The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:

Transportation - Agency 27

Location:

Lincoln, NE

Hiring Rate:

$27.346

Job Posting:

JR2026-00025702 Highway Materials Designer (Open)

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

05-14-2026

Job Description:

At the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT), we are seeking an organized, detail-oriented team member to join the Pavement Design Section to support the development of Nebraska's state highway system. This role assists in the creation and updating of specifications and performs quantity computations for heavy highway project plans. The ideal candidate thrives in a dynamic environment, has exceptional communication and critical thinking skills, and enjoys contributing to a collaborative team.

Under limited supervision, this position reviews and analyzes highway construction plans and performs technical paraprofessional engineering work on assigned projects. Responsibilities include evaluating constructability, phasing, design elements, and quantities; assigning project pay items; and computing quantities used in project lettings for complex and specialized highway construction projects.

This position plays a critical role in maintaining construction standards and ensuring the accuracy of project quantities for Nebraska's highways. It offers a unique opportunity to combine research and analytical expertise with real-world applications while contributing to infrastructure 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

Pay range is $27.346 - $40.311 per hour. The pay rate may be commensurate with education and/or experience within fiscal constraints if approved.

 

JOB DUTIES

• Perform mathematical calculations to determine pavement-related quantities and costs for complex highway construction projects, and schedule computation work within the Pavement Design Section. 
• Assist the direct supervisor in analyzing and applying special provision specifications to upcoming heavy highway construction projects. 
• Assist the Pavement Design Engineer and the Highway Materials and Test Manager in day-to-day activities. 
• Draft typical cross sections using Microstation. 
• Assist in developing specifications for construction applications. 
• Review calculations and detailed drawings prepared by co-workers, consultants, and others to ensure completeness, accuracy, and adherence to standard specifications, special contract provisions, and constructability. 
• Communicate with co-workers, designers, consultants, and highway staff in various state and local agencies to interpret plans, provide guidance on estimating pay items, make recommendations, solve problems, and explain construction concepts. 

 

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 utilizing NDOT's highway construction specifications. 
• Experience in reading, understanding, and interpreting plan drawings. 
• Experience and proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, Clarity, and OnBase. 

Other: 

• Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to provide independent authorized transportation.
• Regular and reliable attendance is also required.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES 

• Knowledge of the construction of concrete and asphalt pavement projects, including engineering and geometrics.
• Knowledge of highway construction materials and specifications. 
• Must possess interpersonal skills to effectively communicate and solve problems with others, both verbally and in writing. 
• Ability to perform mathematical design calculations required for complex construction projects. 
• Ability to detect errors, discrepancies, and omissions through examination of detailed drawings and calculations.

 

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.