Highway Technician - Fairfield Survey

Highway Technician - Fairfield Survey

Salary

$49,400.00 - $72,612.80 Annually

Location

Fairfield - 52556 - Jefferson County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-03352

Agency

645 Iowa Department of Transportation

Opening Date

06/10/2026

Closing Date

6/21/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Steven McElmeel - Steven.McElmeel@iowadot.us

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

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: District 5 - Fairfield Office

Shift Requirements: 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Hours may vary, including working up to 16 consecutive hours, required to respond to emergency situations 24 hours/day, some overnight travel required.

As a Highway Technician on the District 5 Survey Team, you'll play a hands-on role in supporting a wide range of survey operations. No two days will look the same. You'll work with both GPS technology and traditional survey instruments to stake project locations, verify property corners, conduct topographic surveys, and locate or reestablish survey markers on the State's primary highway system. Your work will directly support the development, safety, and long-term preservation of Iowa's roadways.

You may also assist with district-wide crews and other duties as assigned. Because roughly 90% of this work takes place outdoors, you should be prepared to work in all types of weather and throughout all seasons. Field conditions, such as extreme temperatures, wind chills, traffic, noise, and uneven terrain, can impact both equipment performance and personal comfort. Staying attentive, adaptable, and safety-focused is essential.

While a CDL permit is required upon hire, you must have your Class A and endorsements/restrictions CDL within 5 months following your appointment. CDL Training for Iowa DOT employees is provided!! Entry Level Driver Training is available if you do not already possess a Class A and endorsements/restrictions CDL for positions that require it. Those eligible will receive both hands-on Behind-the-Wheel Range and Road training, with web-based Theory training, to fulfill required state and federal regulations.

Special Requirements:

• A CDL permit upon hire.
• Class A and endorsements/restrictions on your CDL within 5 months following your hire date. Entry-level driver training is available upon hire through the Iowa DOT. The multi-faceted training will help meet all state and federal regulations.
• A successful U.S. DOT Clearinghouse query.
• 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.

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:

• Graduation from high school, GED, or equivalency, and experience equal to two years of full-time work in highway maintenance, equipment operation, construction inspection, field work in engineering survey, or materials inspection and testing.
• A total of two years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in number one), where thirty semester hours of post-high-school education in highway maintenance, equipment operation, construction inspection, field work in engineering survey, or materials inspection and testing equals one year of full-time experience.
• Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes eighteen months of full-time work as a Highway Technician Associate or Construction Technician Assistant.

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

Additional Qualification Requirements

• 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 Commercial Driver's 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), this job requires 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 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.
• Within a period of time after hire, as determined by the appointing authority, employees in this class may be required to obtain and maintain Herbicide Applicator certification from the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.
• 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.
• Travel, including overnight travel, may be required for positions in this class. Employees must arrange transportation to and from assigned work areas.
• Within a timeframe determined by the appointing authority, employees in designated positions are required to reside within a defined driving time, during normal conditions, from the assigned work location.
• Employees must respond to emergency situations as required.
• Employees 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 a High School Diploma, General Education Diploma (G.E.D.) or equivalency?

IF YES - How many years do you have of full-time experience in one or more of the following?

• Highway maintenance
• Equipment operation work
• Construction inspection
• Field work in engineering survey
• Materials inspection and testing
• Not applicable - I do not have a High School Diploma, General Education Diploma (G.E.D.) or equivalency
• No experience in highway maintenance, equipment operation work, construction inspection, field work in engineering survey, or materials inspection and testing
• Less than one year of experience in highway maintenance, equipment operation work, construction inspection, field work in engineering survey, or materials inspection and testing
• One year to less than two years of experience in highway maintenance, equipment operation work, construction inspection, field work in engineering survey, or materials inspection and testing
• Two or more years of experience in highway maintenance, equipment operation work, construction inspection, field work in engineering survey, or materials inspection and testing

04

How many years do you have of COMBINED post high school education in highway maintenance, equipment operation, construction inspection, engineering survey, or materials inspection and testing AND full-time experience in one or more of the following?

• Highway maintenance
• Equipment operation work
• Construction inspection
• Field work in engineering survey
• Materials inspection and testing

30 semester hours of the specified post high school education equals one year of the required experience.

• No applicable - I do not have experience and/or post high school education in the identified areas
• Less than two years of the COMBINED education and experience in one or more of the following; highway maintenance, equipment operation work, construction inspection, field work in engineering survey, or materials inspection and testing
• Two or more years of the COMBINED education and experience in one or more of the following; highway maintenance, equipment operation work, construction inspection, field work in engineering survey, or materials inspection and testing

05

If you are a CURRENT employee for the State of Iowa (Executive Branch): How many months of full-time work experience do you have in the classification of Highway Technician Associate or Construction Technician Assistant?

• Less than six months of experience as a Highway Technician Associate or Construction Technician Assistant
• Six months to less than 12 months of experience as a Highway Technician Associate or Construction Technician Assistant
• 12 months to less than 18 months of experience as a Highway Technician Associate or Construction Technician Assistant
• 18 or more months of Highway Technician Associate or Construction Technician Assistant
• Not applicable - 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/