Geologist

Join the Construction and Materials Bureau as a Geologist 2, where you will be an essential contributor to the quality assurance program for aggregates used in highway and bridge construction. In this critical role, your geological expertise and field insights will directly support the integrity of Iowa’s transportation system, ensuring every project is grounded in reliable materials, rigorous evaluation, and a commitment to excellence.

At the Iowa Department of Transportation, our mission - Making Lives Better Through Transportation. The individual selected for this role will help carry that mission forward by demonstrating behaviors guided by our five core values:
Safety First, People Matter, Customer Focused, Servant Leadership, and Integrity Without Exception. These values shape how we work, how we serve, and how we deliver transportation solutions that make a meaningful difference across the state.

Ames, Iowa

8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Monday – Friday

As a Geologist 2, you will provide essential geological expertise that supports the quality, safety, and reliability of materials used in Iowa’s highway and bridge construction. You will work closely with aggregate producers, construction teams, and materials staff to ensure proper interpretation and application of relevant codes, standards, and specifications. Your work will include both laboratory testing and meaningful field responsibilities that contribute directly to the integrity of the state’s transportation system.

• Advising aggregate producers, construction staff, and materials teams on material standards, specifications, and testing requirements.
• Guiding technicians on correct sampling, inspection, and testing procedures.
• Performing scientific tests to determine physical properties of construction materials and operating X‑ray fluorescence and X‑ray powder diffraction equipment, along with explaining these processes clearly to staff.

• Conducting field work at quarries and gravel pits, assessing ledge control, collecting representative samples, and preparing reports with recommendations.
• Updating or creating geological sections for quarries and measuring bedding using laser range‑finding tools.
• Supporting Staff Geologists in additional Districts as needed.
• Evaluating PCC pavement service history, compiling pavement history files, inspecting aggregate performance, and identifying locations for pavement core drilling.
• Performing field evaluations of revetment stone performance.

• Commitment to excellence.
• Collaborative teammates.
• Proactive problem solver with strong attention to detail.
• Motivated, friendly, inclusive and get‑it‑done attitude.
• Embrace and encourage a culture that thrives on innovative ideas and changes.
• Professional positive attitude.

• Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• This position occasionally requires heavy lifting (up to 75 pounds with team or mechanical assistance for heavier items) and walking up to two miles on uneven terrain.

• 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).

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 degree in geology, physical geography, or a closely related geological science.
• Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university with a degree in a…