Preventative Maintenance Technician

City of Ames; Iowa (LA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Ames is seeking to establish a Civil Service eligibility list for a Fleet Maintenance Technician position. The list will be valid for up to one year and may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

Applicants must submit online by the posted deadline, with complete responses to supplemental questions. Prospective employees will perform preventive maintenance and repairs on automotive and heavy equipment, support Fleet Technicians, and meet CDL requirements within six months of

Qualifications

• High school diploma, HiSET, or GED with six months of basic automotive/mechanical experience.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience acceptable.
• Some diesel engine experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventive maintenance, inspection and repairs on automotive/light truck and heavy equipment systems.
• Assist Fleet Technicians in disassembling and assembling major components.
• Maintain shop and buildings, and keep tools in a safe, clean condition.
• Assist in checking inventory and transporting vehicles to service vendors.

Skills

Automotive maintenance

Heavy equipment knowledge

Diagnostics ability

Follow instructions

Safety standards

Education

High school diploma / GED

Tools

Forklift

Welding equipment

Electronic diagnostic equipment

Air conditioning repair equipment

General shop tools

Job description

The City of Ames is conducting a recruitment to establish a Civil Service eligibility list for this classification. The list will be valid for up to one year from the date of certification by the Ames Civil Service Commission and may be used to fill one or more vacancies in this classification. In addition, City of Ames Civil Service employees who have previously held Civil Service status in this classification and are interested in voluntarily demoting or laterally transferring into the current vacancy must submit their application by the deadline.

Under general supervision, performs repair and preventive maintenance activities or assists in performing more complex activities related to the maintenance and repair of gasoline or diesel powered automotive or heavy equipment; performs related work as required.

In order to be considered for this position, all applicants must submit their online application by the deadline listed on this posting. Your application includes complete responses to the supplemental questions. Please keep in mind that submission of a resume in lieu of work history on your application or answering the supplemental questions is not sufficient.

A written exam is scheduled for Monday, November 2, 2026 at 3:30pm. All applicants that meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in the written exam.

Benefits

Our comprehensive benefits package can be viewed at:

The PSLF Program is a federal program that is intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans. To qualify, the individual must have made 120 qualifying payments while employed by a qualifying employer. For more information, please visit: PSLF.

Compensation

• Step A (Start) = $22.89/hr
• Step B (18 mos) = $27.32/hr
• Step C (48 mos) = $29.53/hr

Examples of Essential Job Functions

Performs preventive maintenance, inspection and general repairs on automotive/light truck/medium and heavy truck/heavy equipment systems; performs preventative draining and refilling lubrication system, removing and replacing preventative maintenance parts on all applicable equipment; assists Fleet Technicians in disassembling and assembling major components; repairs ore replaces light vehicle tires; helps maintain shop and building(s); maintains tools and equipment in a safe, clean and usable condition; performs routine building and shelter maintenance and repair tasks.

Other Job Functions

Assists in checking and maintaining inventory of frequently used items; may transport vehicles or equipment to and from service vendors, dealerships, or local facilities.

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.

Education and Experience

High school diploma, HiSET, or GED and six months of experience in basic automotive or mechanical experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Some diesel engine experience is preferred.

Licenses and Certificates

Must obtain a Commercial Driver’s License with required endorsements within six months of appointment. Must maintain CDL.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Some knowledge of the operation, repair and maintenance of automotive or heavy equipment systems; some knowledge of the safe use and care of tools and equipment used in maintaining and repairing automotive equipment; some knowledge of tools.

Skill in correctly and safely performing repair or maintenance tasks, use of shop power tools; skill in the safe operation of automotive vehicles.

Ability to diagnose, remove, and replace defective automotive equipment; ability to follow oral and written instruction; ability to perform routine work in accordance with established time and safety standards under undesirable working conditions; ability to establish and to maintain effective work relationships with co-workers.

Required Physical Activities

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

Physical Characteristics of Work

Heavy work requiring the exertion of up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Requires intermittent lifting of objects up to 150 pounds.

Vision Requirements

The minimum standard for use with those whose work deals with machines such as lathes, drill presses, power saws or mills where the seeing job is at or within arm’s reach. The minimum standard for use of a computer terminal, extensive reading, and visual inspection involving small defects on parts, use of measurement devices and assembly of parts at distances close to the eyes.

Environmental Conditions

Worker is subject to activities that occur both inside and outside. The worker may have intermittent exposure to extreme heat and cold, noise, vibration, and oils; mechanical, electrical and chemical hazards; atmospheric conditions that affect the respiratory system or skin; may be required to wear a respirator for some duties. May occasionally need to perform work in confined spaces or under limited lighting conditions.

Equipment Essential to the Job

Automobiles, vans, transit buses, pickup trucks; gasoline, diesel, and alternative fuel; a wide variety of general and special purpose hand tools, power tools, hydraulic tools, air tools, measurement devices, and electrical and other testing equipment; hoist and lift equipment; welding equipment; common lawn care and snow removal machines, tools, and chemicals; a variety of building cleaning and maintenance equipment and chemicals; safety equipment and clothing including occasional use of a respirator; telephone, two-way radio, pager, intercom; written manuals, maps, and blueprints; computer keyboard and monitor, and general office equipment.

Other Equipment Used on the Job

forklift, sweeper, charging systems tester, air conditioner repair equipment, electronic diagnostic equipment, and related equipment.

Veteran’s Preference Points

The City of Ames provides Veteran's Preference Points for Civil Service positions. A copy of your DD214 and, if applicable, proof of disability, must be attached with your application (or faxed to 515-239-5294) prior to the close date of the posting in order to receive Veteran's Preference Points.

Selection Process

The selection process consists of an evaluation of education and experience; written exam; phone interview; on-site interview, which will include a manager meeting; and completion of reference checks and a criminal background check, which includes a sex offender registry check. All candidates will be notified by email of their application status.

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

Depending on the number of qualified candidates, the City may forego phone interviews.

Former Blue Collar

The required residence area is the area bordered by the Boone and Story County lines on the north and south, State Highway 65 on the east; and on the west, County Road R27 north of Boone, and the Des Moines River south of Highway 30 to the Boone County line. Communities intersected by the borderlines, and Zearing, shall be considered within the area. The permitted residency area is that area inside the borderlines. The area adjacent to but outside the borderlines is not included. After completing his/her probationary period, a new employee shall, within three (3) months, reside within the residency area. The department head may allow an employee up to an additional three (3) months if the employee provides documentation of financial commitment to move within the residence area. (Taken from the 19-22 contract language).