Iowa State University is seeking a Facilities Mechanic III to support the Department of Residence Apartments. In this role, you’ll help keep the apartment communities safe, functional, and welcoming by performing skilled maintenance and repair work across multiple building systems. This position is ideal for someone with experience across several trades who enjoys hands-on work, problem solving, and supporting a campus community.
What You’ll Do
Maintain residential facilities by performing skilled and semi-skilled maintenance and repair work on electrical, mechanical, plumbing, heating, ventilation, and HVAC systems.
Complete preventive maintenance on equipment such as motors, pumps, boilers, and furnaces, while maintaining accurate records.
Respond to service needs by troubleshooting issues, performing emergency repairs, and addressing both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance requests.
Inspect systems and equipment to assess condition, identify concerns, and recommend corrective actions.
Read and interpret technical materials including blueprints, diagrams, and equipment specifications to complete work accurately and safely.
Support projects and daily operations by assisting with related craft work and helping ensure facilities remain in good working condition.
Provide guidance to others by assisting in directing work, mentoring, and coaching technicians as needed.
Follow safety practices by working in compliance with established procedures and maintaining awareness of hazards across multiple trades.
When You'll Work
Scheduled Hours: Monday - Friday from 7:30am - 4:00pm
On-call: Routine as required
The Department You'll Work For
With over 400 full-time, part-time, and student employees, the Department of Residence is one of the largest non-academic departments on Iowa State University’s campus. The department supports housing for thousands of residents each year through facilities that are occupied and maintained year-round. These communities operate differently than traditional residence halls and focus on long-term living, which means ongoing maintenance, repairs, and system upkeep throughout the year. Maintenance staff support multiple buildings and systems across these communities, working in occupied residential spaces where safety, reliability, and timely repairs matter to the people who call these apartments home.
The Communities You'll Service
The Department of Residence Apartments provide year-round housing for a wide range of residents, including students, families, graduate students, and staff.
University Village – A large apartment community located on the west side of campus, home to students and families. Buildings include multiple unit layouts and shared systems, with a strong focus on long-term housing and everyday livability. Learn more about University Village Apartments: https://www.housing.iastate.edu/halls/university-village/
Schilletter Village – A graduate and family housing community near campus that includes apartment buildings designed for year-round occupancy. Residents often live here longer than a single academic year, making building care and preventive maintenance especially important. Learn more about Schilletter Village Apartments : https://www.housing.iastate.edu/halls/schilletter-village/
What You’ll Get
Insurance benefits (medical, dental, and vision) starting on your first day—with timely enrollment
Competitive retirement options with generous university contributions
Paid time off, sick leave, and holiday pay
Consistent, full-time schedule with daytime hours to support work-life balance
Tuition reimbursement after your first year of work
Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities
Performs preventive maintenance on motors, pumps, and other equipment, and maintains appropriate records.
Constructive sanitizers, installs oxygen outlets and system according to engineering specifications.
Performs preventive maintenance and emergency repair work.
Reads and interprets blueprints, diagrams, and equipment specifications.
Performs work in related crafts areas as assigned.
Assists in directing the work of others.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of the hazards involved and safety precautions necessary in the electrical, mechanical and plumbing trades.
Knowledge of work practices, methods, and processes utilized in the electrical, mechanical and plumbing trade.
Knowledge of preventive maintenance necessary for equipment and ability to maintain appropriate records.
Knowledge of proper lifting and bending techniques.
Ability to operate safely the tools and equipment used in the electrical, mechanical and plumbing trades.
Ability to interpret blueprints, diagrams and equipment specifications.
Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
Ability to work in a variety of environments including confined spaces, low light areas, at heights, with exposure to temperature extremes.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application.
Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
Resume
Cover Letter
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans
Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
Life insurance and long-term disability
Flexible Spending Accounts
Various voluntary benefits and discounts
Employee Assistance Program
Wellbeing program