Seasonal Maintenance Worker(s)

Job Description

Job Description

Still looking for a few more seasonal maintenance workers to work thru October 2026! This is a great full time schedule with every other Friday off. 

The City of Des Moines is currently hiring multiple Seasonal Maintenance Worker(s) of the Public Works- Maintenance Department. These are full-time, seasonal, extra-hire positions that will last through October with a "9-80s" work schedule which provides alternating Fridays off, working (9) hours Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and (8) hours on alternating Fridays from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Some weekend work may be assigned.

Closing Date

Open until filled. 

To Apply

Complete the online application at and attach a resume.

Salary

$23.69-$25.87 DOE

Extra-Hi re Employment

The City defines an "extra-hire employee" as one who is appointed to a position that is not eligible for benefits except those mandated by law or regulations, such as Social Security and workers' compensation insurance.

Nature of Work

Under the supervision of the Public Works Superintendent. The Seasonal Maintenance Worker performs a variety of manual labor requiring skill in the operation of hand tools, power tools, and light equipment including mowers, small tractors, and their associated attachments in support of the City's park, street, stormwater management, facilities, fleet, transportation, controlling traffic, and plant care operations. This position typically works independently or as a crew member, under supervision, in the maintenance of the City.

Essential Functions

• Inspects and cleans parks, streets, and drainage systems manually and mechanically of debris and obstructions.
• Empties trash cans.
• Inspects and performs routine maintenance to play equipment.
• Mows turf with walk behind mower.
• Edges, trims, and maintains planter areas, structures, and pathways.
• Abates graffiti and repairs vandalism.
• Cleans restrooms.
• Performs horticultural maintenance including but not limited to trimming trees and bushes, fertilizing, aerating, and de-thatching park areas.
• Paints and repairs park areas.
• Cleans, drags, rakes, chalks, and sets bases for baseball and soccer field set-up.
• Assists in the operation, testing, trouble shooting, and repair of automated and manual irrigation systems.
• Assists in the application of fertilizers and pesticides.
• Performs light construction and facilities maintenance tasks including but not limited to painting and carpentry work.
• Performs traffic control, asphalt patching, crack sealing, and concrete work, street striping, and sign installation.
• Participate in the prepping of ground pots for planting.
• Help with planting of the pots and stationary beds.
• Daily watering of designated pots and beds at various locations throughout the City of Des Moines.
• Fertilizing and managing plant growth.
• Daily/weekly record keeping of growing season/fertilizing schedule.
• Establishes and maintains cooperative, effective working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the general public using principles of good customer service.
• Reports for scheduled work with regular, and punctual attendance.
• Performs other duties as assigned, including but not limited to being assigned to work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, equalize peak work periods, or balance the workload.
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Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of park operations and maintenance procedures.
• Knowledge of work hazards and applicable safety precautions.
• Skill to operate hand and power tools.

Ability to:

• Perform heavy manual tasks for extended periods of time under varying weather conditions.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
• Follow written and/or verbal instruction.
• Climb ladders and work at heights on sloped surfaces.
• Document park inspections and work performed.
• Operate hand tools, power tools, and light equipment safely and effectively.

Education and Experience Requirements

• High school graduate or GED equivalent.
• Possession of, and the ability to maintain throughout employment, a valid Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record.

Preferred Requirements

• Experience in maintenance or related work.
• Mechanical aptitude and experience using related power tools and hand tools.
• 2 years' experience with plant care.

Special Requirements

• Successful applicants must provide own steel-toed, safety boots (City may reimburse for the cost of the boots up to a maximum of $75).
• Possession of a current Washington State Department of Transportation Traffic Flagging Card, and ability to maintain throughout employment.
• Successful completion of a post-offer criminal history and motor vehicle record check.
• Satisfactory completion of a post offer pre-employment drug test, medical physical assessment.
• Because of the known effects of tobacco use, the City of Des Moines does not hire applicants who use tobacco products.

Working Conditions and Physical Abilities

• Work is primarily performed outdoors during all seasons. Exposure to outdoor weather conditions, including inclement weather (rain, snow, heat or cold). The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Duties of this position may expose the individual to chemicals and fertilizers.
• Work is primarily performed in an outdoor environment, which may include uneven and unstable walking surfaces, tripping hazards, moderate noise levels and inclement weather conditions. Position requires driving a vehicle to conduct work.
• Position requires frequent interpersonal skills, teamwork, creativity, customer service, use of discretion, independent judgment and/or action, ability to perform basic math and ability to write, understand, read, and speak English; occasional problem analysis, and rare decision making and negotiation.
• Position requires frequent standing, walking, stooping, talking, reaching, feeling, bending, kneeling, climbing, grasping, hearing, handling, fingering and repetitive motions of hands, wrists, and feet; occasional sitting, and rare crawling. Must be able to push, pull, and carry 50 pounds and lift 100 pounds.

Equal Opportunity Employer

• The City of Des Moines is committed to hiring a diverse workforce and all qualified applicants, including all ethnic backgrounds and persons with disabilities, are encouraged to apply. The City is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.
• In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, an employer is obligated to make a reasonable accommodation only to the known limitations of an otherwise qualified individual with a disability. In general, it is the responsibility of the applicant or employee with a disability to inform the employer that an accommodation is needed to participate in the application process, to perform essential job functions or to receive equal benefits and privileges of employment.

General Information

• The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions for this job classification, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements.
• The physical abilities described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The provisions of this job description do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.
• Updated 2026.

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