Salary : $49,649.60 - $64,313.60 Annually
Location : Cherokee - 51012 - Cherokee County, IA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 27-00275
Agency: 400 Health & Human Services - State Operated Specialty Care
Opening Date: 09/10/2026
Closing Date: 10/18/2026 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag: #LI-POST
Point of Contact: Marla Keller,
Job DescriptionThe Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of State-Operated Specialty Care, Bureau of Cherokee Mental Health Institute (CMHI) is seeking a Power Plant Engineer 3 to join our team! This is a full-time position with a Tuesday - Friday, 6:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. schedule.
The Power Plant Engineer 3 diagnoses problems relating to equipment malfunctions, makes mechanical, electrical, and plumbing repairs to power plant equipment and auxiliary systems, and operates and maintains boilers that support the Cherokee campus. This position is also responsible for operating generators for the Institute's electrical power in the event of loss of utilities and helping with grounds maintenance including snow removal. The successful candidate will have knowledge of HVAC and plumbing systems.
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 includingindividualized 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. For more CMHI info:
Benefits of Joining CMHIWorking 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 .
to see how we compare with other employers or offers by using our Total Compensation Calculator.
Cherokee HighlightsCMHI 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 .
The State of Iowa is an EEO/AA EmployerHHS 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 1- TDD).
E-Verify and Right to WorkThe State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal
Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit .
Minimum Qualification Requirements Experience equal to three years of full-time work in the operation, maintenance and repair of steam generating boilers, centralized air-conditioning or electrical power generating equipment and auxiliary systems;
OR
an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting 30 semester hours of accredited coursework from a military school or recognized trade or vocational school in power plant engineering principles including the operation, maintenance and repair of steam boilers for each year of the required experience to a maximum substitution of one year;
OR
employees with current continuous experience in the state Executive Branch that includes experience equal to one year of full-time experience as a Power Plant Engineer 2.
For additional information, please click on this
Additional Qualification Requirements Within a period of time as determined by the appointing authority, certain employees in this class may be required to obtain a Fire Sprinkler Installer and Maintenance License in accordance with Chapter 100D, Iowa Code.
Designated positions in this job class require applicants to obtain the required certification, license and endorsements within a period of time as determined by the appointing authority at the time of hire.
Why Choose the State of Iowa?At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset - our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.
Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:Competitive Compensation:Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.
Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyGain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.
Health and Wellness:Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.
Retirement Planning:We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.
Paid Time Off:Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.
Professional Development:Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP):We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.
Diversity and Inclusion:Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.
Join Us - Elevate Your Career:Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!
01
Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely.
Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question. Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.
- Yes - I understand and agree.
- No
02
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. 611 et seq?
- No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. 611 et seq
- Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. 611 et seq
03
How many years do you have of full-time work experience in the operation, maintenance and repair of steam generating boilers, centralized air-conditioning or electrical power generating equipment and auxiliary systems?
- I do not have any of the identified experience
- Less than two years of work experience in the identified areas
- Two years to less than three years of work experience in the identified areas
- Three years or more of work experience in the identified areas
04
How many years do you have in a combination of education (accredited coursework from a military school or recognized trade or vocational school in power plant engineering principles including the operation, maintenance and repair of steam boilers for each year of the required experience to a maximum substitution of one year) AND experience (experience must be in the operation, maintenance and repair of steam generating boilers, centralized air-conditioning or electrical power generating equipment and auxiliary systems)? The maximum of 30 semester hours may be counted - applicants are required to have at least two years of the experience identified.
- I do not have any of the identified education and experience
- Less than two years of the identified education and experience
- Two years to less than three years of the identified education and experience
- Three years or more of the identified education and experience
05
Are you a current State of Iowa employee (executive branch)? IF YES - How many months do you have of experience as a Power Plant Engineer 2 for the State of Iowa?
- I am not a current State of Iowa employee
- Less than six months of experience as a Power Plant Engineer 2 for the State of Iowa
- Six months to less than 12 months of experience as a Power Plant Engineer 2 for the State of Iowa
- 12 months or more of experience as a Power Plant Engineer 2 for the State of Iowa
Required Question
