Plant Maintenance Technician Jobs in Iowa
Plant Maintenance Technician jobs in Iowa concentrate in food and beverage processing, agricultural equipment manufacturing, and industrial facilities, with demand at every level from entry-level mechanics to senior maintenance leads. Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport anchor most of the hiring, with established employers like John Deere, Quaker Oats, and Hy-Vee consistently filling maintenance roles across their Iowa operations. Preventive maintenance programming, PLC troubleshooting, and hydraulic and pneumatic systems are among the most in-demand specialties in the state. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 13+ Plant Maintenance Technician jobs
Summary
Manatt’s Plant Maintenance Technician (PMT) is committed to safely doing everything we do better than anyone else. The PMT acts as the standard bearer for Manatt’s values, mission, purpose, and vision and is accountable for assisting in plant maintenance to ensure the safe and reliable operations of producing plants. General experience with industrial equipment and ability to perform preventative maintenance and repairs on a variety of plant operations. Knowledge of hydraulics, pneumatics, conveyor systems, water systems, welding, and fabrication. Ability to make simple electrical diagnosis and repairs. Will also assist in building and erecting new plants, and the dissemble/rebuilding of plants as needed.
Essential Responsibilities
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other duties as needed to meet the organization's ongoing needs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Additional or other duties may be assigned.
Ensure assigned equipment meets company efficiency, safety, cleanliness, and excellence standards.
Ensure proper servicing and maintenance for assigned equipment, using pre and post trip inspections, through coordination with management, shop maintenance personnel, and operations to uphold Company’s standards.
Ensure service trucks, cranes, and assigned vehicles are in compliance with state and federal regulations, including daily maintenance of pre and post trip inspection reports, all certifications are up to date, and current registration and insurance cards are in the appropriate places. PMT will also perform preventative maintenance service and minor repairs on equipment.
Meet or exceed company safety standards by operating vehicles in a safe manner and abiding by all State and Federal Department of Transportation traffic laws, rules and regulations.
Observe and resolve obvious OSHA, EPA or MSHA violations or potential problems and report them to plant manager.
Communicate and collaborate with plant managers to ensure plants are mechanically operating efficiently, and any unplanned production outages are kept to a minimum.
Proactively communicate problems in achieving continual plant uptime.
Maintenance work performed may include electrical and plumbing replacement, lubrication of moving parts, adjustment and/or replacement of belts, replacement of bearing, roller, pulley, and auger, servicing gear boxes and lines, repair/cleaning of dust collection devices, etc.
Operates loader, ready-mix truck, and various other maintenance equipment, as needed.
Qualifications
Education and Experience
High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
One to three years maintenance/fabrication related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to read and interpret safety rules, batching/dispatching programs, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
Proficient in basic math operations and able to calculate ratios, percentages, and interpret data graphs.
Able to follow written, oral, or diagram instructions; effectively solve problems in routine or complex situations.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
Valid Class A CDL with airbrakes endorsement and current IDOT physical required.
Other Qualifications
Acceptable Driving Record and Excellent Work Ethic
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
May work in varying weather conditions and environments with substantial walking, bending, stooping, lifting or working in awkward or strained positions. Must be able to lift up to 80 lbs. alone and be able to climb or be hoisted to heights up to 100 feet while wearing fall protection. May be required to work in confined, tight spaces at times. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Overtime, odd hours, and nights, as well as some weekends as needed per business demands. As necessary, overnight travel may be required.
Work Environment
While performing duties of this job, the PMT is regularly exposed to fumes or airborne particles and is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts, toxic or caustic chemicals, and outside weather conditions. The PMT is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, risk of electrical shock, and vibration and the noise level in the work environment is usually loud. All appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn where and when required.
About Us
Founded in 1947 and headquartered in Brooklyn, Iowa, Manatt’s is a leader in Iowa's heavy highway construction and materials industry. We specialize in asphalt, concrete, and chipseal coating, with additional expertise in recycle crushing, stabilization, milling, grinding, subdrain installation, and more.
At Manatt’s, we have the experts, equipment, resources, and top-quality materials needed to safely and efficiently complete any project. Our integrated approach and unwavering commitment to building exceptional relationships allow us to deliver uncompromising quality and construction services. Our mission is to continually set and reset the standard by which all other construction material companies are measured. We don’t just build infrastructure; we build legacies through higher standards of work and a dedication to excellence in everything we do.
Summary
Manatt’s Plant Maintenance Technician (PMT) is committed to safely doing everything we do better than anyone else. The PMT acts as the standard bearer for Manatt’s values, mission, purpose, and vision and is accountable for assisting in plant maintenance to ensure the safe and reliable operations of producing plants. General experience with industrial equipment and ability to perform preventative maintenance and repairs on a variety of plant operations. Knowledge of hydraulics, pneumatics, conveyor systems, water systems, welding, and fabrication. Ability to make simple electrical diagnosis and repairs. Will also assist in building and erecting new plants, and the dissemble/rebuilding of plants as needed.
Essential Responsibilities
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other duties as needed to meet the organization's ongoing needs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Additional or other duties may be assigned.
Ensure assigned equipment meets company efficiency, safety, cleanliness, and excellence standards.
Ensure proper servicing and maintenance for assigned equipment, using pre and post trip inspections, through coordination with management, shop maintenance personnel, and operations to uphold Company’s standards.
Ensure service trucks, cranes, and assigned vehicles are in compliance with state and federal regulations, including daily maintenance of pre and post trip inspection reports, all certifications are up to date, and current registration and insurance cards are in the appropriate places. PMT will also perform preventative maintenance service and minor repairs on equipment.
Meet or exceed company safety standards by operating vehicles in a safe manner and abiding by all State and Federal Department of Transportation traffic laws, rules and regulations.
Observe and resolve obvious OSHA, EPA or MSHA violations or potential problems and report them to plant manager.
Communicate and collaborate with plant managers to ensure plants are mechanically operating efficiently, and any unplanned production outages are kept to a minimum.
Proactively communicate problems in achieving continual plant uptime.
Maintenance work performed may include electrical and plumbing replacement, lubrication of moving parts, adjustment and/or replacement of belts, replacement of bearing, roller, pulley, and auger, servicing gear boxes and lines, repair/cleaning of dust collection devices, etc.
Operates loader, ready-mix truck, and various other maintenance equipment, as needed.
Qualifications
Education and Experience
High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
One to three years maintenance/fabrication related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to read and interpret safety rules, batching/dispatching programs, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
Proficient in basic math operations and able to calculate ratios, percentages, and interpret data graphs.
Able to follow written, oral, or diagram instructions; effectively solve problems in routine or complex situations.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
Valid Class A CDL with airbrakes endorsement and current IDOT physical required.
Other Qualifications
Acceptable Driving Record and Excellent Work Ethic
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
May work in varying weather conditions and environments with substantial walking, bending, stooping, lifting or working in awkward or strained positions. Must be able to lift up to 80 lbs. alone and be able to climb or be hoisted to heights up to 100 feet while wearing fall protection. May be required to work in confined, tight spaces at times. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Overtime, odd hours, and nights, as well as some weekends as needed per business demands. As necessary, overnight travel may be required.
Work Environment
While performing duties of this job, the PMT is regularly exposed to fumes or airborne particles and is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts, toxic or caustic chemicals, and outside weather conditions. The PMT is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, risk of electrical shock, and vibration and the noise level in the work environment is usually loud. All appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn where and when required.
About Us
Founded in 1947 and headquartered in Brooklyn, Iowa, Manatt’s is a leader in Iowa's heavy highway construction and materials industry. We specialize in asphalt, concrete, and chipseal coating, with additional expertise in recycle crushing, stabilization, milling, grinding, subdrain installation, and more.
At Manatt’s, we have the experts, equipment, resources, and top-quality materials needed to safely and efficiently complete any project. Our integrated approach and unwavering commitment to building exceptional relationships allow us to deliver uncompromising quality and construction services. Our mission is to continually set and reset the standard by which all other construction material companies are measured. We don’t just build infrastructure; we build legacies through higher standards of work and a dedication to excellence in everything we do.
See All 13 Plant Maintenance Technician Jobs in Iowa
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Find JobsPlant Maintenance Technician Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Plant Maintenance Technician Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What Iowa Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in plant maintenance technician jobs across Iowa.
- High school diploma or GED with vocational or technical training in a related field
- Experience with preventive maintenance programs and documented equipment inspection routines
- Proficiency in PLC operation, troubleshooting, and basic electrical systems maintenance
- Ability to read and interpret mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic schematics
- Familiarity with OSHA safety standards and lockout/tagout procedures in industrial settings
- Experience with hydraulic, pneumatic, or conveyor systems in a manufacturing environment
Plant Maintenance Technician Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a plant maintenance technician in Iowa?
Most Iowa employers require a high school diploma or GED plus completion of a technical or vocational program in industrial maintenance, mechatronics, or a related trade. Iowa community colleges such as Kirkwood Community College and Des Moines Area Community College offer industrial maintenance programs that lead directly to entry-level positions. While Iowa does not require a state-issued license specifically for plant maintenance technicians, employers often expect certifications in electrical safety, forklift operation, or HVAC refrigerant handling before hiring.
Which companies hire plant maintenance technicians in Iowa?
Iowa plant maintenance technician roles are posted by Smithfield Foods, Manatts, and Feed Energy and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Iowa's dense concentration of food processing plants, farm equipment facilities, and logistics centers means openings cycle frequently throughout the year.
Which Iowa cities have the most plant maintenance technician jobs?
Waterloo, Des Moines, and Sioux City account for the largest share of plant maintenance technician openings in Iowa. Des Moines drives volume through its broad industrial and distribution base, Cedar Rapids is home to major food processing and grain handling operations that run continuous maintenance crews, and the Quad Cities metro along the Mississippi River anchors a significant manufacturing corridor with John Deere and related suppliers generating steady demand.
Are there remote plant maintenance technician jobs in Iowa?
Yes, but they're rare. Plant maintenance technician work is fundamentally hands-on, requiring physical presence to inspect, repair, and operate equipment on a facility floor. About 0% of plant maintenance technician openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those positions typically involve maintenance planning, parts procurement coordination, or technical documentation rather than direct equipment work.
How can I get hired as a plant maintenance technician in Iowa with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is completing a one- or two-year industrial maintenance or mechatronics program at an Iowa community college, then applying directly to food processing or manufacturing facilities for maintenance helper or general laborer roles that rotate into technician tracks. Employers like Quaker Oats, Tyson Foods, and Iowa Premium Beef regularly hire production support workers and promote internally into maintenance. Earning a forklift certification or completing an OSHA ten-hour safety course before applying gives candidates a measurable edge in the Iowa market.
Where can I find and apply to plant maintenance technician jobs in Iowa?
You can find and apply to plant maintenance technician jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current Iowa openings across manufacturing, food processing, and industrial facilities. Search the listings that match your experience and location, then apply directly to the roles that fit.
See All 13 Plant Maintenance Technician Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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