Diesel and Construction Equipment Mechanic Trainee

Commonwealth-of-Pennsylvania; Somerset Township (PA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Pennsylvania Department of Transportation invites applications for a Diesel and Construction Equipment Mechanic Trainee. This structured program lets you learn essential mechanical skills while contributing to the community and public service.

As a trainee, you will learn to maintain, inspect, and repair a wide range of vehicles and equipment, performing diagnostics, preventive checks, and safety-focused tasks, with opportunities for overtime and seasonal shifts.

Qualifications

• Two years as a Tradesman Helper (commonwealth title) in automotive field.
• Post-high school diesel technology curriculum from an accredited trade/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 maintenance tasks.

Skills

Equipment repair

Preventative checks

Diagnostic work

Safety practices

Record keeping

Environmental care

Education

Two years as Tradesman Helper

Diesel technology curriculum

Equivalent experience

Job description

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.

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: 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

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Two years as a Tradesman Helper (commonwealth title) 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 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 end of the probationary period.

Additional Requirements

• This position is subject to Drug and Alcohol testing in accordance with Federal Regulations.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

This position is subject to the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement or memorandum of understanding.

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.