Diesel and Construction Equipment Mechanic Trainee

About the Department

Join the Department of Transportation as a Diesel and Construction Equipment Mechanic Trainee and gain valuable experience in vehicle and equipment repair! This training position teaches you how to diagnose problems, perform maintenance, and apply safe work practices. Each day brings new learning opportunities that strengthen your mechanical abilities. Start building a strong foundation into a new and rewarding career!

Position Duties

This role supports the maintenance and repair of diesel and gasoline powered vehicles and equipment through a structured training program. It involves hands-on learning in diagnostics, repairs, inspections, and safe work practices. As a Diesel and Construction Equipment Mechanic Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Mechanical Learning: Train in repairing cars, trucks, heavy equipment, and related components
• Preventative Work: Perform routine maintenance to keep vehicles and equipment in safe operating condition
• Diagnostic Support: Identify mechanical issues and assist in choosing appropriate repair methods
• Inspection Activity: Complete or assist with safety and emissions inspections for assigned vehicles
• Safety Practices: Apply correct safety procedures and participate in hazard identification and injury prevention
• Field Adjustments: Make basic adjustments and support major repair work under supervision

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Travel, overtime and shift work required. Work hours subject to change based on seasonal requirements and operational needs. 
• 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.

Minimum Qualifications

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 1, 4, or 7 Inspection Mechanic Certification during the probationary period.  
• This position will require employees to pass the Department of Transportation’s New Mechanic Training course during the probationary period.

Additional Requirements:

• This position requires possession of an active Tank Vehicle Endorsement (N) during the probationary period.
• This position requires operation of vehicles or equipment with a manual transmission.
• 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.

Benefits

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video!

See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator.

Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options. 

Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.* 

Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.

Supplemental Questions

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Agency Information

EmployerCommonwealth of PennsylvaniaAddress 613 North Street

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120 Website http://www.employment.pa.gov