Employee Relations Partner

Employee Relations Partner

Salary

$50,398.40 - $85,342.40 Annually

Location

Ames - 50010 - Story County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-00905

Agency

645 Iowa Department of Transportation

Opening Date

09/28/2026

Closing Date

10/8/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Jenny Lafrenz - Jenny.Lafrenz@iowadot.us

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

Be the reason people love where they work!

If you're someone who thrives on helping others, loves digging into meaningful problems, and believes integrity is non-negotiable, the Iowa DOT wants you on our team. We're looking for an Employee Relations Partner who brings curiosity, compassion, and professionalism to every interaction- someone who sees employee relations not just as a function, but as a way to improve everyday experiences for the people who make our mission possible.

At the Iowa DOT, our mission is Making Lives Better Through Transportation, and we live by our Core Values: Safety First, People Matter, Customer Focused, Servant Leadership, and Integrity Without Exception. Join a team where your voice is heard, your expertise is valued, and your work makes a real difference.

What You'll Do:

Deliver exceptional service

You'll be the go-to partner employees and leaders' trust. Someone who listens closely, responds quickly, and brings empathy into every conversation. Whether answering questions or guiding a tough situation, you'll help people feel supported and respected.

Conduct fair, thoughtful investigations

You'll lead investigations that are thorough, consistent, and transparent. From interviews to documentation to final recommendations, you'll help uncover the truth with professionalism and care, ensuring every step reflects fairness and our commitment to doing what's right.

Champion integrity

Your guidance will help leaders and employees navigate policies, codes, and laws with clarity. You'll provide balanced, ethical advice and help others make decisions rooted in honesty, values, and accountability.

Share knowledge that empowers others

You'll build stronger leaders by teaching, coaching, and creating engaging training experiences. Whether in a classroom or one-on-one, you'll make complex topics easier to understand, and easier to apply. You'll also create tools and resources that help leaders feel confident addressing challenges early and effectively.

What You Bring:

• Outstanding communication skills and a passion for delivering high-quality work
• A customer-focused mindset that makes people feel heard and supported
• A love for solving problems- especially the complex ones
• An unwavering dedication to integrity and fairness
• A team-oriented approach and enthusiasm for collaboration

Why You'll Love Working Here:

This is your chance to make a meaningful impact in a mission-driven organization. You'll help create positive employee experiences, strengthen leader capability, and contribute directly to a supportive, ethical workplace culture. You'll join a team that values your perspective, encourages growth, and celebrates the work you do every day.

Work Location

This position is required to be in person, full-time, at our Ames, IA office.

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 atamy.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 visitwww.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:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelors degree.
• A combination of a total of four years of education and full-time experience in technical or professional human resources work, where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work equals one year of full-time experience.
• Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes three years of full-time work performing technical human resources work.

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

Do you have a Bachelors Degree (or higher degree)?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have a combination of a total of four years of education and full-time experience in technical or professional human resources work, where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work equals one year of full-time experience? Human resources technical work includes full-time work where your primary duties and the majority of your time is spent performing work in areas such as payroll, employment, position classification, compensation, collective bargaining administration, workers compensation, employee discipline, and employee benefit administration.

• Yes
• No

05

Are you a current permanent State of Iowa employee? If yes - Do you have current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes three years of full-time work performing technical human resources work? Human resources technical work includes full-time work where your primary duties and the majority of your time is spent performing work in areas such as payroll, employment, position classification, compensation, collective bargaining administration, workers compensation, employee discipline, and employee benefit administration.

• Yes- I am a current permanent State of Iowa employee and have current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes three years of full-time work performing technical human resources work
• No - I am not a State of Iowa employee
• I am a current permanent State of Iowa employee BUT DO NOT HAVE current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes three years of full-time work performing technical human resources work

Required Question

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 645 Iowa Department of Transportation Address 800 Lincoln Way

Ames, Iowa, 50010

Website https://iowadot.gov/careers/