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Foundry Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Clow Valve - Iron Melt

Oskaloosa, IA ยท On-site

$26.85 - $27.15/hr

This included a brass foundry, an iron foundry and the machine shop for machining and building of valves and hydrants. In 1967, demand had grown and the iron foundry was relocated and expanded to the ...

This included a brass foundry, an iron foundry and the machine shop for machining and building of valves and hydrants. In 1967, demand had grown and the iron foundry was relocated and expanded to the ...

Clow Valve - Iron Melt

Oskaloosa, IA ยท On-site

$26.85 - $27.15/hr

This included a brass foundry, an iron foundry and the machine shop for machining and building of valves and hydrants. In 1967, demand had grown and the iron foundry was relocated and expanded to the ...

Clow Valve - Production Forklift

Oskaloosa, IA ยท On-site

$27.29 - $27.67/hr

This included a brass foundry, an iron foundry and the machine shop for machining and building of valves and hydrants. In 1967, demand had grown and the iron foundry was relocated and expanded to the ...

This included a brass foundry, an iron foundry and the machine shop for machining and building of valves and hydrants. In 1967, demand had grown and the iron foundry was relocated and expanded to the ...

The successful candidate will spend significant time on the foundry floor learning the business through hands-on observation, mentorship, and direct engagement with operators, supervisors, and plant ...

The successful candidate will spend significant time on the foundry floor learning the business through hands-on observation, mentorship, and direct engagement with operators, supervisors, and plant ...

The successful candidate will spend significant time on the foundry floor learning the business through hands-on observation, mentorship, and direct engagement with operators, supervisors, and plant ...

Clow Valve - Small Valve Assembly

Oskaloosa, IA ยท On-site

$26.73 - $27.16/hr

This included a brass foundry, an iron foundry and the machine shop for machining and building of valves and hydrants. In 1967, demand had grown and the iron foundry was relocated and expanded to the ...

Showing results 21-40

Foundry information

See Iowa salary details

$12

$18

$26

How much do foundry jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for foundry in Iowa is $18.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.58 and $20.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do foundry workers do?

Foundry workers operate equipment and perform tasks related to melting, pouring, and shaping metal or other materials in a manufacturing environment. They may handle tasks such as preparing molds, monitoring casting processes, and ensuring safety protocols are followed, often requiring knowledge of tools and safety standards. The job typically involves physical labor and working with high-temperature materials.

What is the difference between Foundry vs Metal Fabricator?

AspectFoundryMetal Fabricator
CredentialsTypically requires vocational training or technical certifications in casting processesRequires welding certifications, technical training in metalworking
Work EnvironmentIndoor, casting facilities, heavy machineryWorkshop or manufacturing floor, welding and assembly areas
Industry UsageUsed in metal casting, sculpture, industrial parts manufacturingUsed in custom metalwork, structural components, machinery parts

Foundry workers focus on casting metals into molds, often working with molten materials, while metal fabricators cut, weld, and assemble metal parts. Both roles require technical skills but differ in processes and work environments. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right career path in metalworking industries.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a foundry environment, and how can they be managed effectively?

Working in a foundry often involves exposure to high temperatures, heavy machinery, and physically demanding tasks. Common challenges include maintaining personal safety, managing fatigue, and meeting production deadlines while ensuring product quality. Effective management includes strict adherence to safety protocols, regular equipment maintenance, and good communication with team members. Many foundries also provide training and personal protective equipment to help workers perform their roles safely and efficiently.

What are foundry jobs?

Foundry jobs are found in a workshop or factory setting where workers have responsibilities related to metal casting. As a foundry worker, you complete duties involved with the setup, operation, production, and clean up for creating steel and other metals. You pour melted metal into molds then remove and dress the castings. These job-related activities can be physically demanding and require the moving of sand, flasks, and other materials either by hand or with appropriate equipment. Specific job titles include casting carrier, casting sorter, mold clamper, ladle pusher, sand shoveler, slag worker, and operators for various machines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a foundry worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Foundry Worker, you need knowledge of metal casting processes, machinery operation, and workplace safety, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with tools like furnaces, molds, and personal protective equipment, as well as certifications in forklift operation or safety protocols, are commonly required. Attention to detail, physical stamina, teamwork, and effective communication are critical soft skills in this environment. These skills help ensure the production of quality metal parts while maintaining safety and efficiency in a physically demanding setting.

What are the foundry occupations?

Foundry occupations include roles such as foundry workers, mold makers, patternmakers, and furnace operators. These jobs involve operating casting equipment, preparing molds, and handling molten metal, often requiring knowledge of safety procedures and sometimes certifications in welding or industrial safety. Workers typically work in manufacturing environments with heavy machinery and may need physical stamina and attention to detail.

What is a foundry worker?

Foundry workers are skilled professionals who work in foundries, which are industrial facilities where metals are melted and cast into shapes using molds. Their job involves operating furnaces, pouring molten metal, and handling casting equipment to produce parts and components for industries like automotive, construction, and manufacturing. Foundry workers must follow strict safety protocols due to the high temperatures and hazardous materials involved. They may also be responsible for inspecting finished products and maintaining equipment. This role requires physical strength, attention to detail, and knowledge of metalworking processes.
What are the most commonly searched types of Foundry jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Foundry jobs in Iowa are:
What job categories do people searching Foundry jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Foundry jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Foundry jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Foundry job openings:
Infographic showing various Foundry job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,028 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Clow Valve - Iron Melt

McWane, Inc.

Oskaloosa, IA โ€ข On-site

$26.85 - $27.15/hr

Full-time

Medical

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Company Description
We are a leading manufacturer of water valves and fire hydrants. We are a division of McWane Corportation with sister companies in the US and Canada.The Iowa Valve Company was established in Oskaloosa in 1909 by W W Corey and Herman W Read to build hydrants and valves. The original location of "THE VALVE" is the current Machine Shop location on South Second St. the original buildings are still part of that facility. The Eddy Valve Company was founded in 1849 by George Eddy in Waterford New York. In 1878 Clow was formed in Chicago as a jobber of wrought iron pipe and other foundry products. The company was then known as James B Clow and Sons. Clow acquired Eddy Valve in 1945 and Iowa Valve in 1947. These were operated separately at their original locations until 1970 when they were merged in Oskaloosa under Clow Corporation, Valve Division.
The original South Second street facility housed all the operations of "THE VALVE". This included a brass foundry, an iron foundry and the machine shop for machining and building of valves and hydrants. In 1967, demand had grown and the iron foundry was relocated and expanded to the southeast edge of Oskaloosa. When Eddy and Iowa were merged in Oskaloosa in 1970, the brass foundry was relocated to the iron foundry site on 17th Ave. East.
In June 1985, McWane Incorporated purchased all the stock of Clow and Clow became a wholly owned subsidiary of McWane. Clow Valve Company, including Oskaloosa and Corona, was formed and is how we are known today.
Today Clow Valve Company is a very well respected manufacturer of water works valves and fire hydrants. Clow manufactures 2" through 48" diameter Resilient Seated valves. Clow also manufactures dry and wet barrel fire hydrants. The Machine Shop and Metal Casting Facility utilize state of the art technology in both shops concerning safety, quality and production. The Clow Machine Shop has been ISO 9000 certified since 2002. The Foundry is recognized as a Voluntary Protection Program Merit Site as awarded by OSHA. Clow Valve is looking forward to operating in and benefiting Oskaloosa for the next 100 years.
Job Description
Clow Valve's Metal Casting Facility has an immediate opening for an Iron Melter.
3rd Shift Position: 7:00pm-5:30am
Starting Wage: $26.85; Qualified Wage: $27.15
3rd shift differential : $1.20/hour
$500 sign on bonus after 120 day probationary period complete
Health insurance available after 60 days
RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
  • Loading charge carts with scrap metal.
  • Placing sand at furnace doors to prepare furnace.
  • Fill pouring ladles.
  • Correct measurement of chemical additives to molten metal.
  • Pour molten metal into molds.
  • Transfer of ladles to pouring line.
  • General Clean up of area.
  • Maintaining Ladles.
  • Furnace lining repair and rebuild.

Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
  • Frequent lifting/carrying of up to 10 lbs, some lifting of up to 50 lbs.
  • Frequent lifting greater than 40 times per hour.
  • Bending/ twisting/ and standing for greater than 8 hours.
  • Ability to read and write and understand training and instruction.
  • Ability to work in extreme heat.
  • Must be able to utilize and work around moving machinery (i.e cranes, hoists, forklifts as needed).
  • Must be able to utilize proper PPE including: respirator, metatarsal guarded boots, eye protection, hearing protection, apron, gloves and sleeves.

Additional Information
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
McWane is a Federal VEVRAA contractor, and an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all employment practices. McWane will not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran or service member status, marital status, citizenship status (In IL - sex, including same sex, ancestry, order of protection status, physical or mental disability, military status, pregnancy, unfavorable discharge status, genetic information), (In IA - gender identity), (In CA- gender identity or expression, and genetic information) or any other category protected by federal, state or local law.