We are currently conducting an open recruitment to establish a Civil Service eligibility list of qualified Mechanic Assistant candidates. The list will be valid for up to one years 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, as well as all other interested applicants.
Our Mechanic Assistants, under general supervision of the Transit Maintenance Coordinator, perform repair and preventive maintenance activities or assist in performing more complex activities related to the maintenance and repair of gasoline or diesel powered automotive or heavy equipment. They also perform related work as assigned.
Some immediate unique benefits for this position are:
** Garage workspace is heated and air conditioned.
** $400 reimbursable tool allowance each fiscal year.
** Assistance in obtaining a CDL permit and license.
Salary
The starting annual salary for this position is $27.23 per hour as of July 1, 2026. Specified months of City of Ames Mechanic Assistant service are applied in step increases to salary, per the IUOE bargaining agreement. The following steps apply after the starting rate of pay:
Step B = $30.98/hour, 4 passed ASE Tests or 18 months of service
Step C = $36.42/hour, 7 passed ASE tests or 48 months of service
This position is also bound by a residency requirement per the same bargaining agreement, which is outlined under "Other Supplemental Information" later in this posting. Also see the MAP outlined in dark blue.
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 experience on your application or answering the supplemental questions is not sufficient.
Benefits
Our comprehensive benefits package can be viewed at: City of Ames Benefits
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program: 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 the website through this link: PSLF Program
Performs preventive maintenance, inspection and diagnostics on heavy and automotive equipment systems, including electric vehicle drive trains; performs maintenance such as removing and replacing defective automotive equipment or assists more senior mechanics in disassembling and assembling major components; maintains shop and building(s); maintains tools and equipment in a safe, clean and usable condition; performs routine building and shelter maintenance and repair tasks, including snow removal.
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 two years of experience in general maintenance and repair of gasoline or diesel powered automotive or heavy equipment engines or their related systems (including manufacturing maintenance and repair); or an equivalent combination of education and experience. An associate's degree in automotive, auto-mechanic, and/or diesel technology from a hands on experience based program is preferred.
Employment Qualifications: No record of more than two total moving violations and/or accidents in the last three years; no more than two serious accidents within the last five years; no record of operating a vehicle while under the influence (OWI); no record of revoked or suspended driver's license in last five years; no record of hit and run accidents. An offer of employment is conditional upon the following: satisfactory background check; obtaining CDL Permit; employment physical; drug and alcohol test; and obtaining a CDL license.
Licenses and Certificates: Ability to obtain a valid Iowa Drivers License; ability to obtain Commercial Driver's License Permit within 30 days of start date; ability to obtain Commercial Driver's License (Class A or B with passenger and air brake endorsements) within three attempts; must maintain Commercial Driver's License (Class A or B with passenger and air brake endorsements).
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, equipment and procedures involved in welding as related to automotive maintenance. Some knowledge of vehicle networking.
Skill in correctly and safely performing repair or maintenance tasks, including welding and 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, electric, hybrid 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 and hi-voltage PPE; telephone, cell phone, two-way radio; written manuals, maps, and blueprints; computer keyboard and monitor, and general office equipment.
Other Equipment Used on the Job: arc welder, acetylene torch, forklift, sweeper, charging systems tester, plasma cutter, MIG welder, TIG welder, diesel specialty tools, air conditioner repair equipment, painting and sanding equipment, electronic diagnostic equipment, and related equipment. Maintenance and programming of electronic destination signs, security cameras and other related electronic equipment.
Select Process:
The selection process consists of an evaluation of education and experience, phone interview, on-site interview, completion of a commercial and motor vehicle record check, and criminal background check, which includes a sex offender registry check, and physical with drug/alcohol testing. 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.
Other Supplemental Information:
Residency Requirement Details
All employees governed by the IUOE (Blue Collar) contract (which includes Mechanic Assistants) are required to reside within an 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. For further details of what area this includes, please view the Ames Employee Residency Map link here: MAP.
Timing of Recruitment Events
Interviews are currently anticipated to be scheduled between August 24 and 25, 2026.
