Location Engineer (TE Specialist)

Location Engineer (TE Specialist)

Salary

$81,203.20 - $124,883.20 Annually

Location

Ames - 50010 - Story County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-00909

Agency

645 Iowa Department of Transportation

Opening Date

09/30/2026

Closing Date

10/18/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Donna Breitbach, Donna.Breitbach@Iowadot.us

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

We are looking to hire a Location Engineer (TE Specialist) to join our Location Section within the Location and Environment Bureau (LEB). This position will be responsible for managing and developing projects assigned to the Location Section, through the planning and initial concept stage to the design stage. Ideal candidates would have experience developing and managing small and large planning studies as well as roadway design experience.

Location: Ames - 50010 - Story County. We offer a remote working environment. If working remotely, applicants will be required to live in the state of Iowa.

Schedule and travel requirements: 40 hours, M-F, with flexible schedule options and telework available. Some travel and overnight stays will be required.

Desired Abilities:

• A passion for public service.
• Effective leadership and management skills.
• Experience with developing and managing small and large planning studies.
• Strong communication, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Strong customer service skills and ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups of people.
• Displays high standards of ethical conduct.
• Commitment to providing a high-quality product and service.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience with roadway design.
• Experience with GIS applications.

Responsibilities include:

• Preliminary Engineering and design to determine potential impacts associated with proposed highway improvements.
• The initiation and management of consultant contracts for planning studies.
• Application of transportation engineering principles to the unique problems encountered as well as knowledge of location engineering techniques necessary to develop concepts for safe and efficient highways.
• Utilization of GIS, CADD, and other software.
• Scheduling and conducting technical and public meetings.
• Coordination and communication with various DOT bureaus, as well as federal, state and local agencies.
• Presentations at internal meetings, public meetings and local (city/county/community group) meetings.

Additional Requirements:

• Applicant must have a Professional Engineering license by the Iowa Engineering & Land Surveying Examining Board at the time of appointment and is responsible for maintaining the license by meeting continuing education requirements and all other professional obligations required by the State of Iowa.

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.

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!

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) All of the following (a and b):

a. Licensure as a professional engineer; and

b. Two 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. One year 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 one year of full-time work as a Transportation Engineer.

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

Are you licensed as a professional engineer? IF YES - How many years do you have of full-time professional work experience in transportation engineering or civil engineering?

• No experience to less than one year of work experience in the identified areas
• One year to less than two years of work experience in the identified areas
• Two years or more work experience in the identified areas
• Not applicable - I am not licensed as a professional engineer

04

Do you have ALL of the following (a, b, and c): a. Licensure as a professional engineer; and b. One year 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

If you are an employee for the State of Iowa (executive branch): How many years have you spent in the classification of Transportation Engineer for the State of Iowa?

• No experience to less than six months of work experience as a Transportation Engineer
• Six months to less than twelve months of work experience as a Transportation Engineer
• Twelve months or more of full-time experience as a Transportation Engineer
• Not applicable - I am not an employee of the State of Iowa

06

Do you have a current Professional Engineer license in another state?

• Yes
• No

07

Do you have a current State of Iowa Professional Engineer license?

• Yes
• No

08

Do you have the potential to obtain a State of Iowa Professional Engineer license upon appointment?

Required Question

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 645 Iowa Department of Transportation Address 800 Lincoln Way

Ames, Iowa, 50010

Website https://iowadot.gov/careers/