Transportation Planner 1

Transportation Planner 1

Salary

$50,398.40 - $94,036.80 Annually

Location

Ames - 50010 - Story County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-00015

Agency

645 Iowa Department of Transportation

Opening Date

07/02/2026

Closing Date

7/12/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Deanna Maifield, Deanna.Maifield@Iowadot.us

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

Would you like to start a career as a project manager? This is a great opportunity to get into a field with a ton of advancement potential as a Transportation Planner 1. You'll work with a team of experienced project managers, learning the steps in delivering a highway project, how projects are funded, and using a variety of software products for scheduling, GIS, and financial tracking. This is a Trainee / Journey position, so after 3 years of successfully learning the skills as a Transportation Planner 1, we expect the successful candidate to be upgraded to a Transportation Planner 2. The Project Management Bureau is a great place to share ideas and find mentors. We look forward to meeting you!

Location: The job is located in our DOT headquarters at 800 Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa. Telecommuting options may be considered after an initial training period.

Shift Requirements: Full-time (40 hours/week), Monday-Friday. Flex hours allowed with Supervisor approval. Some travel will be required to meet with the public and local, state, and federal agency staff for pre-construction meetings, final audit reviews, and on other occasions as needed.

Summary of Job Duties:

• Manage the delivery of small or medium projects from initiation to construction letting. The project could include bridge replacements or repairs, and roadway construction or repair on state highway or institutional roads.
• Assist senior project managers on large projects. This could include updating schedules, preparing project updates or reports, completing cost estimates, and preparing meeting minutes. This person will provide continuity and backup if the senior project manager is absent.
• Negotiate contracts for engineering services and assist in the documentation and reporting of engineering expenses.
• Lead meetings and facilitate conversations to track holistic schedule and cost performance for the DOT highway projects.

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!

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.

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 an 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) Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in any field.

2) A total of four years of education and/or full-time experience, where one year of full-time work experience in civil/transportation/traffic engineering, environmental engineering or science finance, business administration, supply chain management, data science, geography, archaeology, economics, mathematics, community development planning, regional planning, urban planning, aviation (technology, management, or flight operations), or transportation planning equals thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in any field.

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.

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• 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

Have you graduated from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in any field?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have a total of four years of education and/or full-time experience, where one year of full-time work experience in civil/transportation/traffic engineering, environmental engineering or science, finance, business administration, supply chain management, data science, geography, archaeology, economics, mathematics, community development planning, regional planning, urban planning, aviation (technology, management, or flight operations), or transportation planning equals thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in any field?

• Yes
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Required Question

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 645 Iowa Department of Transportation Address 800 Lincoln Way

Ames, Iowa, 50010

Website https://iowadot.gov/careers/