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Entry Level Cybersecurity Penetration Tester Jobs in Iowa

... Support testing, usability reviews, documentation, training materials, and client deliverables ... cybersecurity concepts, or software development through coursework, internships, research, or ...

Entry Level Cybersecurity Penetration Tester information

What does an entry level cybersecurity penetration tester do?

An Entry Level Cybersecurity Penetration Tester is responsible for identifying and assessing security vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks, and applications. They use various tools and techniques to simulate cyberattacks, helping organizations find and fix weaknesses before malicious hackers can exploit them. Typically, they work under the supervision of senior testers, document their findings, and may help create reports or recommend security improvements. This role is a starting point for a career in ethical hacking and cybersecurity consulting.

What does a typical week look like for an entry level cybersecurity penetration tester in terms of tasks and team collaboration?

As an entry level cybersecurity penetration tester, your week typically involves planning and executing controlled attacks on systems to identify vulnerabilities, documenting your findings, and participating in debrief meetings with clients or internal teams. You'll often work closely with more experienced testers, security analysts, and IT staff to coordinate testing efforts and understand the systems under review. Regular collaboration is key, especially when interpreting results and developing mitigation strategies. You can also expect to spend time learning new tools and techniques, as staying updated is essential in this rapidly changing field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level cybersecurity penetration tester, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Cybersecurity Penetration Tester, you need a solid understanding of networking, operating systems, and basic security principles, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Metasploit, Nmap, Burp Suite, and certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or CEH are commonly expected. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication set standout candidates apart in this role. These skills are crucial for identifying vulnerabilities, explaining findings to stakeholders, and helping organizations strengthen their security posture.

What is the difference between Entry Level Cybersecurity Penetration Tester vs Cybersecurity Analyst?

AspectEntry Level Cybersecurity Penetration TesterCybersecurity Analyst
CertificationsCompTIA Security+, CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)CompTIA Security+, CISSP (entry-level)
Work EnvironmentSimulated attacks, testing security systemsMonitoring, analyzing security events
Primary FocusIdentifying vulnerabilities through penetration testingDetecting and responding to security threats
Industry UsageSecurity testing firms, IT departmentsAll industries, corporate security teams

While both roles require foundational cybersecurity knowledge and certifications, the Entry Level Cybersecurity Penetration Tester focuses on proactively testing systems for vulnerabilities, whereas the Cybersecurity Analyst monitors and responds to security incidents. Both are essential for a comprehensive security strategy but serve different functions within an organization.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cybersecurity Penetration Tester jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Cybersecurity Penetration Tester jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Cybersecurity Penetration Tester jobs in Iowa?

For Entry Level Cybersecurity Penetration Tester jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Cybersecurity Penetration Tester jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Cybersecurity Penetration Tester jobs in Iowa are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Cybersecurity Penetration Tester job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution.

Driller Assistant/Exploration Team Member I

TERRACON

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$22.50 - $30.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Terracon rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 120 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th of 72 rated business consultants


Job description


Exploration Team Members (ETMs) will perform subsurface exploration duties using conventional drilling or in-situ testing techniques. Drill methods may include auger drilling, mud rotary drilling, air rotary drilling, and diamond bit coring techniques. In-situ testing techniques may include cone penetration testing (CPT), pressure meter testing, and rock dilatometer testing. Work may also include the installation of instrumentation such as piezometers, monitor wells and inclinometers. Work as part of a multiple person team on projects. ETMs will perform daily tasks including survey and locate drilling points; conduct site reconnaissance; load/unload tooling, materials and samples; classify soil and rock samples; perform routine maintenance and basic repairs on drilling equipment, prepare internal (daily field forms) and external (DOT Logs) paperwork.
Responsibilities
  • This is an entry level position. No experience is required.
  • The employee will be expected perform following tasks:
    • Load tooling and materials.
    • Assist in drilling operations and instrumentation and monitoring well installation.
    • Collect soil and rock samples and log field data.
    • Perform routine repairs and maintenance.
    • Perform basic surveying and site reconnaissance.
    • Drive a medium-duty truck and trailer.
    • Learn to inspect and how to maintain equipment.
    • Follow safety rules, guidelines and standards for all projects.
    • Participate in pre-task planning. Report any safety issues or concerns to management.
    • Be responsible for maintaining quality standards on all projects.

Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Limited or no experience required
  • A valid driver's license with acceptable violation history

Required Qualifications:
  • Ability to obtain a DOT Medical Card within first 30 days of employment.

About Us
Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 8,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 200 locations nationwide. Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon's growth is due to our talented employee-owners exceeding expectations in client service and growing their careers with new and exciting opportunities in the marketplace. Terracon was recognized as the #1 firm in Asbestos and Lead Abatement.
Terracon's vision of "Together, we are best at people" is demonstrated through our excellent compensation and benefits package. Based on eligibility, role and job status, we offer many programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, and various bonus programs.
About the Team
Innovation and hands-on practice come together in our geotechnical consulting services. We provide geotechnical services nationwide for a wide range of projects, drawing on six decades of historical geotechnical data, a fleet of more than 200 drill rigs, 140 accredited laboratories, and thousands of employees to quickly organize or capture site data wherever projects are located. From AI-supported solutions and predictive technologies to geophysics and traditional exploration, we deliver precision, value-added subsurface information and engineering and scientific expertise to solving our clients' challenges and achieve their goals for project sustainability, quality, and efficiency.

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