Maintenance Repairer

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of State-Operated Specialty Care, Bureau of Cherokee Mental Health Institute (CMHI) is seeking a reliable and skilled Maintenance Repairer to join our team! This is a full-time position with a Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. schedule and opportunity for advancement, growth, and development.

This position is responsible for performing a variety of tasks related to the upkeep and repair of our facility. This includes general maintenance duties, routine inspections, and emergency repairs to ensure the building, equipment, and grounds remain in top working condition.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform routine maintenance on air handling units including filter replacement and cleaning, and condensate tray maintenance and cleaning.

• Conduct inspections and identify issues requiring repair.

• Handle basic plumbing, electrical, HVAC, carpentry, and welding tasks.

• Respond to maintenance requests in a timely and professional manner.

• Ensure all tools and equipment are properly maintained and stored.

• Run basic machinery used in grounds maintenance, mowing, and snow removal.

The successful candidate should have strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail, along with willingness to think outside of the box. If this position sounds like a great fit, we look forward to hearing from you.

Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position.

CMHI provides active inpatient treatment to adults in need of acute psychiatric care. The facility offers several services including individualized treatment plans. Support for patients with special education needs to continue their education is provided, and individuals are encouraged to collaborate with staff members in formulating their own plan. Medication, group counseling, and activities therapies might be included as well.

Benefits of Joining CMHI

Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks. In addition to a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.

Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage!

Paid Time Off: Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation(96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year).

Retirement Plans: Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29% and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC), Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month).

Flexible Spending Accounts: Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.

Insurance Coverage: Benefit from life insurance and free long-term disability insurance for added peace of mind.

Employee Assistance Program: Access resources and support through our Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges.

Employee Discount Programs: Enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services through our employee discount programs.

For additional information on benefits click here.

Click here to see how we compare with other employers or offers by using our Total Compensation Calculator.

Cherokee Highlights

CMHI is located in Cherokee, a city of approximately 5,000 set in the beautiful Little Sioux River Valley in Northwest Iowa. Residents enjoy fishing and canoeing on the Little Sioux River which winds through town providing a backdrop to a well-developed parks and trails system. In addition, Cherokee has over 1,000 acres of land devoted to parks and outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and horseback riding. Cherokee is the home of the first accredited museum and planetarium in Iowa, Sandford Museum and Planetarium, established in 1951. Cherokee may be the smallest town in the world to have its own symphony orchestra! This 60-member orchestra has been referred to as the “best kept secret in Northwest Iowa.”

Cherokee is home to Western Iowa Tech Community College and 1 hour or less from other educational institutions including Morningside College, Northwestern College, Buena Vista University, and Dordt College. This quintessential Iowa town is 1 hour from Sioux City and 2 hours from Omaha. Check out these 10 Reasons to Move to Iowa.

The State of Iowa is an EEO/AA Employer

HHS values those with “lived experience” and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the HHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired – Relay Iowa TDD).

Our agency uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

Three years of full-time work experience in two or more of the recognized building and mechanical trades (carpentry, electrical, heating and air conditioning, machinist, machine repair, masonry, painting, pipefitting, plumbing, refrigeration, and welding).

Three years of a combination of experience (as described in number one) and education, where thirty semester hours of post high school education in an accredited building or mechanical vocational program equals one year of experience.

Current and continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes two years of full-time work as a Trades Helper.For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.

Additional Qualification Requirements

Within a period of time after hire, as determined by the appointing authority, persons in this class may be required to obtain one or more of the following certificates, licenses, or endorsements:

A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and endorsements

At the Department of Public Defense – Military Division, an "Unclassified Person" license from the State of Iowa Electrical Licensing Board

A license to perform electrical work in accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 103

A Fire Sprinkler Installer and Maintenance License in accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 100D

A Grade 1 Water Treatment Operator certification in accordance with Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 567–81

A Grade 1 Waste Water Operator certification in accordance with Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 567–81