Geotechnical Engineer; TE Associate

Geotechnical Engineer (Transportation Engineer Associate)

The Design Bureau is looking to hire a geotechnical engineer who is a positive professional, committed to excellence, and desires to be part of a team that develops projects enhancing the state and national transportation system in Iowa.

We also consider pending or recent college graduates with a degree in Civil, Construction, Structural, Environmental, Materials, Transportation Engineering, or Engineering Management.

Ames, Iowa – Design Bureau/Soils Design Section. Requires in‑person daily reporting.

Days, Monday through Friday. Flexible work hours available.

• Aid in evaluating foundation support for bridges, culverts, and other drainage structures.
• Participate in the inspection of soils and foundation‑related problems or unanticipated discoveries during construction to aid in providing satisfactory solutions that minimize construction delays.
• Aid in evaluating and then recommending to others the most effective road‑design methods for subgrade treatments, borrow, and other grading activities.
• Perform geotechnical engineering work in the preparation of roadway and bridge plans, and assist with emergency response projects.

• Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in chemical, civil, construction, environmental, materials, mechanics, structural, transportation engineering, or engineering management.
• Passage of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam within 24 months of hire.
• Licensure as a professional engineer in the State of Iowa required within 6 years of hire.
• Valid Class C driver’s license.
• Ability to travel to remote locations and lift equipment up to 50 pounds over uneven terrain.
• Certification as an Engineer in Training (EIT) and later licensure as a professional engineer will be required within a period after hire.

• Travel to remote locations for meetings and field reviews.
• Mobility to access sites in rugged terrain.
• Ability to lift and manipulate field equipment and other items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• No applicants requiring immigration sponsorship.

• Competitive pay and benefits package including health, dental, flexible spending, and life insurance.
• Insurance benefits start after the first month following 30 days of employment.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Paid time off: biweekly vacation, separate sick leave, accruals rollover yearly, 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 various vendors.
• Discounted membership at the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and conference discounts.

The Iowa Department of Transportation is an equal‑opportunity employer. Reasonable accommodation is available. The State of Iowa participates in E‑Verify and complies with the Right‑to‑Work laws. If you require a reasonable accommodation in the selection process, contact aa‑eeo.