Diesel and Construction Equipment Mechanic Trainee

Start your journey in a role that builds real mechanical skills from the ground up! As a Diesel and Construction Equipment Mechanic Trainee with the Department of Transportation, you learn how to work on the equipment that keeps Pennsylvania moving every day. This program gives you hands-on experience with repairs, inspections, and maintenance. This is a great chance to grow your abilities and begin a steady career in equipment service!

This trainee role teaches you how to repair, maintain, and inspect diesel and construction equipment through a structured training program. You learn practical mechanical skills while supporting daily repair and maintenance tasks. As a Diesel and Construction Equipment Mechanic Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Equipment Repair: Assist with repairing and overhauling cars, trucks, and heavy equipment, including replacing parts and performing basic body repairs
• Preventative Maintenance: Participate in routine servicing and adjustments to reduce wear and prevent equipment failure
• Mechanical Diagnostics: Learn to complete diagnostics, tune-ups, tire changes, and system repairs on engines and vehicle components
• State Inspections: Help complete safety and emissions inspections, road tests, and related inspection records
• Diagnostic Support: Identify equipment problems and assist with selecting repair methods, tools, and parts
• Safety Practices: Keep the work area clean and safe by using proper procedures, protective equipment, and hazard awareness

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM or 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch. (Shift will be determined by seniority).
• This position may require travel, overtime and dual shifts. Work hours may vary during winter season.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $48,802.00 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Two years as a Tradesman Helper (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration) working in the automotive field; or
• Graduation from a post-high school diesel technology curriculum of an accredited trade or technical school; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Special Requirements:

• This position requires possession of an active Pennsylvania Class A or B Commercial Driver Learner's Permit or License on the first day of employment.
• This position requires employees to possess an active Medical Examiner’s Certificate in accordance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations on the first day of employment.
• All positions will require employees to obtain a valid Pennsylvania Class 4 or 7 Inspection Mechanic Certification during the probationary period. 
• This position is required to obtain an active Tank Vehicle Endorsement (N) within the six-month probationary period. 

Additional Requirements:

• Possession of an active Pennsylvania Class A or B Commercial Driver’s License with the Air Brake Restriction (L) and Manual Transmission Restriction (E) removed on the first day of employment will be accepted in lieu of a permit.
• This position requires operation of vehicles or equipment with a manual transmission within the six-month probationary period.
• Mechanic Trainees are required to possess a basic set of tools, as a requirement to perform their job duties. Tools outside of this basic set are supplied by PennDOT as needed.
• Employees may be required to obtain and maintain CDL endorsements and certifications necessary to operate specific pieces of equipment.
• This position is subject to Drug and Alcohol testing in accordance with Federal Regulations.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education). 
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.  
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.