Transportation planner - #1334756

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, IA – Systems Planning Bureau

Shift: Days, Monday through Friday.

As a Transportation Planner 1 in the Systems Planning Bureau, Mapping & Geographic Information Team you will be responsible for the maintenance and production of professional mapping and visualization products utilizing various supporting software including Esri, Bentley, Hexagon, Adobe, and others. This position will also research, test, and apply efficient methods of data visualization and publication through the implementation of established processes and technological advancements.

Mapping products include standard city, county, and state base maps, as well as a variety of special maps in static and online interactive form. Maps and other visualization products are primarily intended to communicate transportation information in summary form to provide the customer with an overall understanding of the features represented. Additional details are included as necessary to provide the level of detail required by the customer and the project. The position will apply skills in various technological areas including the ability to utilize both a variety of mapping and visualization software as well as a variety of supporting applications to convey the summary message.

The position will coordinate with the Roadway Asset Management System (RAMS) staff, utilize that database information as well as other datasets in the generation of mapping and visualization products. A strong understanding of the fields and data within critical databases is required to ensure results of simple to complex queries are correct for the needs of the product.

The position will also perform analysis of spatial transportation data in order to formulate potential solutions to planning issues that meet project priorities, objectives, and follow guidelines established by policy. Understand the relationships between data, the variability of the data, the integrity of the data, and impact of variables such as time and when to seek out other sources. Understand and utilize the tools available to analyze both spatial and non-spatial data to query, summarize, and visualize potential solutions to customers. Summarize and visualize in the form of documents, charts, static or online interactive maps with supporting statistics and various views to identify alternatives.

Desired abilities:

The person in this position must analyze information from various sources and then process the results and changes accurately and efficiently into the corresponding application to meet specified deadlines and needs. Effective communication with individuals throughout the Iowa DOT and outside entities is essential. This effective communication includes the appreciation for and ability to summarize large data into mapping and other visuals that are easily understood by the reader. Using effective symbols, colors, fonts, layouts and other viewable features is imperative. Consultation with internal and external customers is needed to ensure the information available conforms to their requirements. Due to the technical nature of these processes, the person in this position must be able to utilize a variety of software such as Esri, Bentley, Hexagon, Adobe, and others, understand the electronic output formats as well as interactive Internet maps, have exposure to supporting applications such as Excel, Word, Acrobat and basic text editor applications. This position requires the ability to quickly adjust to and apply new technologies in the production of mapping and visual products, investigate and apply methods of data analysis, data display and quickly adapt to changing work assignments.

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. 2024 health and dental insurance premiums can be found 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 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 today!

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: ******@iowadot.us

Reasonable accommodation such as: interpreter, translator, written materials, modified equipment / devices, ADA access, etc. This does not include scheduling needs.

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-friendly Total 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!