District 4 Lab Chief

District 4 Lab Chief

Salary

$53,851.20 - $81,806.40 Annually

Location

Atlantic - 50022 - Cass County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-03414

Agency

645 Iowa Department of Transportation

Opening Date

06/17/2026

Closing Date

6/28/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Daniel Redmond - Daniel.Redmond@iowadot.us

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

Do you like having variety in your day-to-day activities? If you love being outside and have a safety-first mindset in all that you do, the Iowa DOT wants you to join our team!

As a Materials Technician 4 Lab Chief, your day-to-day work will often include:

• Laboratory testing of hot mix asphalt, portland cement concrete and aggregate materials.
• Review project submittals for proper sampling and testing frequencies for HMA, PCC, Aggregate, Fabricated items, and approved products, etc. This includes evaluation of compliance with federal requirements.
• Verify mathematical accuracy of all quantities calculated "by hand".
• Answer technical questions and resolve materials related problems.
• Working with and communicating with a wide variety of people, including contractor and producer personnel, local agency and consultant staff, and other Iowa DOT staff.

The responsibilities of this role help contribute to our mission - Making Lives Better Through Transportation. You will be an important part of the Iowa Department of Transportation's Core Values: Safety First, People Matter, Customer Focused, Servant Leadership, and Integrity Without Exception alongside your teammates.

Residency: District 4 Materials Office, Atlantic - Within five (5) months, employees are required to reside within 45 minutes driving time, during normal conditions, from assigned work location.

Shift: 7:15 AM - 4:00 PM, hours may vary, some daily travel, some overnight travel required, some overtime, some nights, weekends and holidays possible.

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!

Special Requirements:

• Possess and maintain a minimum of a Class C non-commercial Drivers License.
• Must possess (or be able to obtain) and maintain required certifications for sampling and testing materials and operation of specialized equipment as required by the DOTs Technical Training and Certification Program for Highway Materials and Construction - for this position: Aggregate Sampler & Aggregate Technician Level I & II, PCC Level I & II, HMA Level I & II, Soils and Nuclear Guage, and Profilometer.
• A pre-employment physical verifying the physical ability to perform the duties described. Click the video link for a demonstration: OPC Webinar Chapter 4 PCP Demo Test (youtube.com)
• A pre-employment drug screen and will require ongoing participation in random drug and alcohol testing programs.

Help make Iowa roadways safe for you, your family, and your friends.

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 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) Five years of full-time work experience in the sampling and testing of materials, and/or inspection of:

a. Highway construction and maintenance projects; and/or

b. Bridge construction and maintenance projects.

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

a. Three years of full-time work experience (as described in number one); and

b. A total of two years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in part a), where 30 thirty semester hours or equivalent of college, university or technical school course work with an emphasis in engineering, metallurgy, geology, or chemistry equals one year of full-time experience.

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

a. Three years of full-time work experience (as described in number one); and

b. An Associate of Applied Science degree, a certificate, or equivalent in Civil Engineering Technology from an accredited community college.

4) 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 and one-year experience as described in number one above.

5) Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes one year of full-time work as a Materials Technician 3 or Highway Technician Senior.

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

Additional Qualification Requirements

• Designated positions in this class require possession of a valid Commercial Learner's Permit upon hire. Within a timeframe determined by the appointing authority, a valid Class A Commercial Driver's License with the required endorsements and applicable restrictions must be obtained and subsequently maintained to continue employment.
• If a CDL is not required, designated positions are required to have and maintain a minimum of a valid Class C Non-Commercial Operator's License.
• 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 employer's random drug and alcohol testing program and will be subject to the regulations regarding the Federal drug and alcohol 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.
• Positions require certification for testing materials and operating specialized equipment as required by the Iowa Department of Transportation's Technical Training and Certification Program for Highway Materials and Construction; and/or other certifications as required.
• Employees must be able to travel and may be required to stay away from home overnight during assignments.
• Employees in designated positions must be able to work up to 16 consecutive hours

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 five years of full-time experience in the sampling and testing of materials, and/or inspection of: a. Highway construction and maintenance projects; and/or b. Bridge construction and maintenance projects

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have three years of full-time work experience in the sampling and testing of materials, and/or inspection of: a. Highway construction and maintenance projects; and/or b. Bridge construction and maintenance projects. IF YES - Do you have a total of 2 years of of education and/or ADDITIONAL full-time experience (as described above), where 30 thirty semester hours or equivalent of college, university or technical school course work with an emphasis in engineering, metallurgy, geology, or chemistry equals one year of full-time experience.

• Yes - I have the 3 three years of required experience and an additional 2 years of experience and/or education
• I do not have the 3 three years of required experience and an additional 2 years of experience and/or education

05

Do you have three years of experience in the sampling and testing of materials, and/or inspection of: a. Highway construction and maintenance projects; and/or b. Bridge construction and maintenance projects. IF YES - Do you have an Associate of Applied Science degree, a certificate, or equivalent in Civil Engineering Technology from an accredited community college?

• Yes - I have the experience and degree/certificate or equivalent
• No - I do not have the experience and degree/certificate or equivalent

06

Have you graduated from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelors degree in chemical, civil, construction, environmental, materials, mechanics, structural or transportation engineering or in engineering management? IF YES - Do you have one year of full-time work experience in the sampling and testing of materials, and/or inspection of: a. Highway construction and maintenance projects; and/or b. Bridge construction and maintenance projects.

• Yes - I have the degree and required one year of experience
• No - I do not have the degree and/or one year of required experience

07

Are you a current permanent State of Iowa employee? IF YES - Do you have current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes one year of full-time work as a Materials Technician 3 or Highway Technician Senior?

• I have current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes one year of full-time work as a Materials Technician 3 or Highway Technician Senior
• I am a State of Iowa employee but do not have current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes one year of full-time work as a Materials Technician 3 or Highway Technician Senior
• I am not a State of Iowa employee

Required Question

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 645 Iowa Department of Transportation Address 800 Lincoln Way

Ames, Iowa, 50010

Website https://iowadot.gov/careers/