Technical Project Manager Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

MSA Professional Services is seeking a Project Manager – Field Services to support roadway and highway construction projects throughout Iowa.

This role combines field leadership, project management, construction oversight, and client engagement to ensure successful delivery of transportation infrastructure projects. You will lead field operations, oversee construction layout and staking activities, manage project communication, and collaborate closely with Iowa DOT, contractors, project teams, and the public.

MSA Professional Services is 100% employee-owned, meaning every employee has a direct stake in the success of the company. This ownership mindset drives our collaborative culture, long-term thinking, and commitment to delivering high-quality work for the communities we serve.

Come join the ownership team at MSA!

Employee Testimonial:

"As an employee-owned company (100% ESOP), working at MSA is not just a job. We're genuine co-owners, and this ESOP setup promotes a culture of collaboration and engagement throughout MSA because we all have a direct financial interest as owners."

-Project Engineer Transportation, Cedar Rapids Office

Project Management & Field Leadership

• Lead, oversee, and/or perform construction layout staking and survey layout services for roadway and highway projects
• Provide field leadership and oversight throughout construction phases to support successful project delivery
• Track project budgets, review invoices, and monitor project performance metrics
• Ensure delivery on project commitments, conduct quality reviews, and support project closeout processes

Construction Oversight & Technical Support

• Provide constructability feedback and guidance to project design teams
• Utilize survey equipment and field-testing equipment for layout, data collection, and construction services
• Oversee field activities and ensure compliance with plans, specifications, and Iowa DOT standards
• Support QA/QC processes and prepare project management documentation including QA/QC Plans and Project Management Plans

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Communicate with internal and external clients in support of existing and future roadway projects
• Regularly interact professionally with the public regarding project-related issues
• Coordinate project communication through meetings, emails, reports, and other documentation with all stakeholders
• Support marketing and business development efforts in partnership with Team Leaders and Client Service Managers

Team Leadership & Mentorship

• Provide oversight, mentoring, and guidance to less experienced field staff
• Foster collaboration and effective communication across project teams
• Support continuous improvement and knowledge sharing within the team environment

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field preferred

Experience

• 6+ years of relevant experience with Iowa DOT construction-related services
• Experience using survey equipment for data collection and layout staking required

Licensure

• Professional Engineer (PE) license in Iowa required or the ability to get licensed within 6 months of employment

Skills

• Strong understanding of roadway construction practices and Iowa DOT standards
• Experience with survey equipment and field-testing tools
• Strong initiative and ability to successfully manage projects independently
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and mentoring skills
• Proven ability to manage stakeholder relationships and crucial conversations professionally
• Ability to excel in both independent and team-based environments
• Strong organizational and project management capabilities

• 100% employeeowned firm with 100+ years of community impact
• Collaborative culture with in-house experts for all disciplines across the firm
• Flexible worklife integration
• Ongoing learning and professional growth opportunities for all positions
• Commitment to fostering a work environment where employees have a strong sense of inclusion and belonging
• Included on the "ENR Top 500 Design Firms" for over 27 straight years

Eligible employees also receive a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Compensation Range: $79,000 –$126,500 annually plus overtime pay eligible (commensurate with experience)

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) – As a 100% employee-owned company, eligible employees receive company shares at no cost

• Flex Time: All hours over 40 are paid out a straight rate.  Get paid for the work that you do!

• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Generous employer match that is immediately 100% vested

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance for employees and eligible dependents

• Paid Time Off – Minimum of 17 days in the first year

• Paid Holidays – 8 holidays annually

• Paid Parental Leave – regardless of birth parent

• Employer-Paid Insurance – Life, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage

• Short-Term Incentive Program (STIP) – Annual performance-based bonus opportunity

MSA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

MSA is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact hr@msa-ps.com so we can assist you.