Hydrant Painter; Seasonal

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.

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.

• 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.

High school diploma or GED equivalent.

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.

• 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.

Minimum age of 21 years old preferred.

Candidates under 21 years old must have an acceptable driving record to be selected.

• 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.

• 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.
• Toleran…