Engineering Technician Senior

Salary : $61,755.20 - $94,036.80 Annually
Location : Ames - 50010 - Story County, IA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 27-00953
Agency: 645 Iowa Department of Transportation
Opening Date: 10/02/2026
Closing Date: 10/18/2026 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag: #LI-POST
Point of Contact: Jason Holst,

Job Description
The Design Bureau of the Iowa Department of Transportation is looking to hire an Engineering Technician Senior (ETS) interested in making an impact on developing projects in the State's Highway Improvement Program.
This ETS position is part of the Preliminary Design team responsible for developing project concepts on 4R, Bridge Replacement, and other state highway improvement projects of varying complexity. You will work under the general supervision of a Professional Engineer while performing technical applications of engineering design of a broad scope and complexity.

In this role, you will:

• Utilize CADD skills, a thorough understanding of highway project design principles, and construction techniques.
• Develop project concepts and contribute to design decisions in collaboration with the PreDesign Engineer and project review teams.
• Communicate and coordinate with team members, staff amongst other DOT Bureaus, and District staff.
• Establish alignments, preliminary project modeling, mentor team members, and organize team workloads.
• Conduct and facilitate Project Concept meetings and Field Exams, including coordination with District, Bridges & Structures, FHWA, and local officials.
• Prepare cost estimates and support analysis of project alternatives.
• Participate in annual Interstate system reviews and help develop pavement rehabilitation concepts.

Shift: Monday through Friday with a flexible schedule possible. Some in-state travel is required.
Location: Design Bureau, Iowa DOT Complex in Ames, Iowa
Requirements:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license

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
• 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 !

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 or via email at
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
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

1) Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate's degree in civil engineering or a related field, and experience equal to five years of full-time work in engineering survey, construction inspection, highway design, materials inspection, or materials testing.

2) A total of seven years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in number one), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in civil engineering or a related field equals one year of full-time experience.

3) Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes twelve months of full-time work as a Construction Technician Senior or Design Technician Specialist, or four years of full-time work as a Construction Technician, Highway Technician Senior, Engineering Operations Technician, or Design Technician.

For additional information, please click on this .

Additional Qualification Requirements

• Designated positions in this class require possession of a valid Commercial Learner's Permit upon hire. Within a timeframe determined by the appointing authority, a valid Class A Commercial Driver's License with the required endorsements and applicable restrictions must be obtained and subsequently maintained in order to continue employment.
• If a CDL is not required, designated positions in this class are required to have and maintain a minimum of a valid Class C Non-Commercial Operator's License.
• In conjunction with Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (parts 40 and 382), designated positions in this job class require a pre-employment drug screen and will require ongoing participation in the employer's random drug and alcohol testing program and will be subject to the regulations regarding the Federal drug and alcohol testing program.
• Prior to starting employment, persons in designated positions are required to have a post offer, pre-employment physical verifying the physical ability to perform the duties described.
• Travel, including overnight travel, may be required for positions in this class. Employees must arrange transportation to and from assigned work areas.
• Employees in designated positions must be able to work up to 16 consecutive hours.

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-friendlyGain 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.

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?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 from an accredited college or university with an Associate's Degree in Civil Engineering or related field? IF YES - How many years of experience do you have in engineering survey, construction inspection, highway design, materials inspection or materials testing?

• I have not graduated from an accredited college or university with an Associate's Degree in Civil Engineering or related field
• Less than five years of experience in engineering survey, construction inspection, highway design, materials inspection or materials testing
• Five years or more of experience in engineering survey, construction inspection, highway design, materials inspection or materials testing

04

How many years do you have of a combination of post high school education in Civil Engineering or related field AND/OR full-time work in engineering survey, construction inspection, highway design, materials inspection or materials testing? 30 semester hours equals one year of experience.

• I do not have any of the combined education and/or experience
• Less than seven years of the combined education and/or experience
• Seven years or more of the combined education and/or experience

05

Are you a current State of Iowa employee (executive branch)? IF YES - How many years of experience do you have in the classification of Construction Technician, Highway Technician Senior, Engineering Operations Technician, or Design Technician for the State of Iowa?

• I am not a current State of Iowa employee
• I do not have any experience in the classification of Construction Technician, Highway Technician Senior, Engineering Operations Technician, or Design Technician for the State of Iowa
• Less than four years of experience in the classification of Construction Technician, Highway Technician Senior, Engineering Operations Technician, or Design Technician for the State of Iowa
• Four years or more of experience in the classification of Construction Technician, Highway Technician Senior, Engineering Operations Technician, or Design Technician for the State of Iowa

06

Are you a current State of Iowa employee (executive branch)? IF YES - How many months of experience do you have in the classification of Construction Technician Senior or Design Technician Specialist for the State of Iowa?

• I am not a current State of Iowa employee
• I do not have any experience in the classification of Construction Technician Senior or Design Technician Specialist for the State of Iowa
• Less than 12 months of experience in the classification of Construction Technician Senior or Design Technician Specialist for the State of Iowa
• 12 months or more of experience in the classification of Construction Technician Senior or Design Technician Specialist for the State of Iowa

Required Question