Communications Technician 3

Communications Technician 3

Salary

$56,305.60 - $85,342.40 Annually

Location

State of Iowa - See Job Description, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-03490

Agency

645 Iowa Department of Transportation

Opening Date

06/25/2026

Closing Date

7/5/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Todd Cogdill - Todd.Cogdill@iowadot.us

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

Are you passionate about keeping people connected? Join our team as a Communications Technician 3 and play a key role in supporting the Iowa Department of Transportation's (DOT) critical communication systems across the state. From radio networks to cutting-edge wireless technology, you'll ensure our infrastructure runs smoothly and reliably.

Iowa DOT'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: District 3 - Northwest, Iowa

Schedule: Full-time, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM; On-call 24/7 for emergencies and travel across Iowa, including overnight stays.

As a Communications Technician 3, you'll take on a variety of technical and hands-on responsibilities, including:

• Install, program, and maintain radio and wireless systems in DOT facilities and vehicles, ensuring reliable communication statewide.
• Troubleshoot and repair network systems, partnering with engineers to resolve issues with circuits, routers, switches, and wireless access points.
• Configure and maintain IP security cameras and video systems at driver's license stations and enforcement sites.
• Install and service communication equipment in specialty vehicles, including radios, cameras, radar systems, and emergency lighting.
• Maintain telephone and cellular systems, including VoIP and related cabling infrastructure.
• Inspect and coordinate maintenance for antenna sites, towers, and related infrastructure, ensuring compliance with FCC and FAA standards.
• Provide training and documentation to end users on communication equipment and systems.
• Collaborate with vendors and contractors to oversee installations and repairs, ensuring quality and safety standards are met.

What Makes You a Great Fit

• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions and able to lift heavy equipment (up to 75 lbs with assistance).
• Strong understanding of telecommunications principles and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills for collaborating with team members, vendors, and end users.

Special Requirements:

• Must successfully pass a background check and maintain certification for the Iowa System and National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
• Must possess and maintain a valid Class C drivers license.
• On call 24 hours a day when necessary and be able to travel and may be required to stay away from home overnight during assignments
• Within five (5) months, employees are required to reside within 45 minutes driving time, during normal conditions, from the assigned work location in northwestern 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 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 now!

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 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

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. Two years of full-time work experience in telecommunication/radio system design, installation, or service; and

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

2) Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes eighteen months of full-time work as a Communications Technician 2.

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

Additional Qualification Requirements

• Within a period of time after hire, as determined by the appointing authority, employees in this class may be required to obtain a chauffers license.
• Positions in this class may require the ability to pass a background investigation.
• Travel, including overnight travel, may be required for positions in this class. Employees must arrange transportation to and from assigned work areas.

All of the following apply to Department of Transportation positions only:

• Possession of a valid drivers license is required.
• Designated positions in this class require possession of a valid Commercial Learners Permit upon hire. Within a timeframe determined by the appointing authority, a valid Commercial Drivers License with the required endorsements and applicable restrictions must be obtained and subsequently maintained to continue employment.
• In conjunction with Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (parts 40 and 382), designated positions in this job class require a pre-employment drug screen and will require ongoing participation in the employers random drug and alcohol testing program and will be subject to the regulations regarding the Federal drug and alcohol testing program.
• Prior to starting employment, all persons are required to have a post offer, pre-employment physical verifying the physical ability to perform the duties described.
• Some positions in this class may require the ability to maintain certification for the Iowa System and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC).

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

Do you have two years of full-time work experience in telecommunication/radio system design, installation, or service? IF YES - How many years do you have of a combination of ADDITIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE AS DESCRIBED ABOVE (this experience should not have been used to count for the first part of the question) AND/OR accredited college or university course work in electronic technology? 30 semester hours equals one year of experience.

• I do not have two years of full-time work experience in telecommunication/radio system design, installation, or service
• I have less than one year of the ADDITIONAL experience and/or education
• I have one year to less than two years of the ADDITIONAL experience and/or education
• I have two or more years of the ADDITIONAL experience and/or education

04

If you are a CURRENT employee for the State of Iowa (executive branch) how many months of full-time experience as a Communications Technician 2 do you have?

• Not applicable - I am not a state employee
• No experience as a Communications Technician 2
• Less than 18 months of full-time work experience as a Communications Technician 2
• More than 18 months of full-time work experience as a Communications Technician 2

Required Question

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 645 Iowa Department of Transportation Address 800 Lincoln Way

Ames, Iowa, 50010

Website https://iowadot.gov/careers/