State of Iowa

Job Description

We are looking to hire a Protected Species and Natural Areas Team Lead (Transportation Planner 3) who will serve an integral role in the transportation planning process for the Iowa DOT while leading a team of specialists within the Location and Environment Bureau. This team is responsible for ensuring that Iowa's multi-modal transportation projects do not endanger or harm state and/or federally protected species or significantly harm their habitat.

Location: Ames, IA – Location and Environment Bureau, 800 Lincoln Way

Schedule and Travel: Workdays are Monday through Friday. Flexible schedule and telework arrangements available. Some travel and overnight stays.

As a people leader, this position will be responsible for aligning the efforts of commitment, transparency, accountability, and ethical behavior of the team. This position assists the supervisor by performing such duties as instructing employees, answering questions, distributing and balancing workload, and checking work; may make suggestions on selection, promotions, and reassignments. 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.

Desired Abilities:

• Effective leadership and management
• Works collaboratively with a diverse group of people
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Maintains an attitude of determination and dedication
• Displays high standards of ethical conduct
• Treats customers courteously and is responsive to their needs
• Commits to providing a high-quality product and service
• Addresses and listens to others in a respectful manner

Responsibilities include:

• Developing in-depth knowledge of protected species and natural areas regulations, policies, and best practices; serving as subject matter expert in the department.
• Representing the department in a wide variety of settings, including public meetings, inter-agency meetings, meetings with stakeholders, and conferences.
• Reviewing, analyzing, and understanding team performance to assure goals and objectives are met, and a high level of service is attained; initiating action as necessary to improve substandard performance and maximize performance overall.
• Exercising strategic and critical analysis and problem-solving to lead effective and intelligent decisions that affect the performance and function of the team and to advance the vision, mission, goals, strategies, actions, and activities of the department.
• Understanding and championing process improvement theories, strategies, and activities to advance team performance.
• Using a variety of communication methods and tools to respond to and resolve concerns, demands, requests, and issues and to advance the vision, mission, goals, strategies, actions and activities of the Iowa DOT.
• Researching, reviewing, analyzing, and understanding complex state and federal statutes and regulations to determine required action and conduct and proper exercise of discretion where discretion exists; recommending and advocating for changes in statutes and regulations that advance the vision, mission, goals, strategies, actions, and activities of the department.
• Assisting the Bureau Director in initiating, negotiating, reviewing, analyzing, understanding, and enforcing a wide variety of contracts and agreements involving and affecting the bureau; effectively, lawfully, and ethically manages contracts and vendor relationships and obligations.

Additional Requirements:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

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 first of the month following 30 days of employment. 2025 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 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: aa-eeo@iowadot.us

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

Selectives

054 Biological Sciences

6 months’ experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in the study of living organisms. It is broadly dividedinto zoology and botany.

OR

172 Ecology

6 months’ experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in the study of the relationship between organisms and the environment.

OR

449 Natural Science

6 months’ experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in the sciences collectively that are involved in the study of the physical world and its phenomena, including biology, physics, chemistry, and geology, but excluding social sciences, abstract or theoretical sciences, such as mathematics, and applied sciences.

OR

901 Wildlife Biology

6 months’ experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both.

OR

907 Forestry

12 semester hours, 6 months continuous full-time experience, or a combination of both, in any of the following:

• Dendrology
• Silviculture
• Forest management, tree planting and habitat management
• Timber stand improvement
• Forest planning
• Planning and mapping using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for forest improvement projects
• Forest inventory including tree identification
• Reforestation and/or forest health data collection and monitoring

OR

966 Environmental Science

6 months’ experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in the field that integrates physical, biological and information sciences to the study of the environment and the solution of environmental problems.

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 any field, and experience equal to six years of full-time work in professional transportation planning*/engineering.

2) All of the following (a and b):

a. Six years of full-time work experience in transportation planning; and

b. A total of four years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in part a),where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in any field equals one year of full-time experience.

3) Licensure as a professional engineer by the Iowa Engineering & Land Surveying Examining Board, and experience equal to two years of full-time work in transportation planning*.

4) Ten years of current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes six years of full-time work in transportation planning*.

“Transportation planning” includes preparing planning contracts and grants; managing planning grant application submittals and project development; preparing functional classification appeals, developing travel demand models and traffic forecasts; creating cartographic representations and data collection applications; analyzing transportation data, project plans, and reports to identify problems; developing portions of statewide transportation plans; or conducting/coordinating transportation research projects.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description. (Download PDF reader)

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!

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