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Department of Public Safety Job Class Code: 7279 Grade: 20 (Operations/Maintenance) Salary: $21.45 - $29.97/Hour Location: Bangor, ME Opening Date: November 13, 2026 Closing Date: December 1, 2026 Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.
As an Auto Mechanic III, you will make an impact with your job every day—keeping law enforcement officers safe, vehicles mission‑ready, and critical equipment functioning when it matters most. This is not your average mechanical role— you’ll work on specialized police vehicles owned and operated by Maine’s largest police agency, as well as emergency equipment, and custom‑built components that help keep our communities protected every day.
What You’ll Do
- Specialized Vehicle & Equipment Maintenance Diagnose and repair police communication equipment, including mobile data terminals, printers, modems, and adapters. Install, repair, and calibrate emergency lights, sirens, alternators, fuel delivery systems, and electrical components. Rebuild and repair pursuit‑rated engines, transmissions, and drivetrains.
- Technical Fabrication & Repair Use welding, cutting, and fabrication tools—including oxyacetylene, plasma cutters, and electric welding equipment—to design and repair custom equipment. Maintain and update electronic and mechanical systems using the latest diagnostic software.
- Field Work & Specialized Operations Operate wreckers and ramp trucks to recover vehicles containing evidence for criminal investigations. Road‑test high‑speed patrol vehicles (with supervisor authorization) to verify safety and performance.
- Shop & Inventory Operations Organize and maintain shop supplies and parts inventory. Write detailed repair orders to document all work performed and maintain complete vehicle histories. Additional Responsibilities Assist with snow removal, vehicle transport, equipment operation, school bus inspections, and pickups/drop‑offs of parts and supplies as needed.
What You Bring
- Strong mechanical aptitude and experience with vehicle repair—experience with emergency or fleet vehicles is a plus (but we will train the right candidate!)
- Knowledge of electrical, diagnostic, and fuel‑system repair.
- Ability to use welding and fabrication tools safely and effectively.
- Comfort working with computer‑based diagnostics and reprogramming tools.
- A commitment to accuracy, safety, and teamwork.
What you need
- 4 years of experience/education
- A valid Maine Driver’s License
- A Maine Inspection License
- Able to pass a criminal background check
Minimum Qualifications
Education, training, and/or experience in engine or automotive repair, mechanical or electric equipment maintenance, or another closely related technical trade area demonstrating competence in diagnosing and repairing vehicles or mechanical equipment; troubleshooting electronic and networking equipment; operating manual and power tools; keeping records; and working independently.
Licensing/Registration/Certification Requirements
(These must be met by all employees prior to attaining permanent status in this class). Possession of a valid Class C motor vehicle license as issued by the State of Maine. Obtain and maintain Maine Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection credentials for all vehicle types.
Benefits of working for the State of Maine
- No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—\"Dirigo\" or \"I lead\"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day.
- Work‑Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime‑exempt employees receive personal leave.
- Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee‑only premiums ($11,857.68-$13,950.24 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
- Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee‑only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
- Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee‑only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
- Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 14.06% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
- Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
- Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre‑tax to help pay for out‑of‑pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
- Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
- Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
- Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty‑two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
- Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre‑tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.
- State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.
- Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full‑time.
Equal Opportunity and Diversity
As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.