Procurement Specialist 3

Procurement Specialist 3

Salary

$61,755.20 - $94,036.80 Annually

Location

Ames - 50010 - Story County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-00092

Agency

645 Iowa Department of Transportation

Opening Date

07/13/2026

Closing Date

7/23/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Jody Mcnaughton - Jody.Mcnaughton@iowadot.us

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

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 DOT's five core values: Safety First, People Matter, Customer Focused, Servant Leadership, and Integrity Without Exception.

Are you looking for a fresh opportunity where your work truly makes a difference? Do you want to be part of a team committed to serving Iowans every day? If so, we'd love to have you join us.

We are seeking a motivated, detail-oriented professional to join our team as a Purchasing Agent 3. In this role, you will be part of the Purchasing Team within the Administrative Services Division's Procurement and Distribution Bureau. This team oversees the annual procurement of more than 100 million dollars in goods and services that support the Department of Transportation's statewide operations.

Location: Ames, Iowa 50010

Schedule: Monday-Friday, flexible shift (typically 7:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.), with occasional travel

As a Purchasing Agent 3, you will:

• Lead the development, compilation, and organization of formal bid solicitations and requests for proposals for purchases over $50,000, as well as competitive bids for purchases under $50,000.
• Coordinate and facilitate pre-bid meetings and various onsite or virtual team meetings.
• Procure a wide range of goods and services based on customer and agency needs.
• Use negotiation and contracting skills to ensure high-quality, cost-effective procurements.
• Apply knowledge of contract law, federal and state regulations, and procurement best practices.

What you will need:

• Experience creating bid solicitations, managing contracts, and applying federal and state procurement laws and regulations.
• Ability to interpret and apply the Code of Iowa, Iowa Administrative Rules, and agency procurement policies accurately and effectively.
• Strong mathematical abilities, including calculating percentages, ratios, and averages.
• A commitment to providing exceptional customer service.

What's in it for you?

• A collaborative and positive work environment
• A flexible work schedule
• A competitive benefits package

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:

• Seven years of full-time work experience in the procurement of technical, standardized, expendable, and non-expendable items, or in services procurement and contract administration, including the review of ongoing compliance with contract requirements and terms.

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in business or public administration, accounting, or economics, and experience equal to three years of full-time work in the procurement of technical, standardized, expendable and non-expendable items or in services procurement and contract administration, including the review of ongoing compliance with contract requirements and terms.

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

• All of the following (a, b, and c):

• Two years of full-time work experience in the procurement of technical, standardized, expendable, and non-expendable items, or in services procurement and contract administration, including the review of ongoing compliance with contract requirements and terms; and

• A total of four years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in business or public administration, accounting, or economics equals one year of full-time experience; and

• A total of one year of graduate-level education and/or full-time experience (as described in part a), where twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university coursework in business or public administration, accounting, or economics equals one year of full-time experience.

• Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes one year of full-time work as a Procurement Specialist2.

For additional information, please click on this: Job Class Description - 00212

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 do you have of combined post high school education in business, public administration, accounting, or economics AND/OR full-time work experience in the procurement of technical, standardized, expendable, and non-expendable items, or in services procurement and contract administration, including the review of ongoing compliance with contract requirements and terms? (30 semester hours equals one year of experience)

• No experience in the identified areas
• Less than two years of combined post high school education and/or experience in the identified areas
• Two years to less than four years of combined post high school education and/or experience in the identified areas
• Four years to less than six years of combined post high school education and/or experience in the identified areas
• Six years to less than seven years of combined post high school education and/or experience in the identified areas
• Seven years or more of combined post high school education and/or experience in the identified areas

04

Have you graduated from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelors degree in business or public administration, accounting or economics? IF YES How many years do you have of full-time work experience in the procurement of technical, standardized, expendable, and non-expendable items, or in services procurement and contract administration, including the review of ongoing compliance with contract requirements and terms?

• No experience in the identified areas
• Less than two years of experience in the identified areas
• Two years to less than three years of experience in the identified areas
• Three years or more of experience in the identified areas

05

Do you meet A, B and C: A. Two years of full-time work experience in the procurement of technical, standardized, expendable, and non-expendable items, or in services procurement and contract administration, including the review of ongoing compliance with contract requirements and terms; and B. A total of four years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in business or public administration, accounting, or economics equals one year of full-time experience; and C. A total of one year of graduate-level education and/or full-time experience (as described in part a), where twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university coursework in business or public administration, accounting, or economics equals one year of full-time experience.

• I do meet A, B and C
• I do not meet A, B and C

06

How many years do you have of full-time work experience in the procurement of technical, standardized, expendable, and non-expendable items, or in services procurement and contract administration, including the review of ongoing compliance with contract requirements and terms?

• No experience in the identified areas
• Less than two years of experience in the identified areas
• Two years to less than four years of experience in the identified areas
• Four years to less than six years of experience in the identified areas
• Six years to less than seven years of experience in the identified areas
• Seven or more years of experience in the identified areas

07

Are you a current State of Iowa employee (executive branch)? IF YES - Do you have 12 months of full-time work experience in the classification of Procurement Specialist 2 for the State of Iowa?

• Not applicable - I am not a State of Iowa employee
• 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/