Diesel and Construction Equipment Mechanic Trainee

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 44,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is offering a Diesel and Construction Equipment Mechanic Trainee position through PennDOT. This hands-on trainee program provides on-the-job instruction in equipment repair, diagnostics, and preventative maintenance, with opportunities to learn safe repair methods and proper tool use.

You will engage in repair, testing, inspections, and documentation, supported by structured training and real-world experience, with a starting salary of $48,802 and a typical

Qualifications

• Two years as a Tradesman Helper in automotive field (Commonwealth job title or equivalent)
• Graduation from a post-high school diesel technology curriculum of an accredited trade or technical school
• Equivalent combination of experience and training

Responsibilities

• Assist with repairing and overhauling cars, trucks, and heavy equipment
• Participate in maintenance tasks to keep vehicles and equipment in safe condition
• Learn diagnostics, adjustments, tune-ups, and part replacements
• Help complete official state safety and emissions inspections and prepare related documentation
• Learn to repair and maintain motorized hand tools and report missing or damaged parts
• Maintain a safe, clean work area and follow safety procedures

Skills

Mechanical skills

Safety awareness

Attention to detail

Education

Post-high school diesel technology

Job description

THE POSITION

Are you motivated to learn advanced mechanical skills while helping to keep heavy equipment and vehicles running strong? The Diesel and Construction Equipment Mechanic Trainee position with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) offers a hands‑on path to a specialized career. You will learn how to inspect, repair, and maintain equipment used every day in transportation work. This role helps you grow your abilities through structured training and real-world experience.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This trainee opportunity provides on-the-job instruction to build your skills in equipment repair, diagnostics, and preventative maintenance. You will work with staff to learn safe repair methods and proper use of tools and equipment. As a Diesel and Construction Equipment Mechanic Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Equipment Repair: Assist with repairing and overhauling cars, trucks, and heavy equipment
• Preventative Care: Participate in maintenance tasks that keep vehicles and equipment in safe working condition
• Mechanical Diagnostics: Learn to identify mechanical issues and complete adjustments, tune-ups, and part replacements
• Inspection Support: Help complete official state safety and emissions inspections and prepare related documentation
• Tool Operation: Learn to repair and maintain motorized hand tools and report missing or damaged parts
• Safety Practices: Maintain a clean work area, follow safety procedures, and learn methods to avoid accidents and injuries

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.
• Work hours are subject to change based upon seasonal requirements and operational needs.
• Travel, overtime, and shift work are required.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary:Selected candidates who are new to employment with 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.

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.

Additional Requirements

• This position requires possession of an active Tank Vehicle Endorsement (N) on first day of employment.
• Employees may be required to obtain and maintain CDL endorsements and certifications necessary to operate specific pieces of equipment.
• This position is subject to Drug and Alcohol testing in accordance with Federal Regulations.
• 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.