Auto Mechanic III - South Portland

MaineGuide; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 29,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

The Maine State Police is seeking an Auto Mechanic III in South Portland, ME. You will maintain and outfit police and emergency vehicles, ensuring they are mission-ready and safe for officers and the public.

Responsibilities include diagnosing and repairing communications equipment, emergency lighting, engines, and drivetrains; fabrication of custom equipment; inventory management; and field operations support. Training on specialized equipment is provided.

Qualifications

• Strong mechanical aptitude and experience with vehicle repair.
• Experience with emergency or fleet vehicles is a plus.
• Ability to work in a team and follow safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Use welding, cutting, and fabrication tools to design and repair custom equipment.
• Maintain and update electronic and mechanical systems using diagnostic software.
• Operate wreckers and ramp trucks to recover vehicles containing evidence for investigations.
• Road-test high-speed patrol vehicles to verify safety and performance.
• Organize and maintain shop supplies and parts inventory.
• Write detailed repair orders and maintain vehicle histories.
• Assist with snow removal, vehicle transport, and school bus inspections.

Skills

Strong mechanical aptitude

Vehicle repair experience

Emergency or fleet vehicles

Job description

Department of Public Safety
Job Class Code: 7279
Grade: 20 (Operations/Maintenance)
Salary: $21.45 - $29.97/Hour
Location: South Portland, ME
Opening Date: November 13, 2026
Closing Date: December 1, 2026

Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

Ready to put your skills to work where they truly matter and be part of something larger than yourself? Join the team that takes pride in knowing their work helps the Maine State Police protect the public and save lives. 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. If you’re looking to grow in your field, this is the opportunity for you: training on specialized equipment is provided, with the chance to learn new skills and knowledge. If you’re a mechanic who values precision, safety, and craftsmanship, don’t miss out: submit your application today!

What You’ll Do

As an Auto Mechanic III, you will play a key role in maintaining and outfitting police and other law-enforcement vehicles. Your work will include:

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