Geologist jobs in Urbandale, IA

The Design Bureau desires to hire a full-time Geologist that will be part of a design team that provides geotechnical support in developing projects that enhance the state and national transportation systems in Iowa. This individual will be an essential member of the Soils Design Section and have the opportunity to interact with numerous stake holders in the development of many different types of transportation improvement projects.

This position requires an individual capable of applying geologic and geotechnical principles in the development process of highway and bridge improvement projects. Our team is involved with geotechnical/geologic features associated with construction, repair and rehabilitation projects. Under general direction of a professional engineer, that is specialized in geotechnical engineering, this position is responsible for assisting in geological and geotechnical investigations, analysis, and recommendations regarding soil designs related to the design of highway and bridge construction project.

Location: Ames, Iowa – Design Bureau/Soils Design Section

Shift: Days, Monday through Friday. Flex available.

Typical Responsibilities:

• Participates on a team that strives to produce decisions that effectively balance safety, mobility, environmental impacts, costs and long-term maintenance resulting from the design.
• Participates in the studies of proposed transportation system improvements and identifies challenges that need to be analyzed as part of the project development process.
• Assists in the development of project design plans prepared by the Soils Design Section.
• Assists in the review of geotechnical consultant project submittals for highway design projects.
• Coordinates and conducts field reviews of landslides, sinkholes, washouts and other problem areas that can potentially impact roadways.
• Assists in the coordination of various geophysical surveys (including electrical resistivity and ground penetrating radar) to determine geological in-situ conditions to identify unique problem situations.
• Evaluates geophysical data to develop specialized designs to mitigate the consequences of geotechnical problems and assists with providing initial repair recommendations.
• Reviews subsurface geology and stratigraphic for project areas.
• Utilizes CADD software to prepare project plans and create 3D subsurface terrain models.
• Prepares and reviews construction plans relating to geotechnical aspects of highway design.
• Uses field-based electronic equipment to collect the attributes of potential problem areas.
• Utilizes GIS software to maintain geospatial database.
• Possible exposure to adverse site conditions, including rough terrain, steep slopes, landslides, work in roadways with heavy traffic volumes, and construction sites.
• Occasional daytime travel is required and some infrequent overnight travel.

• Analyzes geotechnical challenges, defines successful solution alternatives and proactively solves problems.
• Passionate about, and committed to, excellence in our highway design projects.
• Ability to work in a highly collaborative setting and contribute as part of a team.
• Effectively communicates with members of the Soils team, management, and the variety of individuals involved in the development process.
• High attention to detail.
• Ability to successfully utilize technical software applications.
• Ability to travel to remote locations for meetings and field reviews, and mobility to access sites in rugged terrain.
• Ability to lift and manipulate field equipment and other items weighing up to 50 pounds over uneven terrain.
• Embraces and encourages a culture that thrives on innovative ideas and leading changes that result in effective process and project improvement.
• Brings a professional positive attitude to our team every day.

• A 100 person group with a wide variety of experiences working collaboratively to deliver exceptional transportation improvement projects.
• Interesting and complex projects are regularly designed by our staff providing a wide breadth of experiences.
• Competitive pay and benefits package including health, dental, flexible spending, and life insurance?
• Insurance benefits start the first of the month following 30 days of employment - Monthly insurance premium (Iowa Choice*):
  • Single: $54/mo. employee share; $715/mo. state share
  • Family: $180/mo. employee share; $1,624.00/mo. state share
  • Other insurance options available. Please review?HERE (Download PDF reader)?(Download PDF reader)
• 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)

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in geology, physical geography, or a closely related geological science;