Transportation Planner 4

Transportation Planner 4

Salary

$81,203.20 - $124,883.20 Annually

Location

Ames - 50010 - Story County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-01309

Agency

645 Iowa Department of Transportation

Opening Date

11/05/2026

Closing Date

11/15/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Samuel Hiscocks, Samuel.Hiscocks@Iowadot.us

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

The Systems Planning Bureau is seeking a Transportation Planner to lead their Planning Team and help solve some of our greatest mobility challenges. This small but impactful team has the exciting task of planning for the future of Iowa's transportation system, and this position has a critical role in guiding planning activities, supporting the Iowa DOT's emphasis on transportation mobility.

The mission of the Iowa Department of Transportation is Making Lives Better Through Transportation. We need talented, passionate people working together to make this happen. We are looking to grow our teams with people who share our energy and enthusiasm for making that mission a reality every single day. This position will demonstrate actions and behaviors guided by the Iowa DOT's five CORE values: Safety First, Integrity Without Exception, Customer Focused, Servant Leadership, and People Matter.

What you'll do:

Responsibilities of this position will include the ongoing development of the federally-mandated State Transportation Plan, the guiding document for Iowas Transportation Improvement Program. This position coordinates modal planning efforts and integrates the various plans into the State Transportation Plan. These planning efforts provide statewide investment strategies based on systems analysis, performance objectives, and anticipated funding. This position also provides a critical role in working with Iowa's 18 Regional Planning Affiliations and 9 Metropolitan Planning Organizations on their transportation planning processes.

The team leader is responsible for facilitating group interaction in developing innovative techniques and approaches to solving problems associated with implementing assigned tasks. This position determines specific project assignments and timelines and ensures they are balanced appropriately among team members. This position is responsible for coordinating work projects with other teams in the Systems Planning Bureau and for obtaining specialized assistance from others internal and external to the Iowa DOT. The team leader reviews team-work products to ensure accuracy; provides technical advice, assistance, and training to team members; and conveys management directions and philosophy to team members. The team leader has a key role in the offices responsibility to provide services of value and excellence to customers inside and outside the department. The team leader is expected to strive for personal and team excellence by continuous improvement, understanding and communicating customer needs and priorities, building a work environment of trust and respect and improving work processes.

What makes you stand out:

• Outstanding leadership and organizational skills
• Commitment to detail and professionalism
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage time efficiently
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Goal-oriented, organized team player
• Energy and passion for serving others

Schedule: Days, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm with flextime and telework available.

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 now!

Iowa DOT complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the EEO & ADA Officer at 515-689-1009 or via email at amy.weerheim@iowadot.us.

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, and experience equal to eight years of full-time work in professional transportation planning*/engineering.

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

a. Eight years of full-time work experience in transportation planning; 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 any field equals one year of full-time experience.

3) Licensure as a professional engineer by the Iowa Engineering & Land Surveying Examining Board, and experience equal to four years of full-time work in transportation planning*.

4) Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes two years of full-time work as a Transportation Planner 3 or Transportation Engineer Specialist.

5) Twelve years of current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes eight years of full-time work in transportation planning*.

• "Transportation planning" includes preparing planning contracts and grants; managing planning grant application submittals and project development; preparing functional classification appeals; developing travel demand models and traffic forecasts; creating cartographic representations and data collection applications; analyzing transportation data, project plans, and reports to identify problems; developing portions of statewide transportation plans; or conducting/coordinating transportation research projects.

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

Have you graduated from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in any field? IF YES - How many years do you have of full-time work in professional transportation planning/engineering? "Transportation planning" includes preparing planning contracts and grants; managing planning grant application submittals and project development; preparing functional classification appeals; developing travel demand models and traffic forecasts; creating cartographic representations and data collection applications; analyzing transportation data, project plans, and reports to identify problems; developing portions of statewide transportation plans; or conducting/coordinating transportation research projects.

• I have not graduated from an accredited four year college or university
• I have graduated from an accredited four year college or university and have less than three years of the required experience
• I have graduated from an accredited four year college or university and have three to less than six years of the required experience
• I have graduated from an accredited four year college or university and have six to less than eight years of the required experience
• I have graduated from an accredited four year college or university and have eight or more years of the required experience

04

Do you have eight years of full-time work experience in transportation planning? IF YES - Do you have an ADDITIONAL 4 years of experience in transportation planning OR post high school education in any field? 30 semester hours equals one year of experience.

• I do not have have eight years of full-time work experience in transportation planning
• I do have eight years of full-time work experience in transportation planning BUT DO NOT Have the additional 4 years of experience or post high school education
• I do have eight years of full-time work experience in transportation planning AND have the additional 4 years of experience or post high school education

05

Do you possess a licensure as a professional engineer by the Iowa Engineering & Land Surveying Examining Board? IF YES - How many years do you have of full-time work in transportation planning? "Transportation planning" includes preparing planning contracts and grants; managing planning grant application submittals and project development; preparing functional classification appeals; developing travel demand models and traffic forecasts; creating cartographic representations and data collection applications; analyzing transportation data, project plans, and reports to identify problems; developing portions of statewide transportation plans; or conducting/coordinating transportation research projects.

• I do not possess the required license
• I do possess the license and have less than two years of the required experience
• I do possess the license and have two to less than four years of the required experience
• I do possess the license and have four or more years of the required experience

06

Do you have twelve years of current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes eight years of full-time work in transportation planning*?

• I do not have twelve years of current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes eight years of full-time work in transportation planning*
• I do have twelve years of current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes eight years of full-time work in transportation planning*

07

Are you a current permanent State of Iowa employee - executive branch? IF YES - Do you have two years of full-time experience in the classifications of Transportation Planner 3 or Transportation Engineer Specialist for the State of Iowa?

• 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/