Painter

Position Title:

Painter

Job Group:

Merit

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Four years of experience in the trade, including apprenticeship.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with large-scale or high-traffic painting projects, ideally in a facilities or institutional environment

Experience with preparing surfaces for refinishing; specifically drywall patching and finishing

Experience with environmentally friendly or specialty coatings

Experience supervising or training painters or staff

Job Description:

Bring your skills to the Department of Residence at Iowa State University, where your work helps make the campus feel like home. As a Painter, you’ll play a hands-on role in maintaining and refreshing student living spaces, ensuring they’re safe, welcoming, and ready for the next generation of Cyclones.

Schedule & Location

• Full-time, Monday–Friday, daytime hours

• Work is on campus in student residence halls and apartments

How You’ll Contribute

• Painting & Repairs: Handle interior and exterior painting, drywall repair, and finishing to keep residence halls looking their best.

• Surface Prep & Finishing: Prepare walls and surfaces, mix and match colors, and apply paints, stains, and coatings for a polished, professional finish.

• Tools & Equipment: Maintain painting tools, supplies, and equipment; ensure safe use and readiness for daily work.

• General Maintenance Support: Assist with broader maintenance projects and collaborate with other trades to meet building needs.

• Safety & Standards: Follow safety procedures, keep work areas clean, and help ensure a safe environment for students and staff.

Why Join Us

The Department of Residence isn’t just about buildings—it’s about creating a welcoming community for over 12,000 students. You’ll be part of a team that values quality, teamwork, and the visible impact of your work on student life. Learn more about our philosophy and meet the staff who make it happen:

• Our Staff

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 – Enjoy Holidays OFF!

• Consistent, full-time schedule with daytime hours to support work-life balance

• Steady work that supports the campus community

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepares surfaces for refinishing by sanding, scraping, filling cracks and taping sheet rock; works from ground or floor level, from ladders, and from stationary and swing stages.

• Applies paint with brush, roller and sprayer; hangs wallpaper and vinyl and acoustical wall covering materials; glazes, refinishes and antiques woodwork; and mixes stains and paints.

• Determines method, materials, and equipment needed to complete job assignments.

• Keeps a record for each project: materials used, colors, textures, locations, dates, and tasks performed.

• Cleans and maintains brushes, rollers, sprayers, and other tools and equipment.

• Cuts and sets glass and repairs windows, and may perform plastering duties.

• Assists in directing the work of apprentices

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques used in the painting trade.

• Knowledge of the properties, purposes, preparation, and uses of painting materials and tools.

• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the trade.

• Skill in the use and maintenance of the tools of the painting trade, safely and skillfully.

• Ability to erect and work from ladders and scaffolds safely.

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, architect drawings and verbal and written instructions.

• Ability to perform the full range of painting tasks independently.

• Ability to direct the work of others.

• Ability to work in extreme weather conditions, work at heights, and in an environment that may have dust or fumes.

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.

Appointment Type:

Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

5151a

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application.

Please be prepared to enter or attach both of the following:

• Cover Letter

• Resume

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected] 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

• On-site (Ames, Iowa) childcare

• Life insurance and long-term disability

• Flexible Spending Accounts

• Various voluntary benefits and discounts

• Employee Assistance Program

• Wellbeing program

Original Posting Date:

January 12, 2026

Posting Close Date:

February 3, 2026

Job Requisition Number:

R18447