Salary : $78,041.60 - $120,036.80 Annually
Location : Fairfield - 52556 - Jefferson County, IA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 25-03466
Agency: 645 Iowa Department of Transportation
Opening Date: 06/16/2025
Closing Date: 6/29/2025 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag: #LI-POST
Point of Contact: Steven McElmeel - [email protected]

Job Description
Are you seeking to diversify your skills and use your energy and ideas towards making a difference? As our newest District Staff Engineer (Transportation Engineer Specialist), you will have the opportunity to flex those critical thinking skills while fulfilling our Mission - Making Lives Better Through Transportation. So, read on to see how you can contribute your strengths towards the Iowa Department of Transportation's Core Values: Safety First, People Matter, Customer Focused, Servant Leadership, and Integrity Without Exception alongside your supportive teammates.
Location: 205 East 227th Street Fairfield, Iowa 52556
Shift Requirements: Day shift, Frequent travel with some overnight
As a District Staff Engineer (Transportation Engineer Specialist), you will be on a team developing projects that enhance the state and national transportation systems in Iowa. You will serve in a critical, professional leadership role as a District Project Manager designing, overseeing, and/or coordinating the preliminary and final design of highway and bridge improvement projects being designed by staff within District 5, by any of the various DOT project development offices, or by consultants working on behalf of the DOT.
With your fortitude, impeccable leadership, and problem-solving skills you will serve as the lead staff in the absence of the Assistant District Engineer. As the lead designer and Engineer-of-Record for projects designed by yourself or other staff you will manage project schedules, lead, and direct the work of others, develop project concepts, apply design criteria, prepare project plans and estimates, and represent the DOT in discussions with internal and external customers and other government agencies.
You will be using the latest technology, such as Project Management System, Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD/MicroStation), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), asset management systems (budgets, pavement, equipment, etc.) and internally developed databases, to make the most efficient and effective use of agency resources and continually increase customer services and safety.
Additional duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Serving as a District member of Project Management Teams (PMT) during the planning phase of projects, and potentially lead the PMT during the design phase of projects.
• Serving as lead designer on assigned 3R, 4R, ER and MP project development and other projects as assigned. The Staff Engineer will have primary responsibility for the development of concepts, conducting field exams, and certifying final project plans.
• Maintaining the project schedule with needed tasks documented on the Project Management Software (currently PPMS "Masterworks").
• Making recommendations and help prepares 3R funding programs for management review/approval.
• Assisting District Planners in evaluating RISE and other funding applications that will impact the primary highway system.
• Identifying impacts on the primary highway system from local government projects, including RISE, TSF, Parks and Institutional, and U-STEP/C-STEP.
• Providing engineering support to District Maintenance and other Departmental agencies in the selection, design, and construction of projects within the district.

Special Requirements:

• Maintain a valid Iowa Driver's License.
• Must possess and maintain licensure as an Iowa Professional Engineer in Active status.

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
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
• 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 !
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:

Reasonable accommodation such as: interpreter, translator, written materials, modified equipment / devices, ADA access, etc. This does not include scheduling needs.
Minimum Qualification Requirements

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. Licensure as a professional engineer; and
b. Two years of full-time professional work experience in transportation engineering or civil engineering.
2) All of the following (a, b, and c):
a. Licensure as a professional engineer; and
b. One year of full-time professional work experience in transportation engineering or civil engineering; and
c. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master's degree in chemical, civil, construction, environmental, materials, structural, or transportation engineering; engineering management; or a field closely related to transportation engineering.
3) Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes one year of full-time work as a Transportation Engineer.

For additional information, please click on this .
Additional Qualification Requirements

Prior to appointment, applicants must possess active licensure as a professional engineer by the Iowa Engineering & Land Surveying Examining Board.
Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset - our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyGain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!
01

Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely. Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question. Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

• Yes - I understand and agree.
• No

02

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

• No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq
• Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

03

Are you licensed as a professional engineer? IF YES - How many years do you have of full-time professional work experience in transportation engineering or civil engineering?

• No experience to less than one year of work experience in the identified areas
• One year to less than two years of work experience in the identified areas
• Two years or more work experience in the identified areas
• Not applicable - I am not licensed as a professional engineer

04

Do you have ALL of the following (a, b, and c):a. Licensure as a professional engineer; andb. One year of full-time professional work experience in transportation engineering or civil engineering; andc. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master's degree in chemical, civil, construction, environmental, materials, structural, or transportation engineering; engineering management; or a field closely related to transportation engineering.

• Yes - I meet A, B and C
• No - I do not meet A, B and C

05

If you are an employee for the State of Iowa (executive branch): How many years have you spent in the classification of Transportation Engineer for the State of Iowa?

• No experience to less than six months of work experience as a Transportation Engineer
• Six months to less than twelve months of work experience as a Transportation Engineer
• Twelve months or more of full-time experience as a Transportation Engineer
• Not applicable - I am not an employee of the State of Iowa

Required Question