Diesel and Construction Equipment Mechanic Trainee

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Lancaster (Lancaster County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) invites applications for a Diesel and Construction Equipment Mechanic Trainee. You will learn to diagnose, maintain, and repair a range of vehicles and heavy equipment through guided training and hands-on practice.

Responsibilities include repairing equipment, performing preventative maintenance, diagnostics, and supporting inspections while maintaining safety and accurate records.

Qualifications

• Two years as a Tradesman Helper in the automotive field or equivalent experience.
• Graduate from a post-high school diesel technology curriculum at an accredited school.
• Equivalents of experience and training may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Assist with repairing cars, trucks and heavy equipment, identifying issues and helping replace parts.
• Participate in routine preventative maintenance to keep vehicles and equipment in safe condition.
• Help with tune-ups, tire changes, and repairs to cooling, suspension, electrical, and fuel systems.
• Support the inspection process by performing repairs, road tests, and completing forms.
• Follow safety procedures and help maintain a clean, hazard-free work area.
• Maintain equipment records and prepare written and oral reports of findings.

Skills

Teamwork

Safety compliance

Problem solving

Education

Two years as Tradesman Helper in automotive field

Post-high-school diesel technology curriculum graduate

Equivalent combination of experience/training

Tools

Heavy equipment diagnostics tools

Repair tools

Job description

THE POSITION

Are you ready to begin an exciting journey as a Diesel and Construction Equipment Mechanic Trainee with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)? In this position, you will learn how to diagnose, maintain, and repair a variety of vehicles and equipment. You will build strong technical skills through guided training and hands‑on practice. Your growing expertise will support the vital work of keeping our transportation system running.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position teaches you how to maintain, diagnose, and repair vehicles and heavy equipment used in transportation operations. As a Diesel and Construction Equipment Mechanic Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Equipment Repair: Assist with repairing cars, trucks, and heavy equipment, including identifying issues and helping replace mechanical parts
• Preventative Maintenance: Participate in routine maintenance tasks to keep vehicles and equipment in safe working condition
• Diagnostics Work: Help complete tune‑ups, tire changes, and system repairs such as cooling, suspension, electrical, and fuel systems
• State Inspections: Support the inspection process by performing repairs, conducting road tests, and completing required forms
• Safety Practices: Follow safety procedures, keep the work area clean, and assist with identifying and reducing hazards
• Record Keeping: Contribute to maintaining equipment records and completing written and oral reports of findings

WORK SCHEDULE AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Full‑time employment
• Work hours are 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30‑minute lunch.
• Travel, overtime, and shift work are required. Work hours are subject to change based upon seasonal requirements and operational needs.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary:In some cases, the starting salary may be non‑negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

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 possession of an active Medical Examiner’s Certificate in accordance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Regulations on the first day of employment.
• All positions require possession of an active Pennsylvania Class 1, Class 4, or Class 7 Inspection Mechanic Certification during the probationary period.
• This position requires employees to pass the Department of Transportation’s New Mechanic Training course during the probationary period.
• This position requires possession of an active Hazardous Materials Endorsement (H) during the probationary period.
• This position requires possession of an active Tank Vehicle Endorsement (N) during the probationary period.

Additional Requirements:

• This position is subject to Drug and Alcohol testing in accordance with Federal Regulations.
• Employees may be required to obtain and maintain CDL endorsements and certifications necessary to operate specific pieces of equipment.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

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.