Join our Davenport Resident Construction team as a Transportation Engineer Associate and help ensure Iowa’s infrastructure is built to last. Whether you’ve already earned your bachelor’s degree or will be graduating within the next 10 months, this entry-level engineering role offers a strong start to your career.
Working under the guidance of experienced Professional Engineers, you’ll gain hands-on experience in construction project management while collaborating closely with contractors, inspectors, and internal teams. You’ll help maintain quality, safety, and efficiency across a wide range of roadway and bridge projects, all while developing the professional expertise needed to progress toward Professional Engineer licensure. If you thrive in dynamic field environments, enjoy solving problems, and value meaningful public service, this role offers a meaningful path forward.
As part of the Iowa Department of Transportation, you’ll contribute directly to our Mission - Making Lives Better Through Transportation. To support this mission, the person selected for this position will demonstrate behaviors grounded in our five core values: Safety First, People Matter, Customer Focused, Servant Leadership, and Integrity Without Exception. These values guide how we serve Iowans, steward public resources, and support one another and they are at the heart of the work you’ll do every day.
Location: Davenport RCE Office
Shift Requirements: 40 hours per week; 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM; May work irregular hours, including some nights,
weekends, overtime, and/or holidays with occasional overnight absence from home.
Essential Functions:
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Performs duties as an inspector/coordinator on a variety of increasingly complex construction projects to ensure all work is completed according to contract documents.
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Serves as an assistant to the Resident Construction Engineer.
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Assists in the training and development of inspection personnel.
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Supports special projects to gain experience necessary for eventual licensure as a Professional Engineer.
As a Transportation Engineer Associate, your duties will include, but are not limited to:
Quality Construction Inspection
Ensuring roadway and bridge projects meet required plans, specifications, and quality standards through consistent on-site inspection.-
Project Tracking and Reporting
Monitoring daily construction progress and providing clear, timely documentation and updates to the Resident Construction Engineer. -
Contract and Materials Administration
Supporting contract compliance by verifying material certifications, coordinating testing, and assisting with project administration tasks. -
Technical Plan Interpretation
Reviewing and interpreting technical drawings, survey notes, and project documents to support constructability and accuracy throughout the project lifecycle. -
Construction Coordination and Communication
Collaborating with contractors, utilities, and local agencies to resolve issues and maintain smooth project operations. -
Testing, Measurement, and Data Collection
Performing field testing, collecting accurate measurements, and gathering data to support project evaluations and decisions. -
Problem Solving and On-Site Decision Support
Identifying potential issues early, recommending solutions, and assisting with change orders, scheduling, and coordination of staff and meetings.
Preferred Qualification Requirements
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General knowledge of highway and bridge construction methods and inspection.
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General knowledge of construction surveying.
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Ability to successfully utilize advanced software applications.
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Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Special Requirements:
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Maintain a valid driver’s license; ability to operate a vehicle on and off road in a safe manner.
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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 as a Transportation Engineer Associate.
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Obtain and maintain material testing certifications that include Agg Technician, PCC 1 & 2, HMA 1, and Erosion Control Technician.
As a State of Iowa employee, you will be eligible for the following benefits:
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Competitive pay and benefits package including health, dental, flexible spending, and life insurance
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Insurance benefits start the first month following 30 days of employment and costs can be reviewed here.
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Opportunities for professional growth and development.
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Paid time off effective immediately - biweekly vacation, separate sick leave, accruals rollover on a yearly basis, and 9 paid holidays per year.
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Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) Retirement Package with employer match
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Optional 401A plan with employer contributions.
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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:
[email protected].
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.
