The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:

Transportation - Agency 27

Location:

Lincoln, NE

Hiring Rate:

$27.346

Job Posting:

JR2026-00023990 Highway Materials Designer (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):

Job Description:

We are seeking an organized, detail-oriented team member to join the Pavement Design Section, assisting in the creation and updating of specifications for the development of Nebraska's state highway system. This role also involves performing Coring and Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) services for pavement evaluation. The ideal candidate thrives in a dynamic environment, has exeptional communication and critical thinking skills, and enjoys supporting a collaborative team.

Under limited supervision, this position reviews and analyzes highway construction plans and performs other technical paraprofessional engineering work on assigned projects to identify constructability, phasing, design, and quantities for complex and special highway construction projects. This position will also be responsible for retrieving and organizing pavement condition data for Pavement Design Engineers as needed for pavement evaluations.

This position plays a critical role in maintaining construction standards for Nebraska’s highways. It offers a unique opportunity to combine research expertise with real-life applications, all while contributing to projects that impact communities across the state.

We reward our employees' hard work with a friendly and supportive work environment and a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• State-matched retirement contribution of 156%
• 13 paid holidays
• Generous leave accruals that begin immediately
• Military leave
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Dependent tuition reimbursement program with partnering Nebraska community colleges
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
• 79% employer-paid health insurance plans
• Dental and vision insurance plans
• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
• Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State
• Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
• Training and Development based on your career aspirations
• Job security and stability, even during times of economic hardship
• Employee Assistance Program
• Fun, inviting teammates
• Free parking

JOB DUTIES

Due to the unique duties of the position, training will be provided.

Primary duties under supervisor's guidance:

Assist the direct supervisor in analyzing and applying special provision specifications to upcoming heavy highway construction projects.
Review calculations and detailed drawings on plans prepared by coworkers, consultants, and others to ensure completeness, accuracy, and adherence to standard specifications, special contract provisions, and constructability requirements.
Edit special provision specifications to project-specific requirements.
Assist in developing specifications for construction applications; communicate with co-workers, designers, consultants, and highway staff in various state and local agencies to interpret plans and provide guidance on estimating pay items, making recommendations, solving problems, and explaining construction concepts.

Secondary duties performed on an as-needed basis:

Independently perform Pavement Coring and FWD testing on existing asphalt pavement at statewide highway project sites.
Organize and prioritize site visits based on project letting dates and the efficiency of multi-day project trips.
Schedule and supervise flagging operations with NDOT Maintenance Yards at project sites.
Document existing pavement distress through photographs and a description of severity.
Create Coring and FWD reports to be reviewed by Pavement Design Engineers.
Schedule timely maintenance for work vehicle with NDOT Maintenance Shop.
Schedule and transport the FWD instrument to an out-of-state facility for calibrations and maintenance.

Requirements/Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Three years of experience in preparing design plans, sampling, and testing materials, writing construction specifications, applying construction standards, and/or conducting inspections related to highway or other civil engineering projects. OR Post-high school coursework/training in the design field mentioned above may substitute for two of the three years' experience required. Any equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience/working knowledge of construction methods and specifications for building concrete and asphalt pavements.
Experience in researching materials and creating specifications.
Experience in Construction Operations.

Other:

Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to provide independent authorized transportation.
Regular and reliable attendance is also required.
Occasional days over 8 hours are required.
May require more than occasional overnight travel.
Must be able to occasionally work a flexible schedule.
Must be able to operate a motorized vehicle with a trailer.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES

Knowledge of highway construction materials and specifications.
Proficient in the listed computer applications (Microsoft Excel, Word, Clarity, and OnBase).
Ability to work independently on researching and creating specifications; to follow administrative direction; to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; to maintain records and reports.

If you're currently employed by the State of Nebraska, please don't apply through this external career site. Instead, log in to Workday and open the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page. You can access Workday anytime through the Link web page: https://link.nebraska.gov/

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.

Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.

Learn more about this Employer on their Career Site