Diesel and Construction Equipment Mechanic Trainee

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Lancaster (Lancaster County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Transportation is seeking a Diesel and Construction Equipment Mechanic Trainee to learn diagnosing, maintaining, and repairing a range of vehicles and equipment used across the department.

You will build strong technical skills through guided training and hands-on practice, developing safety practices, mechanical analysis, and field adjustment abilities while supporting essential transportation operations.

Qualifications

• Two years as a Tradesman Helper working in automotive field or equivalent Federal Government title.
• Graduation from a diesel technology curriculum of an accredited trade or technical school.
• Equivalent combination of experience and training acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Assist with repairing cars, trucks, and heavy equipment while learning techniques.
• Participate in preventative maintenance on engines, systems, and components.
• Help identify equipment problems using approved tools and procedures.
• Follow safety rules and maintain a clean workspace.
• Perform routine adjustments and support major repairs under guidance.
• Document inspections, repairs, and observations in written and oral formats.

Skills

Two years tradesman helper experience

Education

Post-high school diesel technology training

Job description

Begin an exciting journey as a Diesel and Construction Equipment Mechanic Trainee with the Department of Transportation. 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 provides structured training in equipment repair, maintenance, and diagnostics for vehicles and machinery used across the Department. The role builds skills in safety practices, mechanical analysis, and field adjustments for a wide range of equipment. As a Diesel and Construction Equipment Mechanic Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Equipment Repair: Assist with repairing cars, trucks, and heavy equipment while learning correct techniques
• Maintenance Tasks: Participate in preventative maintenance on engines, systems, and components
• Diagnostics Work: Help identify equipment problems using approved tools and procedures
• Safety Practices: Follow safety rules, maintain a clean workspace, and learn hazard prevention methods
• Field Adjustments: Perform routine adjustments and support major repairs under guidance
• Record Keeping: Document inspections, repairs, and observations in written and oral formats

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 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• 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 employees to possess an active Medical Examiner’s Certificate in accordance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations on the first day of employment.
• This position requires 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.
• This position requires an active Hazardous Materials Endorsement (H) during the probationary period.
• This position requires 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 are 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.