Transportation Engineer Administrator - Davenport RCE

Transportation Engineer Administrator - Davenport RCE

Salary

$98,009.60 - $139,568.00 Annually

Location

Davenport - 52801 - Scott County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-03344

Agency

645 Iowa Department of Transportation

Opening Date

06/10/2026

Closing Date

6/21/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Adrian Simonson - Adrian.Simonson@iowadot.us

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

Are you a seasoned engineering leader who thrives on building strong teams, solving complex construction challenges, and shaping transportation infrastructure that millions rely on every year? If so, the Iowa Department of Transportation's Davenport Resident Construction Office (RCE) is looking for a Transportation Engineer Administrator who's ready to make a lasting impact. This highly visible leadership role brings together engineering expertise, people leadership, and strategic decision-making to deliver meaningful results across District 6.

The Iowa Department of Transportation's Mission is Making Lives Better Through Transportation. This position will foster growth and support for its reporting team through the five core values of the department: Safety First, People Matter, Customer Focused, Servant Leadership, and Integrity Without Exception.

Location: Davenport RCE Office, Davenport, Iowa

Shift Requirements: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, hours may vary; may need to respond to emergencies and occasional travel.

As a Transportation Engineer Administrator, you'll lead a team of up to 15 construction and engineering professionals, manage a $1.8 million operating budget, and oversee state and federal-aid construction projects that directly impact the quality, safety, and efficiency of Iowa's transportation system.

We're seeking a leader who:

• Is passionate about coaching teams and bringing out their best.
• Enjoys digging into complex engineering challenges and finding smart solutions.
• Can translate technical information into clear, actionable communication for any audience.
• Takes pride in strengthening communities through transportation improvements.

Your duties include, but are not limited to:

Lead and Develop a High-Performing Team

• Hire, train, coach, and evaluate staff while fostering a supportive, growth-oriented work environment.
• Set priorities, maintain office procedures, ensure safety, and guide workforce development.

Administer Major Construction Projects

• Conduct preconstruction conferences, field reviews, and ongoing inspections to ensure contract compliance and quality.
• Approve change orders, contract item overruns, and new contract items up to $150,000 each.
• Coordinate traffic control, safety requirements, DBE compliance, and resolution of project issues.

Serve as a Key Liaison and Problem Solver

• Work closely with contractors, local governments, utilities, railroads, FHWA, consultants, and the general public.
• Provide clear, confident communication-from public meetings to media interviews.

Help Shape the Transportation Improvement Program

• Participate in early planning, design reviews, environmental considerations, and project scheduling recommendations.

Special Requirements:

• Must have, or prior to appointment, must obtain and maintain an active Iowa Professional Engineering license through the Iowa Professional Licensing Bureau - Engineering and Land Survey Examination Board.
• Possess and maintain a minimum of a Class C non-commercial drivers license.

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!

The Iowa Department of Transportation is proud to be a partner with the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Through this partnership, DOT engineers are granted membership at a largely discounted price, as well as discounts for conferences and continuing education through the ASCE. We are excited to offer this benefit and to have you join this partnership with us! If youre interested in learning more about this benefit, please visit https://www.asce.org/membership

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 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) All of the following (a and b):

a. Licensure as a professional engineer; and

b. Four years of full-time professional work experience in transportation engineering or civil engineering, one year of which must have included supervisory/managerial responsibilities.

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

a. Licensure as a professional engineer; and

b. Three years of full-time professional work experience in transportation engineering or civil engineering, one year of which must have included supervisory/managerial responsibilities; 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 two years of full-time work as a Transportation Engineer Manager or Transportation Engineer Senior or three years of full-time work as a Transportation Engineer Specialist.

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?

One year of the required full-time experience must have included supervisory/managerial responsibility

• Not applicable - I am not licensed as a professional engineer
• Less than one year of supervisory/managerial responsibility
• Less than two years of professional work experience in transportation engineering or civil engineering INCLUDING one year of supervisory/managerial responsibility
• Two years to less than three years of professional work experience in transportation engineering or civil engineering INCLUDING one year of supervisory/managerial responsibility
• Three years to less than four years of lprofessional work experience in transportation engineering or civil engineering INCLUDING one year supervisory/managerial responsibility
• Four or more years of professional work experience in transportation engineering or civil engineering INCLUDING one year of supervisory/managerial responsibility

04

Do you have All of the following (a, b, and c):

a. Licensure as a professional engineer;

and

b. Three years of full-time professional work experience in transportation engineering or civil engineering, one year of which must have included supervisory/managerial responsibilities;

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 all requirements in A, B and C
• I do not meet all requirements in A, B and C

05

Are you a current State of Iowa employee - executive branch? IF YES - How many years do you have of full-time work in the classification of Transportation Engineering Manager or Senior Transportation Engineer for the State of Iowa?

• Not applicable - I am not a State of Iowa employee
• No experience as a Transportation Engineering Manager or Senior Transportation Engineer
• Less than two years of experience as a Transportation Engineering Manager or Senior Transportation Engineer
• Two or more years of experience as a Transportation Engineering Manager or Senior Transportation Engineer

06

Are you a current State of Iowa employee - executive branch? IF YES - How many years do you have of full-time work in the classification of Transportation Engineer Specialist for the State of Iowa?

• Not applicable - I am not a State of Iowa employee
• No experience as a Transportation Engineer Specialist
• Less than three years of experience as a Transportation Engineer Specialist Engineer
• Three or more years of experience as a Transportation Engineer Specialist

Required Question

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 645 Iowa Department of Transportation Address 800 Lincoln Way

Ames, Iowa, 50010

Website https://iowadot.gov/careers/