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Graduate Civil Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

This is an excellent opportunity for an earlycareer engineer or recent graduate to gain handson ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Civil or Geotechnical focus preferred). * 0-3 years of relevant ...

... and civil * Work on a variety of mechanical projects across our market sectors. Common projects ... Graduate of an accredited engineering school with bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or ...

Intern (Unpaid)

Independence, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

... graduate program, or recent graduation from an accredited college or university. * Fields of study relevant to the department of interest (e.g., Public Administration, Civil Engineering, Criminal ...

... civil, and aerospace engineering applications. * Conceptual Teaching & Problem-Solving: Skilled at ... graduate levels. * Effective Teaching Methods: Ability to identify concepts students commonly ...

Fluid Mechanics Tutor

Ames, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... civil, and aerospace engineering applications. * Conceptual Teaching & Problem-Solving: Skilled at ... graduate levels. * Effective Teaching Methods: Ability to identify concepts students commonly ...

Experience in warfighting mission domains, including homeland defense or civil support, and Joint ... Graduate of U.S. Air Force or Naval Command & Staff School Nice If You Have: * Experience solving ...

Experience in warfighting mission domains such as homeland defense or civil support * Experience ... Graduate of the Navy's Maritime Advanced Warfighting School (MAWS) Clearance: Applicants selected ...

Showing results 41-58

Graduate Civil Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$10.3K

$55.9K

$79.8K

How much do graduate civil engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate civil engineer in Iowa is $55,878.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,900.00 and $74,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a graduate civil engineer?

As a graduate civil engineer, your daily duties vary depending on where you work and whether or not you work in the private or public sector. Some of your responsibilities in this career may include designing and building infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, or water supply systems. You may be part of the development and planning team or the layout design process, or you may be responsible for the documentation of repair needs in various infrastructures, such as bridges, buildings, or tunnels.

What does a graduate civil engineer do?

A Graduate Civil Engineer typically assists with the planning, design, and management of construction projects such as roads, bridges, buildings, and water systems. They work under the supervision of experienced engineers to gain practical knowledge and develop technical skills. Their tasks may include preparing drawings, conducting site visits, and ensuring that projects comply with safety and environmental regulations. This role serves as an entry point for recent graduates to build a foundation for a career in civil engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graduate civil engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Civil Engineer, you need a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, a solid understanding of engineering principles, and strong mathematical skills. Familiarity with CAD software, structural analysis tools, and knowledge of relevant standards or codes are typically expected. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help you collaborate effectively and adapt to project challenges. These skills ensure that engineering solutions are technically sound, efficiently delivered, and meet safety and regulatory requirements.

What are some common challenges graduate civil engineers face when transitioning from university to their first professional role?

Graduate Civil Engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to real-world project constraints, learning to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and understanding how their academic knowledge translates into practical solutions. They must also become familiar with industry-specific software, safety regulations, and communication protocols while working within multidisciplinary teams. Receiving mentorship and being proactive in seeking feedback can help ease this transition and accelerate professional development.

Are civil engineering graduates in demand?

Civil engineering graduates are generally in demand due to ongoing infrastructure projects, urban development, and environmental initiatives. Employers seek candidates with strong technical skills, proficiency in design software, and relevant certifications, making it a stable career choice in many regions.

What jobs can I get with a master's in civil engineering?

A master's in civil engineering qualifies you for roles such as civil engineer, structural engineer, transportation engineer, geotechnical engineer, and project manager. These positions often require knowledge of design software, project management skills, and sometimes professional licensure or certifications like PE (Professional Engineer).

What jobs could I get if I had a graduate civil engineer degree?

A graduate civil engineer can pursue roles such as civil engineer, structural engineer, transportation engineer, or project engineer. These positions involve designing, planning, and managing construction projects, often requiring knowledge of CAD software, project management skills, and relevant certifications like Engineer-in-Training (EIT).

What are popular job titles related to Graduate Civil Engineer jobs in Iowa?

For Graduate Civil Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What are popular job titles related to Graduate Civil Engineer jobs in IA?

For Graduate Civil Engineer jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Graduate Civil Engineer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,878 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

Geotechnical Staff Engineer

TERRACON

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Terracon rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 120 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 72 rated business consultants


Job description

Geotechnical Staff Engineer 
Multiple Iowa Locations Available
Ames Dubuque Cedar Rapids Cedar Falls Bettendorf Des Moines

 

Build a Strong Foundation for Your Engineering Career at Terracon 
Terracon is seeking a Geotechnical Staff Engineer to join our Iowa teams. This is an excellent opportunity for an earlycareer engineer or recent graduate to gain handson experience in geotechnical engineering while working under the mentorship of experienced Professional Engineers. 
You'll support a wide range of projects that shape communities-transportation infrastructure, public works, commercial and industrial developments, energy facilities, and more-while building technical expertise, field experience, and project management skills. 
 

Position Overview 
As a Geotechnical Staff Engineer, you will provide engineering and consulting services for a diverse array of clients and projects. Responsibilities include participation in field investigations, geotechnical analysis and calculations, development of engineering recommendations, construction observation, and preparation of technical reports. Assignments are designed to progressively develop your engineering judgment and professional skills. 
 

Why Terracon? 
 
  1. Multiple Iowa office locations offering flexibility and local project impact.
  2. Handson geotechnical experience early in your career.
  3. Mentorship from experienced Professional Engineers.
  4. Exposure to a wide variety of projects and market sectors.
  5. A collaborative environment that emphasizes safety, quality, and professional development.
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.
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.
  1. Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Civil or Geotechnical focus preferred).
  2. 0-3 years of relevant experience.
  3. EngineerinTraining (EIT) or Engineering Intern (EI) certification required.
  4. Valid driver's license with acceptable driving history.
  5. Strong communication skills and a desire to learn and grow as a geotechnical professional.

What You'll Do 
 

  1. Participate in and support geotechnical field investigations, observations, inspections, and testing.
  2. Perform geotechnical engineering analyses and calculations under the supervision of a Professional Engineer.
  3. Assist with the design and development of plans and specifications.
  4. Review drawings and construction activities to ensure compliance with project plans and specifications.
  5. Prepare and contribute to engineering reports, proposals, and cost estimates for projects of varying complexity.
  6. Track project scope, schedules, and budgets; assist with recommending adjustments as needed.
  7. Evaluate laboratory and field data and contribute to design and construction recommendations.
  8. Research and help resolve geotechnical design and construction challenges.
  9. Communicate technical findings clearly to clients, project teams, and nontechnical stakeholders.
  10. Support projects across public works, transportation, commercial, communications, energy, and industrial sectors.

Safety & Quality Expectations 
 

  1. Follow all safety rules, guidelines, and standards and participate in pretask planning.
  2. Promptly report safety concerns and support a strong safety culture.
  3. Prepare proposals and reports under the supervision of an Authorized Project Reviewer while adhering to Terracon's quality standards.
  4. Maintain quality across all assignments while working closely with senior Professional Engineers to gain technical and project management experience.

What We're Looking For 
 

  1. Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Civil or Geotechnical focus preferred).
  2. 0-3 years of relevant experience.
  3. EngineerinTraining (EIT) or Engineering Intern (EI) certification required.
  4. Valid driver's license with acceptable driving history.
  5. Strong communication skills and a desire to learn and grow as a geotechnical professional.

Project & Client Engagement 
 

  1. Plan, schedule, and coordinate detailed phases of moderately sized and moderately complex projects under Professional Engineer supervision.
  2. Interact directly with clients and project team members to help develop scopes of services and communicate project progress.
  3. Gain exposure to project management, client interaction, and consulting best practices.

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