Western Region Field Engineer (Transportation Engineer Specialist)

Western Region Field Engineer (Transportation Engineer Specialist)

Salary

$81,203.20 - $124,883.20 Annually

Location

State of Iowa - See Job Description, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-00014

Agency

645 Iowa Department of Transportation

Opening Date

07/02/2026

Closing Date

7/16/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Sarah Okerlund, Sarah Okerlund@Iowadot.us

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

Are you looking for a meaningful career opportunity in a great work environment? Look no further than the Iowa Department of Transportation's Local Systems Bureau.

The Local Systems Bureau is seeking qualified applicants for its Local Systems Field Engineer position in the Western Region. As the Western Region Field Engineer (Transportation Engineer Specialist), you will perform a wide variety of paraprofessional engineering functions primarily related to the construction and construction administration of Federal and State-aid county and city road construction projects, and ensure compliance with Federal and State laws, regulations, and guidelines. This position supports the local public agencies (LPAs) within the Western Region (listed under "Location") and will join a team with a wide variety of knowledge and experience. Also, see our Regions Map.

Location: We offer a remote working environment. Applicants are either to live in, or may report to a Iowa DOT location within the Iowa Counties of: Adair, Adams, Audubon, Buena Vista, Calhoun, Carroll, Cass, Cherokee, Clay, Crawford, Dickinson, Emmet, Fremont, Guthrie, Harrison, Ida, Lyon, Mills, Monona, Montgomery, OBrien, Osceola, Page, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Pocahontas, Pottawattamie, Ringgold, Sac, Shelby, Sioux, Taylor, Union, and Woodbury.

Shift Requirements: Full-time (40 hours/week), Monday-Friday. Flex hours and teleworking are allowed with Supervisor approval. Some travel is required, including overnight travel.

Summary of job duties:

• Administers Federal and State-aid county and city road construction contracts, including but not limited to:

• Attending various construction-related meetings.

• Ensuring compliance with proper policies, procedures, specifications, Local Systems Instructional Memorandums, and Materials Instructional Memorandums.

• Reviewing and/or processing Change Orders, reviewing Reimbursement Requests, progress vouchers, and pay estimates, and Weekly Reports of Working Days.

• Performing post-construction field reviews, when required.

• Answering contract-related questions and assisting in solving problems or disputes related to county and city road construction contract construction and administration.

• Assisting Field Technicians and others within the Local Systems Bureau and Iowa DOT.

• General administration of information for the State Auditor's Office, Inactive Obligations, and Project End Dates, when asked.

• Communicating with other Bureau and District personnel.

• Monitor progress of all Federal-aid and final review on selected State-aid county and city transportation contracts, to ensure compliance with federal and state guidelines.

• Assist and provide guidance to agencies requesting to utilize Federal or State-aid for professional services, construction, and other transportation contract elements.

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.

Essential functions:

• Administers Federal and State-aid county and city transportation contracts.
• Monitor progress of all Federal-aid and final review on selected State-aid county and city transportation contracts, to ensure compliance with federal and state guidelines. Assist and provide guidance to agencies requesting to utilize Federal or State-aid for professional services, construction, and other transportation contract elements.
• Answers contract-related questions and assists in solving problems or disputes related to transportation contract construction and administration.

Required certifications/licenses:

• Must possess and maintain a valid Professional Engineer license in the State of Iowa or be licensed in another state with the ability to obtain an Iowa Professional Engineer license within 6 months of hire.
• Must possess and maintain a valid drivers license in the State of Iowa.

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!

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.

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. 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/