Bridge Engineer Associate (TE Associate)
New Today
Location : Ames - 50010 - Story County, IA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 26-00077
Agency: 645 Iowa Department of Transportation
Opening Date: 07/10/2025
Closing Date: 8/10/2025 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag: #LI-POST
Point of Contact: Jimmy Ellis - Jimmy.Ellis@iowadot.us
Job Description
Come be part of a dynamic team here at the Iowa DOT! The Bridges and Structures Bureau is seeking to hire a Bridge Engineer Associate (Transportation Engineer Associate) that will be an essential part of the Bridge Project Development team in our Preliminary Design Unit. This position requires an individual capable of applying engineering principles in the design of highway structures and transportation improvement projects of a broad scope and complexity. This position will perform progressively responsible introductory engineering work assignments to become eligible for licensing as a professional engineer.
The Iowa Department of Transportation's Mission is Making Lives Better Through Transportation. To accomplish our Mission, the person selected for this position will demonstrate actions and behaviors guided by the Iowa Department of Transportation's five CORE values: Safety First, People Matter, Customer Focused, Servant Leadership, and Integrity Without Exception.
Location: Ames, Iowa
Work Hours: Days M-F, flex available and telework available after a certain period of time. Occasional travel to job sites, workshops, or conferences.
As a Bridge Engineer Associate (Transportation Engineer Associate), you will work in a variety of civil engineering capacities within the Preliminary Design Unit, including:
Assists licensed engineer to develop preliminary bridge and culvert plans in the preliminary section of the Bridges and Structures Bureau. This includes performing hydrologic and hydraulic design and analysis of various types of less complex highway structures. These highway structures include bridges and culverts.
- Make inspections and write reports containing recommendations and estimates on structures that must be repaired or reconstructed to maintain serviceability of the highway system.
- Provide support to the supervising engineer for timely solutions to construction and maintenance problems involving hydraulic design, stream instability and drainage issues.
- Review plans that are submitted by consulting engineers and outside agencies for approval to ensure projects meet hydraulic and design guidelines and regulatory requirements.
- Professional Development - May work on special projects as assigned to gain experience beneficial to become eligible to sit for the Professional Engineer exam and gain Professional Engineering licensure.
Preferred Characteristics:
- Analyzes challenges, defines successful solution alternatives and proactively solves problems.
- Passion and commitment to excellence in our highway design products.
- Effectively communicates with a wide variety of individuals involved in our development process.
- Motivated, friendly, inclusive and get-it-done attitude.
- Embraces and encourages a culture that thrives on innovative ideas and leading changes that result in effective process and project improvements.
- Brings a professional positive attitude to our team every day.
What we offer YOU:
- 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 .
- 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 learn more about the State of Iowa Employee benefits and costs at the !
Applicants hired with verification of graduation will be required to graduate with a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university within 10 months of hire.
Within a period of time after hire, as determined by the appointing authority, employees in this class may be required to obtain one or more of the following certificates, licenses, or endorsements:
- Certification as an engineer intern by the Iowa Engineering & Land Surveying Examining Board within 24 months of hire
- Licensure as a professional engineer by the Iowa Engineering & Land Surveying Examining Board is required within 6 years for continued employment; temporary training assignments will terminate within six months following a second attempt to obtain a professional engineer license or six years from the date of hire.
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
You have the freedom to flourish in Iowa - Apply today!
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:
Reasonable accommodation includes an interpreter, translator, written materials, modified equipment/devices, ADA access, etc. This does not include scheduling needs.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:
- Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in chemical, civil, construction, environmental, materials, mechanics, structural, or transportation engineering or in engineering management.
- Possession of a verification of graduation with major course work in chemical, civil, construction, environmental, materials, mechanics, structural, or transportation engineering or in engineering management.
For additional information, please click on this
Additional Qualification Requirements
Applicants hired with verification of graduation will be required to graduate with a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university within 10 months of hire.
Within a period of time after hire, as determined by the appointing authority, employees in this class may be required to obtain one or more of the following certificates, licenses, or endorsements:
•Certification as an Engineer in Training (EIT) by the Iowa Engineering & Land Surveying Examining Board
•Licensure as a professional engineer by the Iowa Engineering & Land Surveying Examining Board.
Why Choose the State of Iowa?
At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset - our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.
Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:
Competitive Compensation:
Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.
Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyGain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.
Health and Wellness:
Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.
Retirement Planning:
We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.
Paid Time Off:
Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.
Professional Development:
Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP):
We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.
Diversity and Inclusion:
Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.
Join Us - Elevate Your Career:
Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!
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Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely. Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question. Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.
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- No
02
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?
- No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq
- Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq
03
Have you graduated or do you possess a Verification of Graduation from an accredited four year college or university with major course work in chemical, civil, construction, environmental, materials, mechanics, structural or transportation engineering, or in engineering management?
Note: Hires made with the Verification of Graduation will require graduation from the college or university within 10 months of hire.
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Required Question
- Location:
- Ames
- Job Type:
- FullTime