Entry Level Software Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

Job Description The Iowa Department of Transportation's Field Operations Division is seeking a motivated Transportation Engineer Associate to join our District 6 Design Team in Cedar Rapids as a Staff Engineer. As a Staff Engineer, you will contribute to a wide range of projects, from pavement preservation and resurfacing to bridge replacements, safety enhancements, ADA improvements, and rural/urban infrastructure work. You'll grow your skills, learn established engineering practices, and play an essential role in protecting and preserving the public's investment in our transportation system, specifically within a 12-county area in east central Iowa.

In this entry-level engineering role, you'll work under the guidance of experienced Professional Engineers while supporting the planning, design, and delivery of highway improvement projects that keep people safe and east central Iowa moving. This position is part of a Trainee/Journey Classification and is eligible for reclassification to a Transportation Engineer (current pay range: $72,238.40 - $111,238.40) within 6 months of hire with licensure as a PE. Learn more about Trainee/Journey Classifications here

The Iowa DOT's mission is Making Lives Better Through Transportation. To help us fulfill this mission, the person selected for this position will demonstrate actions and behaviors guided by our five core values: Safety First, People Matter, Customer Focused, Servant Leadership, and Integrity Without Exception. Location: District 6 Office, Cedar Rapids Shift Requirements: 7:45 am to 4:30 pm Monday - Friday, flex schedule and partial telework options available.

Some travel required. As a Staff Engineer, your duties will include, but are not limited to: Provide engineering support for District 6 highway design projects under the guidance of the Senior Transportation Engineer. Learn and apply DOT engineering procedures, developing technical skills and increasing independence over time.

Assess highway conditions, evaluate alternatives, identify project needs, and recommend practical improvements. Participate in project reviews, field exams, and public meetings. Prepare and maintain reliable project cost estimates for programming and funding decisions.

Assist with the design and review of transportation projects, including preparing plans, using design software, reviewing constructability, monitoring schedules and costs, and documenting design exceptions. Support operational activities of the District including engineering support to maintenance staff, reviewing permits for work interfacing with DOT right-of-way, and responding to public inquiries. Special Requirements: Applicants hired with verification of graduation must graduate with a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university within 10 months of hire.

Possession of an Engineer certificate issued by the Iowa State Board of Engineering Examiners is required within 18 months of hire. Licensure as a professional engineer is required within 6 years of hire for continued employment in this classification. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

As a State of Iowa employee, you will be eligible for the following benefits: 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 proud to be a partner with the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Through this partnership, DOT engineers are granted membership at a largely discounted price, as well as discounts for conferences and continuing education through the ASCE. We are excited to offer this benefit and to have you join this partnership with us.

If you're interested in learning more about this benefit, please visit https://www.asce.org/membership You have the freedom to flourish in Iowa - Apply now. 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 Affirmative Action & Equal Employment Opportunity (AA/EEO) Officer at: aa-eeo@iowadot.us

Reasonable accommodation, such as an 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 helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.

Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov

Minimum Qualification Requirements 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 bachelor's degree in chemical, civil, construction, environmental, materials, mechanics, structural, or transportation engineering or in engineering management. Possession of a verification of graduation with major course work in chemical, civil, construction, environmental, materials, mechanics, structural, or transportation engineering or in engineering management. For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.

Additional Qualification Requirements Applicants hired with verification of graduation will be required to graduate with a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university within 10 months of hire. Within a period of time after hire, as determined by the appointing authority, employees in this class may be required to obtain one or more of the following certificates, licenses, or endorsements: Certification as an Engineer in Training (EIT) by the Iowa Engineering & Land Surveying Examining Board. Licensure as a professional engineer by the Iowa Engineering & Land Surveying Examining Board.