineering or in engineering management.For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.
Additional Information Work Authorization/SponsorshipAt this time, we're not considering applicants that need any type of immigration sponsorship (additional work authorization or permanent work authorization) now or in the future to work in the United States.
This includes, but IS NOT LIMITED TO: F1-OPT, F1-CPT, H-1B, TN, L-1, J-1, etc.
For additional information around work authorization needs please use the following links.Nonimmigrant Workers and Green Card for Employment-Based ImmigrantsApplicants hired with verification of graduation will be required to graduate with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university within 10 months of hire.
Within a period of time after hire, as determined by the appointing authority, employees in this class may be required to obtain one or more of the following certificates, licenses, or endorsements:Certification as an Engineer in Training (EIT) by the Iowa Engineering & Land Surveying Examining Board.
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