Transportation Engineer Associate - Cedar Rapids

Transportation Engineer Associate - Cedar Rapids

Salary

$66,830.40 - $103,500.80 Annually

Location

Cedar Rapids - 52401 - Linn County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-00466

Agency

645 Iowa Department of Transportation

Opening Date

08/14/2026

Closing Date

8/24/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

John Lamping - John.Lamping@iowadot.us

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

Join our team as a Transportation Engineer Associate and help ensure Iowa's infrastructure is built to last. Whether you've already earned your bachelor's degree or will be graduating within the next 10 months, this entry-level engineering role offers a strong start to your career.

Working under the guidance of experienced Professional Engineers, you'll gain hands-on experience in construction project management while collaborating closely with contractors, inspectors, and internal teams. You'll help maintain quality, safety, and efficiency across a wide range of roadway and bridge projects, all while developing the professional expertise needed to progress toward Professional Engineer licensure. If you thrive in dynamic field environments, enjoy solving problems, and value meaningful public service, this role offers a meaningful path forward.

As part of the Iowa Department of Transportation, you'll contribute directly to our Mission - Making Lives Better Through Transportation. To support this mission, the person selected for this position will demonstrate behaviors grounded in our five core values: Safety First, People Matter, Customer Focused, Servant Leadership, and Integrity Without Exception. These values guide how we serve Iowans, steward public resources, and support one another and they are at the heart of the work you'll do every day.

Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Work Schedule: Core hours are Monday-Friday, 6:45 AM to 3:30 PM. Some night work, weekends, holidays, overtime, and varied shifts may be required. Travel and fieldwork in outdoor conditions are part of this role.

As a Transportation Engineer Associate, your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Lead inspections and coordination of complex roadway and construction projects to ensure full compliance with contract specifications.
• Capture and report project progress with precision, producing daily diaries, inspection reports, summaries, and accurate payment measurements.
• Drive project coordination meetings, bringing together contractors, DOT staff, utilities, and key stakeholders to keep work moving smoothly.
• Evaluate and verify contract documents, plans, and technical materials to ensure accuracy, completeness, and constructability.
• Deliver technical guidance to the RCE and take ownership of critical project administration functions.
• Execute thorough on-site inspections in active construction zones and all weather conditions, maintaining safety and attention to detail.
• Perform robust data collection and physical testing, using measurement and testing equipment safely and effectively (including lifting up to 65 lbs).
• Facilitate seamless coordination with contractors, utilities, and state/local partners throughout construction phases.
• Spot issues early, recommend solutions, and make timely decisions to keep projects on track.

Special Requirements:

• Must maintain a valid driver's license.
• Engineer certificate from the Iowa State Board of Engineering Examiners must be obtained within 24 months of hire.
• Professional Engineer licensure required within 6 years for continued employment in this classification.
• Must obtain and maintain certifications including Agg Technician, PCC 1 & 2, HMA 1, and Erosion Control Technician.

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!

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' rigts 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:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelors degree in chemical, civil, construction, environmental, materials, mechanics, structural, or transportation engineering or in engineering management.
• Possession of a verification of graduation with major course work in chemical, civil, construction, environmental, materials, mechanics, structural, or transportation engineering or in engineering management.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.

Additional Qualification Requirements

Applicants hired with verification of graduation will be required to graduate with a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university within 10 months of hire.

Within a period of time after hire, as determined by the appointing authority, employees in this class may be required to obtain one or more of the following certificates, licenses, or endorsements:

• Certification as an Engineer in Training (EIT) by the Iowa Engineering & Land Surveying Examining Board
• 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

Have you graduated or do you possess a Verification of Graduation from an accredited four year college or university with major course work in chemical, civil, construction, environmental, materials, mechanics, structural or transportation engineering, or in engineering management?

Note: Hires made with the Verification of Graduation will require graduation from the college or university within 10 months of hire.

• 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/