Salary : $39,332.80 - $44,948.80 Annually
Location : Water Works Park, IA
Job Type: Seasonal
Job Number: 202600036
Department: Water Distribution
Division: Pipelines
Opening Date: 06/11/2026
Closing Date: 6/24/2026 12:00 PM Central
JOB SUMMARY
Why Work at Des Moines Water Works? At Des Moines Water Works (DMWW), every employee plays a vital role in delivering Water You Can Trust for Life to over 600,000 central Iowans. We're looking for team members who are customer-focused and committed to our mission.
When you join DMWW, you become part of a team that values environmental stewardship-protecting our most essential natural resource: water. Just as importantly, we recognize that our people are our greatest asset. Your wellbeing matters to us-from physical and psychological safety to wellness, fitness, and professional growth, we're committed to supporting your health and development at work and beyond.
About the Position: Under the Supervision of the Water Distribution Supervisor, this position is responsible for maintaining the visibility, condition, and overall appearance of fire hydrants within an assigned service area. The primary responsibility is to repaint hydrants in accordance with established standards, color codes, and safety procedures. Success in this role requires strong attention to detail, steady hands and physical coordination, and a consistent commitment to safety and quality workmanship.
Ideally looking for someone that is available to work through September
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Paint Application: Apply paint to fire hydrants according to designated colors and patterns.
- Ensure proper coverage and adherence of paint to hydrant surfaces.
- Utilize appropriate painting techniques to achieve consistent and professional results.
- Surface Preparation: Clean and prepare fire hydrant surfaces for painting, removing dirt, rust, and other contaminants as necessary.
- Repair minor surface imperfections to ensure a smooth painting surface.
- Color Coding: Follow established color-coding standards to differentiate hydrants based on their function and water flow capacity.
- Maintain accurate records of color codes and corresponding hydrant locations.
- Inspection and Maintenance: Conduct visual inspections of fire hydrants to identify any signs of damage or deterioration.
- Report any maintenance issues or safety concerns to the appropriate authorities for prompt resolution.
- Safety Compliance: Adhere to all safety regulations and guidelines while performing painting tasks.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and exercise caution to prevent accidents or injuries.
- Documentation: Maintain detailed records of painting activities, including dates, locations, and any pertinent observations.
- Collaboration:
- Communicate effectively with team members to prioritize tasks and optimize workflow.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Experience:
One year of experience as a physical laborer or in construction field. An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform essential duties of the job may be acceptable.
Licenses/Certifications:
- Must possess a valid State of Iowa Driver's License with a good driving record.
- This position requires Driver remain insurable under the Company's coverage.
Age:
Minimum age of 21 years old preferred.
Candidates under 21 years old must have an acceptable driving record to be selected.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Strong attention to detail and quality craftsmanship.
- Physical stamina and ability to perform tasks that may require bending, lifting, and standing for extended periods.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with others.
- Commitment to safety and adherence to established protocols and procedures.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
- Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and crouching while preparing and painting hydrants.
- Ability to lift, carry, and handle equipment and materials such as paint cans, brushes, scrapers, and small tools (generally up to 25-50 lbs).
- Manual dexterity and steady hand control for detailed painting and surface preparation.
- Ability to work in awkward or confined positions, including reaching overhead or at ground level.
- Visual acuity to distinguish colors accurately and identify surface defects or hydrant damage.
- Tolerance for repetitive motions, including brushing, sanding, and cleaning.
- Ability to walk or travel between hydrant locations, sometimes over uneven terrain.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Frequently works in outdoor environments, street environments, or construction site
- Frequently works in adverse weather conditions
- Outdoor work in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and sun exposure.
- Exposure to traffic, requiring awareness of surroundings and adherence to safety protocols.
- Regular contact with paint fumes, dust, rust, and cleaning agents, with required PPE provided.
- Work near roadways, sidewalks, and public spaces, occasionally interacting with the public.
- Potential exposure to insects, vegetation, and environmental allergens while working around hydrants.
- Use of safety equipment, such as high-visibility clothing, gloves, eye protection, and respirators when needed.
- Independent field work, often performed alone but with radio or phone communication available.
- Occasional need to adjust schedule based on weather, project deadlines, or operational priorities.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Des Moines Water Works is an Equal Opportunity Employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Selection Process: The hiring process includes a review of qualifications, interviews, and job-related assessments. The selected candidate must pass a criminal background check, which includes a sex offender registry search, a pre-employment drug screen, and physical examination.
E-Verify Participation: Des Moines Water Works participates in the federal E-Verify program. We will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. All candidates offered a position must complete Section 1 of Form I-9 and present documentation verifying their identity and eligibility to work in the United States prior to starting employment. For questions about acceptable documents, please contact Human Resources at 515-283-8717.
This position is not eligible for benefits.