Geotechnical Engineer; TE Specialist

Do you have an understanding of the highway design process necessary to develop highway projects from concept to construction? If yes, the Design Bureau is looking to hire a full-time Geotechnical Engineer (Transportation Engineering Specialist (TES) who will be part of a team developing projects that enhance the state and national transportation system in Iowa.

As a Geotechnical Engineer, you will be responsible for geotechnical investigations, analysis, recommendations, and designs for transportation projects throughout the State of Iowa. These include geotechnical engineering for roadways, subgrades, bridges, culverts, buildings, and fill embankments. Additional duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Advising consultants on both standard and non-standard subsurface investigations, analyses, and geotechnical designs (including structural bearing analysis, subsurface treatments, settlement, slope stability, and drainage).
• Designing slope stability remediation measures, which include stability berms and flattened slopes in addition to more complex design measures such as rock buttresses and Yugoslavian drains.
• Assisting with emergency response and disaster coordination as needed due to major rain and flooding events.

This person will collaborate with numerous stakeholders to develop innovative geotechnical solutions that are vital to fulfilling our Mission – Making Lives Better Through Transportation. We are looking for someone who will demonstrate, with their actions and behaviors, the Iowa Department of Transportation’s five CORE values:
Safety First, People Matter, Customer Focused, Servant Leadership, and Integrity Without Exception.

• Must possess and maintain registration as a professional engineer in Iowa, as established by the Iowa Professional Licensing Bureau’s Engineering and Land Survey Board as an Iowa Professional Engineer in Active status.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License.
• The most critical competencies of this position are the comprehensive understanding of advanced geotechnical engineering necessary to properly evaluate settlement, stability, subgrades, drainage, and other soils/foundation-related work associated with highway and bridge projects.

Ames, Iowa – Design Bureau/Soils Design Section

Days, Monday through Friday. Flexible work hours are available, and some travel will be required.

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 you're interested in learning more about this benefit, please visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

• 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 today!

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.

Reasonable accommodation includes an interpreter, translator,…