Process Maintenance Worker

Overview

The City of Ames is recruiting for a Civil Service eligibility list for the Process Maintenance Worker classification. The list is valid for up to one year from Certification by the Ames Civil Service Commission and may be used to fill one or more vacancies. Current employees may voluntarily demote or transfer into the vacancy by submitting their application by the stated deadline.

Rotating shifts:
Day: Monday through Friday 7:30 am – 4:00 pm
Night: Sunday through Wednesday 9:10 pm – 7:40 am

• Step A: $26.21 – starting
• Step B: $27.47 – 6 months
• Step C: $28.97 – 12 months
• Step D: $29.97 – 18 months
• Step E: $31.25 – 24 months
• Step F: $32.53 – 36 months
• Step G: $33.78 – 48 months

Opportunities exist to advance to Maintenance Technician I and II. Qualified technicians earn between $33.47‑$36.03 (Technician I) and $39.21‑$40.47 (Technician II) per hour after completing required training.

• Operate trucks, tractors, forklifts, end loaders, and other motorized equipment with various attachments.
• Monitor and maintain shredders and conveyors.
• Fabricate special equipment for maintenance or construction projects.
• Act as a lead worker for a maintenance team.
• Establish estimates of parts and materials needed for maintenance projects.
• Read and interpret electric test equipment and vibration meters.
• Assist higher‑level maintenance staff on 480‑volt electrical systems when de‑energized.
• Perform mechanical and non‑mechanical repairs to equipment.
• Conduct general maintenance or clean‑up activities for grounds and facilities.
• Load and unload materials manually or using lift equipment.
• Read and interpret blueprints, technical manuals, construction drawings, and SDS sheets.
• Generate and maintain records related to equipment and material usage.
• Maintain compliance with safety policies and procedures.

• Maintain an equipment and materials inventory.

Two years of general labor experience involving the use of tools and equipment common to general construction, maintenance, and repair work.

Valid driver’s license required. Must obtain a valid type A Commercial Driver’s License and any required endorsements within six months of appointment.

• Knowledge of common and power tools, materials, and equipment used in construction, maintenance, and repair work.
• Understanding of safety precautions when working with mechanized equipment.
• Skill in operating measurement and diagnostic equipment common to the field.
• Basic computer knowledge.
• Ability to perform manual tasks requiring physical strength and endurance under variable weather conditions.
• Ability to understand and carry out verbal or written instructions.
• Ability to operate motorized vehicles and equipment.
• Ability to calculate or estimate material quantities.
• Leadership ability to lead a maintenance team.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with citizens, vendors, and fellow city employees.

• Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, repetitive motions.
• Standing and walking 10‑35 % of time; lifting objects 10‑25 % of time, 25‑50 % of time, and routinely over 50 % of time.
• Ability to wear a dust mask/respirator.
• Minimum vision standard for operating machines such as lathes and drill presses is at arm’s reach.
• Work performed inside and/or outside; may involve extreme cold, extreme heat, noise, vibration, mechanical hazards, electrical hazards, chemical hazards, atmospheric conditions affecting the respiratory system or skin; requires respirator and other personal protective equipment.

A variety of motor vehicles and heavy equipment (pickup trucks, dump trucks, forklifts, aerial boom trucks, end loaders, semi tractors/trailers), general purpose maintenance equipment (brooms, shovels, cleaning tools), power tools (grinders, drills, saws, air compressors), welding torch, safety gear (dust mask, ear plugs, safety goggles, raincoat, gas monitors).

Applicants must reside within the Boone and Story County lines on the north and south, State Highway 65 on the east, County Road R27 north of Boone, and the Des Moines River south of Highway 30 to the Boone County line. After probation, a new employee must reside within this area within three months.

• Evaluation of education and experience.
• Phone interview (optional depending on candidate pool).
• On‑site interview with manager and interviews with other staff.
• Reference checks and criminal background check (including sex offender registry).
• Notification of application status via email.

Preference may be given to applicants possessing qualifications above the minimum.