Salary : $78,041.60 - $120,036.80 Annually
Location : Ames - 50010 - Story County, IA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 25-03428
Agency: 645 Iowa Department of Transportation
Opening Date: 06/12/2025
Closing Date: 6/24/2025 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag: #LI-POST
Point of Contact: Chris Brakke - [email protected]

Job Description
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.
Location: Ames
Shift Requirements: Flexible schedule, 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. M-F, Occasional In-state travel that may include overnight work for project visits or conferences.
As the Special Investigations (SI) Engineer (Transportation Engineer Specialist) in the Construction and Materials Bureau, you will provide technical guidance on the testing of our pavement network or primary highways and Interstates. This position requires knowledge of rigid and flexible pavement properties, construction methods, materials, performance indicators, and distresses. You will work with the Special Investigations staff to plan and establish the pavement testing program for the Department. This position is the technical contact for non-destructive structural, friction, and ride testing at the DOT and for local agencies in Iowa.

The SI Engineer will provide materials engineering support and information to the Department's Pavement Management efforts. This will include participation in the Pavement Management Technical Committee and providing support by annually updating new construction information needed for the pavement management database.

The SI Engineer is the technical contact for field personnel, contractors, and other agencies concerning non-destructive pavement testing and coring. This person will evaluate and specify the equipment and computer needs for the Special Investigations section. This will require staying current on the state of the technology in structural, friction, and ride testing. We believe it will be important for candidates to possess practical knowledge of field performance of pavements. Construction experience related to pavements will also be very beneficial for the successful candidate.

License: Must have, or prior to appointment, must obtain an active Iowa professional engineering license through the Iowa Professional Licensing Bureau - Engineering and Land Surveying Examination Board.

Travel: Overnight travel will be occasionally required. Must maintain a valid driver's license for travel.

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 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 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 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: [email protected]

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