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Entry Level Civil Engineer Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

Production Management Associate

Ames, IA

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

... entry level position. Responsibilities: * Adheres to and enforces prescribed ethics, safety and ... Requires a Bachelor's degree in Mining, Civil, or Mechanical Engineering or Construction Management ...

Production Management Associate

Ames, IA

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

... entry level position. Responsibilities: * Adheres to and enforces prescribed ethics, safety and ... Requires a Bachelor's degree in Mining, Civil, or Mechanical Engineering or Construction Management ...

Production Management Associate

Ames, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

This is an entry level position. Responsibilities: * Adheres to and enforces prescribed ethics ... Requires a Bachelor's degree in Mining, Civil, or Mechanical Engineering or Construction Management ...

Entry Level Civil Engineer information

See Ames, IA salary details

$39.6K

$71.9K

$118.4K

How much do entry level civil engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level civil engineer in Ames, IA is $71,924.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,900.00 and $86,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level civil engineer do?

An entry level civil engineer assists in the planning, design, and construction of infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and buildings. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers, helping with drafting, site inspections, data collection, and project documentation. Entry level civil engineers also use computer-aided design (CAD) software, conduct basic calculations, and ensure that projects comply with safety and environmental regulations. Their role is essential in gaining practical experience and learning industry standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level civil engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Civil Engineer, you need a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, strong analytical skills, and foundational knowledge of engineering principles. Familiarity with computer-aided design (CAD) software, civil engineering modeling tools, and basic project management systems is typically required. Effective communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help you stand out in this role. These skills are crucial for accurately designing infrastructure, collaborating with diverse project teams, and ensuring projects are completed safely and efficiently.

What types of projects and responsibilities can an entry level civil engineer expect during their first year on the job?

As an Entry Level Civil Engineer, you will typically assist with tasks such as drafting design plans, preparing reports, conducting field inspections, and supporting senior engineers on larger projects. Early on, you may work on site development, transportation, or water resources projects, helping with data collection, calculations, and creating construction documents. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including surveyors, architects, and contractors—is common, and you’ll likely be mentored by experienced engineers to build your technical and project management skills. This exposure provides a solid foundation for career growth and deeper involvement in project coordination over time.

What is the difference between Entry Level Civil Engineer vs Civil Engineering Technician?

AspectEntry Level Civil EngineerCivil Engineering Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in civil engineering or related fieldAssociate's degree or technical diploma in civil engineering technology
Work EnvironmentDesign, planning, project management, site supervisionAssisting engineers with surveying, drafting, and data collection
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, construction companies, government agenciesConstruction firms, consulting firms, public works departments

Entry Level Civil Engineers typically hold a bachelor's degree and focus on design, planning, and project management, while Civil Engineering Technicians usually have an associate degree and support engineers with technical tasks like surveying and drafting. Both roles are essential in civil projects but differ in education requirements and daily responsibilities.

How to become an entry level civil engineer with no experience?

To become an entry-level civil engineer with no experience, obtain a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field, and develop skills in design software like AutoCAD and project management. Internships or cooperative education programs can provide practical experience and improve employability. Earning a Professional Engineer (PE) license is not required initially but can enhance career prospects later.

What are the most commonly searched types of Civil Engineer jobs in Ames, IA?

The most popular types of Civil Engineer jobs in Ames, IA are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Civil Engineer jobs in Ames, IA?

For Entry Level Civil Engineer jobs in Ames, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Civil Engineer jobs in Ames, IA look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Civil Engineer jobs in Ames, IA are:

What cities near Ames, IA are hiring for Entry Level Civil Engineer jobs?

Cities near Ames, IA with the most Entry Level Civil Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Civil Engineer job openings in Ames, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $71,924 per year, or $34.6 per hour.

Design Engineer - Water/Wastewater

Ames, IA


Bolton & Menk, Inc
Civil Engineering Construction • 501 - 1,000 employees

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

67th of 450 rated engineering

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Bolton & Menk has an exciting opportunity for a Design Engineer, EIT, to join our Water/Wastewater team in our Ames office. As a Top Workplace, this is a fantastic chance to work with a talented team of professionals and make a lasting impact on the communities we serve. With over 75 years of experience, Bolton & Menk specializes in providing community infrastructure solutions across the Midwest, Southeast, and beyond.

In this entry level civil engineering role, we are looking to add an EIT who will help foster our mission that All People Should Live in Safe, Sustainable and Beautiful Communities! The majority of your time will be spent assisting project managers and project engineers in design and construction phase activities on Water/Wastewater projects. This position is open to December 2025 or May 2026 graduates or an experienced EIT with 1-3 years of experience.

What You Will Be Doing:

  • Assist Project Engineers with design and construction phase activities on municipal projects
  • Perform basic design computations, preliminary layout and design, research and prepare rough drafts of preliminary reports and feasibility studies
  • Assist with project plans and specifications, preparing cost and quantity take-off estimates
  • Construction observation activities may include performing construction staking, performing construction administration duties such as documenting activities, measuring and testing, providing general oversight, and interacting with contractors, sub-contractors, residents and City staff.

What We Are Looking For:

  • Master of Science or Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil/Environmental Engineering from an ABET accredited post-secondary institution with an emphasis on water and/or wastewater treatment.
  • Certified Engineer-in-Training or able to obtain within 12 months of hire
  • Experience with water or wastewater treatment 
  • Working knowledge and skills in CAD and design software. (i.e. AutoCAD Civil3D, REVIT)
  • Possess a valid drivers license as travel to various facilities and job sites may be required

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis, part-time basis or internship for any employer without restriction. Bolton & Menk does not provide visa sponsorship or immigration support for this position.

WHY BOLTON & MENK?
Bolton & Menk, Inc. specializes in providing community infrastructure solutions. Since 1949, we have been committed to improving quality of life through engineering excellence and client satisfaction. From advocating for our communities to designing their dreams to finding funding; we take pride in our work because we live in these same communities. Today, Bolton & Menk has more than 1,000 employees throughout more than 40 locations in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Colorado, North Carolina and South Carolina providing services to more than 400 communities and agencies. Learn more about our history here: https://www.bolton-menk.com/about-us/

OUR BENEFITS
At Bolton & Menk, we value our people and provide an exceptional Total Compensation and Benefits Package to protect our most valuable asset. We are committed to the well-being of our employees and their families. Perks of being a Bolton & Menk employee include peace of mind with our benefits package and competitive compensation plan, flexible schedules, and career development opportunities. Learn more here: https://www.bolton-menk.com/careers

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Bolton & Menk does not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third-party agencies in response to Bolton & Menk job postings. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly to our hiring managers. Pre-approval from the Bolton & Menk Talent Acquisition team is required after any external candidate can be submitted and such candidate must be submitted to the Bolton & Menk Talent Acquisition team.

It is our responsibility and privilege to embrace the diversity of people, thoughts, and experiences necessary to develop infrastructure systems that serve all people. Bolton & Menk, Inc., is an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer including disability and vets.



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