Transportation Engineer Associate

Job Description

Are you passionate about ensuring quality and safety in roadway construction? Join our team as a Transportation Engineering Associate and play a vital role in delivering projects that keep communities moving! Upcoming graduate? We’d love to hear from you! May 2026 and December 2026 grads are encouraged to apply. 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.

Manchester Resident Construction Engineer Office – Manchester, Iowa

6:45 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday, hours may vary; may need to respond to emergencies and occasional travel.

• Oversee contract administration for complex construction projects, including material certification, progress documentation, inspection oversight, and technical support to ensure compliance with all contract requirements.
• Build and maintain effective communication and collaboration with contractors, team members, property owners, the public, and government officials to resolve issues promptly and professionally, and support the Resident Construction Engineer (RCE).
• Review and interpret plans, technical documents, and drawings for accuracy.
• Perform on-site inspections and physical testing, including lifting and transporting equipment and materials weighing up to 65 lbs, and ensure proper certification of materials prior to incorporation into projects.
• Coordinate with contractors, utilities, and local entities, negotiate changes, resolve issues, and lead regular project meetings to keep work on schedule.
• Organize and manage work schedules, direct inspection staff, and conduct presentations and training sessions to ensure efficient project execution.

• Strong attention to detail and the ability to interpret technical documents.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying conditions and manage physical tasks.
• Experience in construction inspection or related field preferred.

• Maintain valid driver's license and operate vehicle on and off road in a safe manner.
• Possession of an Engineer Certificate issued by the Iowa State Board of Engineering Examiners is required within 24 months of hire. Licensure as a Professional Engineer is required within 6 years of hire for continued employment as a Transportation Engineer Associate.
• Obtain and maintain material testing certifications that include Agg Technician, PCC 1 & 2, HMA 1, and Erosion Control Technician.

• 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!

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 Afford action Assistant of Employment Officer at: aa‑eeo. 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…