The Iowa Department of Transportation is looking for individuals who are interested in both the survey and maintenance areas!

When you step into the role of Highway Technician – District Survey, your days will be spent outside conducting a variety of survey activities for highway projects that make Iowa roadways safer while fulfilling our Mission - Making Lives Better Through Transportation. You will have the opportunity to contribute to our Core Values: Safety First, People Matter, Customer Focused, Servant Leadership, and Integrity Without Exception alongside your teammates.

During most of the year, you will spend most of your time with the survey team; and in the cold months, you will help support the maintenance garages with snow removal efforts. Despite working between the two different areas, you will get to be a part of one dedicated team!

A CDL permit is required upon hire, and you must achieve your Class A and endorsements / restrictions CDL within 5 months following your appointment. CDL Training for Iowa DOT employees is provided!! Entry Level Driver Training is available if you do not already possess a Class A and endorsements / restrictions CDL for positions that require it. Those eligible will receive both hands-on Behind-the-Wheel Range and Road training, with web-based Theory training, to fulfill required state and federal regulations.

Location: District 1 Office [Ames] - Within five (5) months, employees are required to reside within 45 minutes driving time, during normal conditions, from the nearest assigned maintenance garage.

Shift: 6:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Thursday. Hours may vary and are subject to be on call 24 hours a day during emergency and / or weather conditions. Some overnight travel may be required.

Whether you’re working with the survey team or maintenance garage, you’ll keep the roads safe by:
- completing right-of-way property survey and highway alignment survey for project plans
- collecting survey data for creating right-of-way acquisition plats and legal descriptions
- using DOT technical devices and software applications
- operating snow equipment

To excel in this position, you will need the ability to learn new software, access and utilize multiple applications, complete mathematic calculations, and operate equipment.

Requirements:
- Possess a Commercial Learner’s Permit
- Obtain a Class B CDL with required endorsements in 45 days of hire
- Obtain a Class A CDL with required endorsements in 5 months of hire

While you keep our roadways safe, we want to share what we offer YOU as a State of Iowa employee:
- Competitive pay and benefits package including health, dental, flexible spending, and life insurance.
- Insurance benefits start first of the month following 30 days of employment. 2025 health and dental insurance premiums can be found 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!

Do you like variety in the work you perform? 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 includes an interpreter, translator, written materials, modified equipment/devices, ADA access, etc. This does not include scheduling needs.

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

1. Graduation from high school, GED, or equivalency, and experience equal to two years of full-time work in highway maintenance, equipment operation, construction inspection, field work in engineering survey, or materials inspection and testing.
2. A total of two years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in number one), where thirty semester hours of post-high-school education in highway maintenance, equipment operation, construction inspection, field work in engineering survey, or materials inspection and testing equals one year of full-time experience.
3. Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes eighteen months of full-time work as a Highway Technician Associate or Construction Technician Assistant.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.

• Positions in this class require possession of a valid Commercial Learner’s Permit upon hire. Within a timeframe determined by the appointing authority, a valid Commercial Driver’s License with the required endorsements and applicable restrictions must be obtained and subsequently maintained to continue employment.
• In conjunction with Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (parts 40 and 382), this job requires a pre-employment drug screen and will require ongoing participation in the employer’s random drug and alcohol testing program and will be subject to the regulations regarding the Federal drug and alcohol testing program.
• Prior to starting employment, all persons are required to have a post offer, pre-employment physical verifying the physical ability to perform the duties described.
• Within a period of time after hire, as determined by the appointing authority, employees in this class may be required to obtain and maintain Herbicide Applicator certification from the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.
• Positions require certification for testing materials and operating specialized equipment as required by the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Technical Training and Certification Program for Highway Materials and Construction; and/or other certifications as required.
• Travel, including overnight travel, may be required for positions in this class. Employees must arrange transportation to and from assigned work areas.
• Within a timeframe determined by the appointing authority, employees in designated positions are required to reside within a defined driving time, during normal conditions, from the assigned work location.
• Employees must respond to emergency situations as required.
• Employees must be able to work up to 16 consecutive hours.