Preventative Maintenance Technician

Salary : $47,611.20 - $61,422.40 Annually
Location : 515 Clark Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010, IA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-1330-01
Department: Fleet Services
Division: Fleet Services
Opening Date: 10/05/2026
Closing Date: 10/25/2026 5:00 PM Central
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: FBC
Residency Requirement?: Yes
Residency Requirement Areas:


Centrally located in the heart of Iowa, Ames is a vibrant, progressive community with more than 66,000 residents providing an excellent quality of life. Home to Iowa State University, Ames offers year-round recreation opportunities, diverse cultural offerings, a stable economy, safe neighborhoods, and a high-achieving school district.
General Information
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:


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


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.

Qualifications


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.
Supplemental Information


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 View phone number on click.appcast.io) 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).
E-Verify Process:

The City of Ames participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each applicant's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. All candidates who are offered a position with the City of Ames must complete Section 1 of Form I-9 along with the required proof of their right to work in the United States and proof of their identity on their first day of employment. Please be prepared to provide required documents on your first day of employment. For additional information regarding acceptable documents for this purpose, please contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io or go to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services web page at:
NOTE: Applicants with disabilities may submit requests for ADA testing or interview accommodations to the Human Resources Department prior to the test or interview.
The City of Ames is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against. Inquiries can be directed to the Human Resources Department at View phone number on click.appcast.io.
The City of Ames offers a comprehensive benefits package for employees regularly working 20 hours or more per week. Benefits are pro-rated for employees working between 20-39 hours per week.

The benefits available include vacation, sick leave, family sick leave, life insurance and AD&D, health and dental insurance, vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, retirement, long-term disability, tuition reimbursement, discounted Parks and Recreation gym usage and exercise classes, and an employee assistance program.

The City of Ames is a PSLF eligible employer. 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 click .
01


Please describe how you have a minimum of 6 months of experience in basic automotive or mechanical experience.
02


Please describe your diesel engine experience, if applicable.
03


Do you have a valid Commercial Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

04


Describe for us your work place values or principles. Please provide two examples where you used those values/principles to guide your actions.
Required Question