Aviation Program Manager - Executive Officer 2

Aviation Program Manager - Executive Officer 2

Salary

$70,075.20 - $108,388.80 Annually

Location

Ames - 50010 - Story County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-03410

Agency

645 Iowa Department of Transportation

Opening Date

06/16/2026

Closing Date

6/28/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Tamara Nicholson - Tamara.Nicholson@iowadot.us

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

Join our team as the Aviation Program Manager (Executive Officer 2), where you'll oversee statewide aviation funding programs, support airport sponsors, and help guide the future of Iowa's aviation system. This role blends program administration, technical guidance, federal coordination, and community outreach to ensure safe, efficient, and well-planned development across the state.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and administer the State Aviation Program, including the State Airport Improvement Program, Vertical Infrastructure Programs, and other programs; ensuring effective use of state funding through strong airport development knowledge and project oversight.
• Provide technical and administrative support to airport sponsors from project concept through completion, ensuring eligibility, compliance with program rules, and adherence to grant assurances.
• Oversee project applications, commission approvals, program presentations, agreement preparation, voucher payments, and conduct on-site inspections as needed.
• Lead the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pre-application process, coordinating annual applications, reviewing capital improvement plans, and prioritizing projects consistent with the Aviation Team's strategic plan.
• Support statewide aviation planning initiatives, including updates to the Iowa Aviation System Plan, and coordinate additional federal grant opportunities.
• Serve as a technical resource on State and FAA airport issues, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) compliance, airport grant eligibility and applications, and represent the Aviation Team at meetings, conferences, and public events.

The Aviation Team:

As part of the Modal Transportation Bureau, we are a dedicated team of four, focused on Aviation for the State of Iowa. In this position you will get to collaborate with the Aviation Director, Aviation Program Specialist, Airport Inspector, upper-level management, and other bureaus to ensure aviation safety and success. This role is a key member of the Iowa DOT's Aviation Team and plays a vital role in supporting the aviation system throughout Iowa

Location: Ames, IA - Modal Transportation Bureau

Shift: Days, Monday through Friday. Flex available. Occasional overnight travel.

Iowa DOT'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

Desired Abilities:

• Knowledge of aviation, aircraft, and Iowa's airport system to understanding issues and creating effective solutions
• Reading and interpreting law
• Effective leadership and management
• Works collaboratively with diverse group of people, motivated to deliver results
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills
• Displays high standards of ethical conduct
• Providing customer service that is accurate, professional, courteous, and responsive
• Commits to providing a high-quality product and service as a self-starter

Additional Requirements:

• Must possess and maintain a valid drivers license

What we offer YOU:

• Competitive pay and benefits package including health, dental, flexible spending, and life insurance
• Insurance benefits start first of the month following 30 days of employment. Health and dental insurance premiums can be found 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 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 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 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, and experience equal to four years of full-time professional-level work in program administration, program development, program operations , or management.

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

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

a. Two years of full-time professional-level work experience in program administration, program development, program operations , or management; and

b. A total of four years of education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience; and

c. A total of two years of graduate-level education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university course work in a public-service-related area (e.g., public or business administration, social work, public health, law, education, engineering) equals one year of full-time experience. Graduation from the Iowa Certified Public Manager Program is also equivalent to one year of full-time experience or education.

4) Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes twelve months of full-time work as an Executive Officer 1 or comparable specific management-level position.

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? IF YES- How many years do you have of full-time professional level work in program administration, program development, program operations, or management?

• I have not graduated from an accredited four year college or university
• Less than two years of the identified experience
• Two years to less than four years of the identified experience
• Four years or more of the identified experience

04

How many years do you have of COMBINED post high school education AND/OR experience in full-time professional level work such as program administration, program development, program operations, or management? 30 semester hours equals one year of experience.

• I do not have any of the education and/or experience
• Less than four years of the combined education and/or experience
• Four years to less than eight years of the combined education and/or experience
• Eight years or more of the combined education and/or experience

05

Have you graduated from the Iowa Certified Public Manager Program? IF YES- How many years do you have of COMBINED post high school education AND/OR experience in full-time professional level work such as program administration, program development, program operations, or management? 30 semester hours equals one year of experience.

• I have not graduated from the Iowa Certified Public Manager Program
• Less than four years of the combined education and/or experience
• Four years to less than seven years of the combined education and/or experience
• Seven years or more of the combined education and/or experience

06

Have you graduated from an accredited four year college or university? IF YES - How many years do you have of COMBINED GRADUATE level (post bachelors degree) course work in a public-service-related area (e.g., public or business administration, social work, public health, law, education, engineering) AND/OR full-time professional level work such as program administration, program development, program operations, or management? Twenty-four hours of the identified graduate level course work equals one year of experience. A MAXIMUM of 48 semester hours of graduate course work may be counted.

• I have not graduated from an accredited four year college or university
• Less than four years of the combined graduate education AND/OR experience
• Four years or more of the combined graduate education AND/OR experience

07

Are you a current State of Iowa employee? IF YES - How many months do you have of continuous experience in the state executive branch as an Executive Officer 1 or a comparable management level position?

• I am not a State of Iowa employee
• Less than 12 months of experience as an Executive Officer 1 or a comparable management level position
• 12 months or more of experience as an Executive Officer 1 or a comparable management level position

Required Question

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 645 Iowa Department of Transportation Address 800 Lincoln Way

Ames, Iowa, 50010

Website https://iowadot.gov/careers/