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Highway Project Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

ThinkingAhead

Project Manager

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

HEAVY CIVIL PROJECT MANAGER - DOT HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION Location: Moline / Quad Cities, Illinois Base Salary: $85,000-$115,000 based on experience Travel: None - all projects are local Typical Project ...

Concrete Technologies, Inc.

Project Manager

Grimes, IA · On-site

SUMMARY Concrete Technologies, Inc. (CTI) is looking for a self-motivated and experienced Concrete Project Manager for both our Commercial and Heavy Highway divisions. The Project Manager will be ...

Concrete Technologies, Inc.

Project Manager

Grimes, IA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

SUMMARY Concrete Technologies, Inc. (CTI) is looking for a self-motivated and experienced Concrete Project Manager for both our Commercial and Heavy Highway divisions. The Project Manager will be ...

Manatt's

Project Manager

Brooklyn, IA · On-site

Summary Project Managers provide outstanding independent project management skills from project ... highway construction and materials industry. We specialize in asphalt, concrete, and chipseal ...

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All JobsHighway Project JobsHighway Project Manager JobsHighway Project Manager Jobs in Iowa

Highway Project Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$41.8K

$98.5K

$163K

How much do highway project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for highway project manager in Iowa is $98,522.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,200.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the role of a highway project manager in road construction?

A highway project manager oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of road construction projects, ensuring they meet design specifications, safety standards, and deadlines. They manage budgets, supervise construction teams, and coordinate with engineers, contractors, and government agencies throughout the project lifecycle.

What does a highway project manager do?

A Highway Project Manager oversees the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of highway projects. They coordinate with engineers, contractors, government agencies, and stakeholders to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and according to safety and quality standards. Their responsibilities include managing project schedules, supervising teams, handling contracts, and resolving any issues that arise during the project lifecycle. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are essential for success in this role.

Is a highway project manager in high demand?

Highway project managers are in high demand due to ongoing infrastructure development and maintenance projects. They are typically required to have strong project management skills, relevant certifications, and experience with construction tools and regulations, making their role essential in transportation and civil engineering sectors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a highway project manager?

A Highway Project Manager needs expertise in civil engineering, project management principles, and a relevant degree or professional engineering license. Familiarity with project management software (such as MS Project or Primavera), CAD tools, and safety regulations is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help coordinate teams and manage stakeholder expectations. These skills ensure projects are completed safely, on time, within budget, and in compliance with regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges faced by highway project managers during large-scale infrastructure projects?

Highway Project Managers often encounter challenges such as coordinating between multiple stakeholders, managing tight project timelines, and addressing unexpected site conditions or regulatory changes. They must balance budget constraints while ensuring safety and quality standards are met. Effective communication with contractors, engineers, government officials, and the public is essential to resolve issues quickly and keep the project on track. Adaptability and proactive problem-solving are key in overcoming these hurdles.

What is the difference between Highway Project Manager vs Civil Engineer?

AspectHighway Project ManagerCivil Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Civil Engineering or related, PMP certification often preferredBachelor's in Civil Engineering, PE license often required
Work EnvironmentOversees highway construction projects, manages teams, coordinates with contractorsDesigns, plans, and analyzes infrastructure projects, including highways
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction firms, government agencies, transportation departmentsEngineering consulting firms, government agencies, construction companies

While both roles require civil engineering knowledge and similar credentials, the Highway Project Manager focuses on overseeing and managing highway construction projects, ensuring timely completion and budget adherence. Civil Engineers primarily design and plan infrastructure projects, including highways, often working in the planning and design phases before project management takes over.

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Highway Project Manager jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Highway Project Manager job openings:
Highway Project Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Highway Project Manager job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,522 per year, or $47.4 per hour.

Project Manager

ThinkingAhead

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

HEAVY CIVIL PROJECT MANAGER - DOT HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION
Location: Moline / Quad Cities, Illinois
Base Salary: $85,000-$115,000 based on experience
Travel: None - all projects are local
Typical Project Size: $4 million-$20 million
Hiring Timeline: Immediate
The Opportunity
A well-established, family-owned heavy civil contractor is hiring a Project Manager to oversee local DOT highway and infrastructure projects throughout the Moline and Quad Cities market.
The company has served the region for more than 100 years and performs asphalt paving, concrete paving, grading and mass excavation, underground utilities, demolition, bridge and culvert construction, railroad work and site development.
This is an opportunity to manage substantial infrastructure projects without overnight travel. The Project Manager will work directly with the General Superintendent and ownership while overseeing projects from award through closeout.
Responsibilities
  • Manage DOT highway and heavy civil projects valued from approximately $4 million to $20 million
  • Develop and maintain project schedules, budgets, cost forecasts and work plans
  • Coordinate Superintendents, field crews, subcontractors, suppliers and equipment
  • Review plans, specifications, contracts and project requirements
  • Manage submittals, RFIs, change orders, procurement and project documentation
  • Monitor production, job costs, quantities and project profitability
  • Work closely with field leadership to resolve issues and maintain progress
  • Coordinate with DOT representatives, inspectors, engineers and municipalities
  • Lead project meetings and communicate schedule, cost and production updates to company leadership
  • Ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule and within budget
  • Manage project closeout, final documentation and owner acceptance
Required Experience
  • Project management experience with a heavy civil, highway or infrastructure contractor
  • Direct experience managing DOT projects or comparably large heavy civil work
  • Working knowledge of roadway construction, paving, earthwork, underground utilities, drainage or structures
  • Ability to read civil plans, specifications and contract documents
  • Strong understanding of scheduling, cost control, change management and field production
  • Ability to lead project teams and communicate effectively with field personnel, owners, inspectors and subcontractors
  • Valid driver's license
Preferred Background
  • Experience with IDOT, Iowa DOT or another state transportation agency
  • Experience managing projects valued between $4 million and $20 million
  • Familiarity with union construction environments
  • Degree in construction management, civil engineering or a related discipline is preferred but not required with strong industry experience
Why Consider This Opportunity?
  • No overnight travel
  • All projects are local to the Moline and Quad Cities market
  • Direct access to the General Superintendent and ownership
  • Diverse DOT and infrastructure project portfolio
  • Stable opportunity with a respected regional contractor
  • Long-term career potential with a family-owned company that has operated for more than a century

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