Diesel and Construction Equipment Mechanic Trainee

Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania; Somerset (Somerset County); On-site; USD 49,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s PennDOT invites applicants to join the Diesel and Construction Equipment Mechanic Trainee program in Somerset County. This structured learning path trains you to maintain, inspect, and repair a wide range of vehicles and heavy machinery while serving the community.

You will perform repairs, preventive maintenance, diagnostics, safety practices, and accurate record keeping. The role requires a valid PA CDL permit, environmental compliance, and the ability to work

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Learn to assist with repairs and replacements for vehicles and heavy machinery.
• Perform routine maintenance to keep equipment in safe working condition.
• Identify mechanical issues using proper tools and techniques.
• Follow safety procedures and help maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Document repairs, inspections, and adjustments in written and verbal formats.
• Apply environmental protection requirements during all maintenance tasks.

Skills

Tradesman Helper experience

Automotive field experience

Diesel technology background

Education

Post-high school diesel technology training

Job description

Salary

$48,802.00 - $61,927.00 Annually

Location

Somerset County, PA

Job Type

Non-Civil Service Permanent Full-time

Job Number

N-2026-58377

Department

Department of Transportation

Division

TR Somerset Co

Opening Date

09/14/2026

Closing Date

9/23/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code

93129

Position Number

00089320

Union

AFSCME

Bargaining Unit

J1

Pay Group

ST04

Bureau / Division Code

00080970

Bureau / Division

PennDOT Maintenance District 9-7, Somerset County

Worksite Address

1312 North Center Avenue

City

Somerset, Pennsylvania

Zip Code

15501

Contact Name

Lisa Tipton

THE POSITION

Discover a rewarding career path forward as a Diesel and Construction Equipment Mechanic Trainee with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. This opportunity offers a structured learning environment where you will gain essential mechanical skills while supporting your community. Every day provides a chance to learn, solve problems, and make a difference. Start your journey toward a stable and meaningful career in public service.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position supports a structured program where you will learn how to maintain, inspect, and repair a wide range of vehicles and equipment. As a Diesel and Construction Equipment Mechanic Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Equipment Repair: Learn to assist with repairs and replacements for vehicles and heavy machinery
• Preventative Checks: Perform routine maintenance to keep equipment in safe working condition
• Diagnostic Work: Identify mechanical issues using proper tools and techniques
• Safety Practices: Follow safety procedures and help maintain a clean and organized work area
• Record Keeping: Document repairs, inspections, and adjustments in both written and verbal formats
• Environmental Care: Apply environmental protection requirements during all maintenance tasks

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.
• Shifts will vary due to seasonal requirements, some overtime and travel may be 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 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS

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 Pennsylvania Class B Commercial Driver's License with the Air Brake Restriction (L) and Manual Transmission Restriction (E) removed, or equivalent by the probationary period.
• 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.
• All positions will require 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.

Additional Requirements:

• 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.