Materials Technician 3
Salary
$45,718.40 - $67,454.40 Annually
Location
Ames - 50010 - Story County, IA
Job Type
Full-time
Job Number
27-00809
Agency
645 Iowa Department of Transportation
Opening Date
09/17/2026
Closing Date
10/1/2026 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag
#LI-POST
Point of Contact
Jeff De Vries - JEFF.DEVRIES@iowadot.us
Job Description
Shift Requirements: 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday, hours may vary, some overnight travel may be required.
The Iowa Department of Transportation is seeking a motivated individual interested in soils and aggregate testing to join our team. These materials form the foundation of nearly every construction project we undertake, and your work will directly support the quality and long-term success of Iowa’s highway system.
This fast-paced, hands-on role involves testing and evaluating aggregates and soils to ensure they meet standards for safe, durable infrastructure. Work includes consistency testing, freeze-thaw susceptibility, pore structure evaluation, abrasion testing, and chemical analysis using XRD and XRF instruments.
You will also assist with ongoing research, including digital particle shape and size analysis, and support validation of the national provisional specification for the third-generation Iowa Pore Index test. The team additionally performs soil classification and bearing capacity assessments essential for roadway design.
Iowa Department of Transportation’s mission is Making Lives Better Through Transportation. To support that mission, the successful candidate will demonstrate behaviors aligned with our five core values: Safety First, People Matter, Customer Focused, Servant Leadership, and Integrity Without Exception.
As a Materials Technician 3, you will:
• Perform laboratory testing on aggregates and soils (freeze-thaw, pore index, abrasion, density, Proctor, Atterberg limits, and more).
• Assist District Materials and office staff with test interpretation and technical guidance.
• Complete calculations to verify project compliance and material quantities.
• Maintain and calibrate testing equipment.
• Keep detailed records of all testing procedures.
• Use computers and software to record, track, and report results.
• Serve as a liaison with Iowa DOT staff and producers.
Desired abilities:
- Works collaboratively with diverse groups of people
- Maintains an attitude of determination and dedication
- Displays high standards of ethical conduct
- Treats customers and teammates courteously and is responsive to their needs
- Commitment to providing a high-quality product and service
- Addresses and listens to others in respectful manner
- Motivates others towards completing a common goal
Special Requirements:
The following Iowa technical training certifications are required within one year following appointment: Aggregate Technician Level I PCC Level I HMA
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!
Iowa DOT complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the EEO & ADA Officer at 515-689-1009 or via email atamy.weerheim@iowadot.us.
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.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:
1) Three years of full-time experience in the sampling, and testing of materials, and/or inspection of materials used in the highway construction and maintenance projects.
2) All of the following (a and b):
a. One year of full-time work experience (as described in number one); and
b. A total of two years of education and/or full-time work experience (as described in part a), where 30 semester hours or the equivalent of college, university, or technical school course work with an emphasis in mathematics, engineering, metallurgy, geology, or chemistry equals one year of full-time experience.
3) All of the following (a and b):
a. One year of full-time work experience (as described in number one); and
b. An Associate of Applied Science degree, a certificate, or equivalent in Civil Engineering Technology from an accredited community college.
4) 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.
5) 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 link to view the job description. (Download PDF reader)