Geologist 2

Geologist 2

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Geologist 2

Salary

$56,992.00 - $86,361.60 Annually

Location

Ames - 50010 - Story County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-00176

Agency

645 Iowa Department of Transportation

Opening Date

07/17/2026

Closing Date

8/3/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Jeff DeVries - View email address on click.appcast.io

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

Job Description

Join the Construction and Materials Bureau as a Geologist 2, where you will be an essential contributor to the quality assurance program for aggregates used in highway and bridge construction. In this critical role, your geological expertise and field insights will directly support the integrity of Iowa’s transportation system, ensuring every project is grounded in reliable materials, rigorous evaluation, and a commitment to excellence.

At the Iowa Department of Transportation, our mission - Making Lives Better Through Transportation. The individual selected for this role will help carry that mission forward by demonstrating behaviors guided by our five core values: Safety First, People Matter, Customer Focused, Servant Leadership, and Integrity Without Exception. These values shape how we work, how we serve, and how we deliver transportation solutions that make a meaningful difference across the state.

Location : Ames, Iowa

Shift Requirements : 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Monday – Friday

As aGeologist 2, you will provide essential geological expertise that supports the quality, safety, and reliability of materials used in Iowa’s highway and bridge construction. You will work closely with aggregate producers, construction teams, and materials staff to ensure proper interpretation and application of relevant codes, standards, and specifications. Your work will include both laboratory testing and meaningful field responsibilities that contribute directly to the integrity of the state’s transportation system.

Key responsibilities include:

• Advising aggregate producers, construction staff, and materials teams on material standards, specifications, and testing requirements.

• Guiding technicians on correct sampling, inspection, and testing procedures.

• Performing scientific tests to determine physical properties of construction materials and operating X-ray fluorescence and X-ray powder diffraction equipment, along with explaining these processes clearly to staff.

You will also complete important field and evaluation tasks, including:

• Conducting field work at quarries and gravel pits, assessing ledge control, collecting representative samples, and preparing reports with recommendations.

• Updating or creating geological sections for quarries and measuring bedding using laser range-finding tools.

• Supporting Staff Geologists in additional Districts as needed.

• Evaluating PCC pavement service history, compiling pavement history files, inspecting aggregate performance, and identifying locations for pavement core drilling.

• Performing field evaluations of revetment stone performance.

What we are looking for:

• Commitment to excellence.

• Collaborative teammates.

• Proactive problem solver with strong attention to detail.

• Motivated, friendly, inclusive and get-it-done attitude.

• Embrace and encourage a culture that thrives on innovative ideas and changes.

• Professional positive attitude.

Special Requirements:

• Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license

• This position occasionally requires heavy lifting (up to 75 pounds with team or mechanical assistance for heavier items) and walking up to two miles on uneven terrain.

As a State of Iowa employee, you will be eligible for the following benefits:

• Competitive pay and benefits package including health, dental, flexible spending, and life insurance

• Insurance benefits start the first month following 30 days of employment and costs can be reviewed 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 ( !

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: View email address on click.appcast.io

Reasonable accommodation such as 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

Minimum Qualification Requirements

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

1. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in geology, physical geography, or a closely related geological science.

2. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in a natural science, computer science, math, or engineering field, and experience equal to two years of full-time work in ground water, soils, environmental geology, geographic information systems, or other related earth science specialty

For additional information, please click on thislink to view the job description. (

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-friendlyTotal Compensation Calculator ( .Gain 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.Click here to learn more about IPERS ( .

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?Click here ( to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!

01

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.

• Yes - I understand and agree.

• 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 from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in geology, physical geography, or a closely related geological science?

• Yes

• No

04

Have you graduated from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in a natural science, computer science, math, or engineering field? IF YES - How many years do you have of full-time work in ground water, soils, environmental geology, geographic information systems, or other related earth science specialty?

• I have not graduated from an accredited college or university with the required degree

• Less than two years of the required experience

• Two years or more of the required experience

Required Question

Employer

State of Iowa

Agency

645 Iowa Department of Transportation

Address

800 Lincoln Way

Ames, Iowa, 50010

Website

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