Transportation Engineer Administrator - Davenport RCE
About The Position
The Iowa Department of Transportation’s Davenport Resident Construction Office (RCE) is looking for a Transportation Engineer Administrator who’s ready to make a lasting impact. This highly visible leadership role brings together engineering expertise, people leadership, and strategic decision-making to deliver meaningful results across District 6. The Iowa Department of Transportation’s Mission is Making Lives Better Through Transportation. This position will foster growth and support for its reporting team through the five core values of the department: Safety First, People Matter, Customer Focused, Servant Leadership, and Integrity Without Exception. As a Transportation Engineer Administrator, you’ll lead a team of up to 15 construction and engineering professionals, manage a $1.8 million operating budget, and oversee state and federal-aid construction projects that directly impact the quality, safety, and efficiency of Iowa’s transportation system. We’re seeking a leader who is passionate about coaching teams and bringing out their best, enjoys digging into complex engineering challenges and finding smart solutions, can translate technical information into clear, actionable communication for any audience, and takes pride in strengthening communities through transportation improvements.
Requirements
- Must have, or prior to appointment, must obtain and maintain an active Iowa Professional Engineering license through the Iowa Professional Licensing Bureau - Engineering and Land Survey Examination Board.
- Possess and maintain a minimum of a Class C non-commercial driver's license.
- Licensure as a professional engineer.
- Four years of full-time professional work experience in transportation engineering or civil engineering, one year of which must have included supervisory/managerial responsibilities.
- Licensure as a professional engineer.
- Three years of full-time professional work experience in transportation engineering or civil engineering, one year of which must have included supervisory/managerial responsibilities.
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master’s degree in chemical, civil, construction, environmental, materials, structural, or transportation engineering; engineering management; or a field closely related to transportation engineering.
- Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes two years of full-time work as a Transportation Engineer Manager or Transportation Engineer Senior or three years of full-time work as a Transportation Engineer Specialist.
- Prior to appointment, applicants must possess active licensure as a professional engineer by the Iowa Engineering & Land Surveying Examining Board.
Responsibilities
- Lead and Develop a High-Performing Team: Hire, train, coach, and evaluate staff while fostering a supportive, growth-oriented work environment. Set priorities, maintain office procedures, ensure safety, and guide workforce development.
- Administer Major Construction Projects: Conduct preconstruction conferences, field reviews, and ongoing inspections to ensure contract compliance and quality. Approve change orders, contract item overruns, and new contract items up to $150,000 each. Coordinate traffic control, safety requirements, DBE compliance, and resolution of project issues.
- Serve as a Key Liaison and Problem Solver: Work closely with contractors, local governments, utilities, railroads, FHWA, consultants, and the general public. Provide clear, confident communication—from public meetings to media interviews.
- Help Shape the Transportation Improvement Program: Participate in early planning, design reviews, environmental considerations, and project scheduling recommendations.
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
- 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).
- DOT engineers are granted membership at a largely discounted price through the ASCE partnership, as well as discounts for conferences and continuing education through the ASCE.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
