Materials Technician 3

Materials Technician 3

Salary

$45,718.40 - $67,454.40 Annually

Location

Ames - 50010 - Story County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-00054

Agency

645 Iowa Department of Transportation

Opening Date

07/08/2026

Closing Date

7/19/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Chris Brakke, Chris.Brakke@iowadot.us

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

Ready to level up your career and keep your weekends free? The Iowa Department of Transportation is hiring a Materials Technician 3! We're looking for a driven, hands-on individual excited to dive into the world of cement and concrete testing- foundational materials behind Iowa's transportation infrastructure and the critical materials that keep Iowa moving.

If you're seeking strong work/life balance, a consistent schedule, and a role that offers both impact and stability, this could be the perfect fit. This position provides a rewarding and impactful career, so come join us and help build the foundation of Iowa's future.

At the Iowa Department of Transportation, our mission is Making Lives Better Through Transportation. To help carry out this mission, the selected candidate will demonstrate behaviors aligned with our five core values: Safety First, People Matter, Customer Focused, Servant Leadership, and Integrity Without Exception.

Location: Construction and Materials Bureau, Ames, Iowa

Shift: 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday, hours may vary, some overnight travel may be required

Desired abilities:

• Works collaboratively with a diverse group of people.
• Maintains an attitude of determination and dedication.
• Displays high standards of ethical conduct.
• Treats customers and teammates courteously and is responsive to their needs.
• Commits to providing a high-quality product and service.
• Addresses and respectfully listens to others.
• Motivates others towards completing a common goal.

Material Technician 3 Responsibilities:

• Performs various cement and concrete testing in the laboratory.
• Helps the office and District Materials personnel on issues and information related to testing and test results.
• Performs mathematical calculations to ensure compliance with project plans, percent complete, quantity used, and areas measured.
• Helps with maintenance and calibration of test equipment, so they remain in proper operational condition and in compliance with specifications.
• Ensures that testing is completed according to the standards.
• Maintains detailed records of all test procedures.
• Operates computers and applies related software applications.
• Acts as the liaison with Iowa DOT staff, and producers.

Special Requirements:

• Position requires 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. More specifically, obtain Iowa DOT Aggregate Technician, and level I PCC certifications.
• 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)

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 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.

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) Three years of full-time experience in the sampling, and testing of materials, and/or inspection of materials used in the highway construction and maintenance projects.

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

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

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

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

a. One year 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.

5) Possession of a verification of graduation with major course work in chemical, civil, construction, environmental, materials, mechanics, structural or transportation engineering or in engineering management.

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

How many years of full-time work experience do you have in the sampling, and testing of materials, and/or inspection of materials used in highway construction and maintenance projects?

• No experience in the identified areas
• Less than one year of experience in the identified areas
• One year to less than three years of experience in the identified areas
• Three or more years of experience in the identified areas

04

Do you have 1 year of full time experience in the sampling, and testing of materials, and/or inspection of materials used in the highway construction and maintenance projects? IF YES How many additional years do you have (not including the year used in part one of this question) of COMBINED post high school education with an emphasis in mathematics, engineering, metallurgy, geology, or chemistry AND/OR full time experience in the sampling, testing, or inspection of materials used in highway construction and maintenance projects? NOTE : Applicants may substitute a maximum of two years of education (60 semester hours) for the required experience.

30 semester hours equals one year of experience.

• I do not have the minimum of one year of full time experience in the sampling, testing, or inspection of materials used in highway construction and maintenance projects
• I do not have any of the combined education and/or experience
• Less than one year of the combined education and/or experience in the identified areas
• One year to less than two years of the combined education and/or experience in the identified areas
• Two or more years of the combined education and/or experience in the identified areas

05

Do you have one year of full-time experience in the sampling, and testing of materials, and/or inspection of materials used in the highway 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 one year of identified experience and degree/certificate or equivalent
• I do not have both 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?

• Yes
• No

07

Do you possess a verification of graduation with with a Bachelors Degree with major course work in chemical, civil, construction, environmental, materials, mechanics, structural or transportation engineering or in engineering management?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 645 Iowa Department of Transportation Address 800 Lincoln Way

Ames, Iowa, 50010

Website https://iowadot.gov/careers/