Transportation Engineer Senior

Transportation Engineer Senior

Salary

$95,513.60 - $135,907.20 Annually

Location

Ames - 50010 - Story County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-00405

Agency

645 Iowa Department of Transportation

Opening Date

08/07/2026

Closing Date

8/17/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Scott Nixon - Scott.Nixon@iowadot.us

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

The Iowa Department of Transportation's Construction and Materials Bureau is seeking a motivated Transportation Engineer Senior to serve as the Bureau's Contract Administration Engineer. In this role, you will assist the Bureau Director in managing engineering and administrative staff responsible for administering construction contracts to accomplish the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program. You will provide direction, consultation, and specialized services regarding specifications, methods, techniques and policies for construction and inspection to field construction staff to assure uniform compliance with specifications, procedures, and instructions.

At the Iowa DOT, our mission is Making Lives Better Through Transportation. To help us fulfill that mission, the person selected for this position will model the actions and behaviors guided by our five CORE values: Safety First, People Matter, Customer Focused, Servant Leadership, and Integrity Without Exception.

If you are passionate about improving systems, supporting others, and contributing to projects that make a real difference across Iowa, we welcome your application and encourage you to bring your strengths to our team.

Location: Ames

Shift Requirements: 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. M-F, some travel required.

As a Transportation Engineer Senior, your duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Provides guidance, specification interpretation, and technical assistance to District Construction Engineers and Resident Construction Engineers to ensure statewide compliance.
• Analyzes and grants final approval for substantial contract change orders, Value Engineering proposals, and the release of retained contractor funds.
• Manages compliance with Davis-Bacon prevailing wage requirements on Federal-Aid contracts.
• Originates or recommends Staff Action forms for major project changes requiring upper-management

approval in accordance with department policy.

• Reviews upcoming projects weekly and assigns future letting projects to the appropriate Resident Construction Engineers.
• Coordinates between field staff and central offices, providing construction reviews for proposed plans and serving as a liaison to the Location and Environment Bureau.
• Provides urgent construction engineering assistance to field teams in the absence of the Construction Field Engineer.
• Provide technical assistance to other Bureaus within the Central Office Complex regarding construction issues. This includes providing a review and assessment of proposed plans and specifications, effects on field construction staff by actions of other offices and serves as a liaison with field construction staff when requested to obtain information.
• Reviews and provides final approval for the disbursement of contract funds retained to contractors.

Special Requirements:

The Contract Administration Engineer is required to be a professional engineer licensed by the Iowa Engineering and Land Surveying Examining Board.

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!

The Iowa Department of Transportation is proud to be a partner with the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Through this partnership, DOT engineers are granted membership at a largely discounted price, as well as discounts for conferences and continuing education through the ASCE. We are excited to offer this benefit and to have you join this partnership with us! If youre interested in learning more about this benefit, please visit https://www.asce.org/membership.

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. Licensure as a professional engineer; and

b. Four years of full-time professional work experience in transportation engineering or civil engineering.

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

a. Licensure as a professional engineer; and

b. Three years of full-time professional work experience in transportation engineering or civil engineering; and

c. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master's degree in chemical, civil, construction, environmental, materials, structural, or transportation engineering; engineering management; or a field closely related to transportation engineering.

3) Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes 18 months of full-time work as a Transportation Engineer Specialist or Transportation Engineer Manager.

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

Additional Qualification Requirements

Prior to appointment, applicants must possess active licensure as a professional engineer by the Iowa Engineering & Land Surveying Examining Board.

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 meet A AND B: a. Licensure as a professional engineer; and b. Four years of full-time professional work experience in transportation engineering or civil engineering.

• Yes - I meet A and B
• No - I do not meet A and B

04

Do you meet A, B and C: a. Licensure as a professional engineer; and b. Three years of full-time professional work experience in transportation engineering or civil engineering; and c. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a masters degree in chemical, civil, construction, environmental, materials, structural, or transportation engineering; engineering management; or a field closely related to transportation engineering.

• Yes - I meet A, B AND C
• No - I do not meet A, B and C

05

Are you a current State of Iowa employee (executive branch)? IF YES - Do you have 18 months of full-time work experience in the classification of Transportation Engineer Specialist or Transportation Engineer Manager for the State of Iowa?

• I am not a State of Iowa employee
• No - I do not have 18 months of experience in the identified classifications
• Yes - I have 18 or more months of full-time work experience in the identified classifications

Required Question

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 645 Iowa Department of Transportation Address 800 Lincoln Way

Ames, Iowa, 50010

Website https://iowadot.gov/careers/