Bridge Design Technician

Bridge Design Technician

Salary

$53,851.20 - $81,806.40 Annually

Location

Ames - 50010 - Story County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-00606

Agency

645 Iowa Department of Transportation

Opening Date

08/28/2026

Closing Date

9/7/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Linda Narigon, Linda.Narigon@Iowadot.us

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

Are you seeking to diversify your skills in CAD design, organizational and data reporting skills, and use your energy and ideas towards making a difference in statewide initiatives for the State of Iowa Transportation system? Then look no further!! The Bridges and Structures Bureau is seeking to hire a Bridge Design Technician (Design Technician) who will be an essential part of the Bridge Project Development team in our Consultant Coordination and Preliminary Bridge Units.

The 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, Iowa

Work Hours: Days M-F, flex available. Occasional travel to workshops and conferences.

This position will provide reviews of CAD files, create and maintain scheduling reports, and help maintain data for the Bridges and Structures Bureau (BSB). Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Administer CAD quality assurance checks and electronic file support (E.G., file naming conventions, file content and modeling organization, team support on CAD standards, as well as electronic documentation and filing organization)
• Assist Administrator and the Preliminary Bridge Manager on tracking and reporting of resources and projects, including creating reports in the DOT's scheduling system.
• Checking/Reporting on Project Asset ID folders to help ensure completion of documentation for completed projects.
• Provide guidance on the integration of 3D CONNECT design in the Bridge Bureau.
• Complete special assignments, generally related to reporting/tracking, for the Consultant Coordinator.

The preferred candidate would have the ability to utilize CAD (or embrace learning Bentley Connect CAD software) to assist in project planning and 3D modeling file structure review.

Preferred Characteristics:

• Passion and commitment to excellence in our highway structures and bridges.
• Effectively communicates with a wide variety of individuals involved in our development process.
• Brings a professional, positive attitude to our team every day.
• Motivated, friendly, inclusive, and a get-it-done attitude.
• Embraces and encourages a culture that thrives on innovative ideas and leading changes that result in effective process and project improvements.

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 now!

Iowa DOT complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the EEO & ADA Officer at 515-689-1009 or via email at amy.weerheim@iowadot.us.

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.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

1) Graduation from high school (or GED equivalent), and experience equal to six years of full-time work in design drafting, cartography, photogrammetry, engineering survey, soils survey, land survey, or construction inspection.

2) All of the following (a and b):

a. Four years of full-time work experience in design drafting, cartography, photogrammetry, engineering survey, soils survey, land survey, or construction inspection; and

b. A total of two years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in number one), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience.

3) All of the following (a and b):

a. Four years of full-time work experience in design drafting, cartography, photogrammetry, engineering survey, soils survey, land survey, or construction inspection; and

b. A total of two years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in number one), where thirty semester hours of an accredited vocational program in engineering technology, design drafting, engineering survey, soils survey, land survey, construction inspection, or cartography equals two years of full-time experience.

4) Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes eighteen months of full-time work as a Design Technician Associate.

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

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-friendly Total Compensation Calculator. Gain 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. Click here to learn more about IPERS.

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? Click here 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

Have you graduated from high school or GED? IF YES - How many years do you have of full-time work experience in design drafting, cartography, engineering survey, soils survey, land survey, construction inspection or photogrammetry?

• I have not graduated from high school or GED
• Less than six years of full-time work experience in design drafting, cartography, engineering survey, soils survey, land survey, construction inspection or photogrammetry
• Six years or more of full-time work experience in design drafting, cartography, engineering survey, soils survey, land survey, construction inspection or photogrammetry

04

Do you have the following (a and b): a. Four years of full-time work experience in design drafting, cartography, photogrammetry, engineering survey, soils survey, land survey, or construction inspection; and b. A total of two years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in number one), where thirty semester hours of an accredited vocational program in engineering technology, design drafting, engineering survey, soils survey, land survey, construction inspection, or cartography equals two years of full-time experience?

• I do not have any of the combined education and/or experience
• I do not meet A AND B
• I do meet A AND B

05

Do you meet the following, A and B: a. Four years of full-time work experience in design drafting, cartography, photogrammetry, engineering survey, soils survey, land survey, or construction inspection; and b. A total of two years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in number one), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience?

• I do not have any of the education/experience listed
• I do not meet A AND B
• I do meet A AND B

06

Are you a current State of Iowa employee- executive branch? IF YES - How many years of experience do you have in the classification of Design Technician Associate for the State of Iowa?

• I am not a current State of Iowa employee
• I have no experience in the classification of Design Technician Associate for the State of Iowa
• Less than two years of experience in the classification of Design Technician Associate for the State of Iowa
• Two years or more of experience in the classification of Design Technician Associate for the State of Iowa

Required Question

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 645 Iowa Department of Transportation Address 800 Lincoln Way

Ames, Iowa, 50010

Website https://iowadot.gov/careers/