Public Works Summer

Overview

The City of Ames Public Works Department is now accepting applications for Temporary Summer 2026 Employment! There are 9 positions available for this summer. Posting is open until filled.

Individuals interested in this position will assist the Traffic Division with summer maintenance activities. Examples of work activities include:

• Street painting by operating ride-on and walk behind paint machines (approx. 80% of time)
• Applying thermoplastic pavement markings (approx. 10% of time)
• Tree trimming (5% of time)
• Setting up traffic control for special events (approx. 5% of time)
• Various other projects

Individuals may have to lift paint buckets weighing up to 50 pounds. The primary work location is 2207 Edison St. Work hours are Monday–Friday 7 AM–3 PM, with some days possibly 5 AM – 1 PM.

Individuals interested in this position will assist work crews with street and storm sewer maintenance. Examples of work activities include removal of street materials including asphalt and/or concrete with shovels, brooms, jackhammers, etc. Working outside in a dusty environment, on streets under traffic control. CDL class A license preferred but not required. The primary work location is 2207 Edison St. Work hours are Monday–Friday 7 AM–3 PM unless mutually agreed then the hours will be Monday–Thursday 5 AM–3 PM.

Individuals interested in this position will assist crews working on fire hydrants, operating water valves, and working with crew members on sewer jet/truck (performing sewer maintenance). Performing manual labor, weed eating, painting fire hydrants, and helping mark utility lines. The primary work location is 2207 Edison St. Work hours are Monday–Friday 7 AM–3 PM.

Notes: Each employee is expected to continually strive to bring shared values to life through our Excellence Through People organizational culture. ETP values include: committing to continuous improvement; inspiring creativity and innovation; being customer driven; making data-driven decisions; championing employee involvement; striving for excellence; having fiscal stewardship; acting with honesty and integrity; exhibiting leadership; choosing a positive attitude; respect and dignity for one another;

promoting safety and wellness; and cultivating teamwork. For leaders, this includes creating a work culture that brings these values to life. For all employees, this includes maintaining a Total City Perspective. The purpose of ETP is to deliver exceptional services to the public at the best price, and for employees to experience an enjoyable and stimulating work environment.

Required:

Must be 18 and have a valid driver’s license at time of hire.

Preferred:
Previous experience in a labor or construction position.

Knowledge of hand tools and equipment commonly used in construction or general labor. Ability to deal effectively with the public in high stress situations; ability to work with other City employees and the general public; ability to work under general direction; ability to read and interpret a maintenance plan; ability to prepare reports related to daily tasks; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing;

skill in the use of a computer and related software.

The selection process consists of an evaluation of education and experience, an interview, completion of a criminal background check, which includes a sex offender registry check and motor vehicle record check. All candidates will be notified by email of their application status.

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

Required Physical Activities: Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.

Physical Characteristics of Work: The work involves sitting 0 to 5 percent of the time; sitting and using arm/leg controls 10 to 40 percent of the time; standing (but not walking) 0 to 35 percent of the time; standing and…