Diesel and Construction Equipment Mechanic Trainee

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

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Transportation is seeking a Diesel and Construction Equipment Mechanic Trainee in Erie County. You will learn hands-on skills to keep essential equipment running safely and reliably, participate in real repairs, preventative maintenance, and diagnostics while growing your technical knowledge.

This role offers a clear growth pathway within a supportive and active work environment, with full-time hours 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and potential for dual

Qualifications

• Two years as Tradesman Helper in automotive field or equivalent.
• Graduation from a post-high school diesel technology curriculum.
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Responsibilities

• Repair vehicles, engines, electrical systems, and major components.
• Participate in preventative maintenance tasks such as tune-ups, adjustments, and system checks.
• Assist with state safety and emissions inspections and documentation.
• Use tools and procedures to identify equipment issues and recommend repair methods.
• Maintain motorized hand equipment and report missing or damaged items.
• Follow safety procedures and keep the work area clean and safe.

Skills

Trades experience in automotive

Education

Post-high school diesel technology curriculum

Job description

Salary: $48,802.00 - $61,927.00 Annually

Location: Erie County, PA

Job Type: Non-Civil Service Permanent Full-time

Job Number: N-2026-61404

Department: Department of Transportation

Division: TR Erie Co

Opening Date: 10/27/2026

Closing Date: 11/5/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code: 93129

Position Number: Multiple positions may be filled from this posting.

Union: AFSCME

Bargaining Unit: J1

Pay Group: ST04

Bureau / Division Code: 00080120

Worksite Address: 9031 Peach Street

City: Waterford, Pennsylvania

Zip Code: 16441

Contact Name: Jenn Ross

Contact Phone: [phone]

Contact Email: [e-mail]

The Position

Start building your future with a role that keeps Pennsylvania moving! As a Diesel and Construction Equipment Mechanic Trainee with the Department of Transportation, you learn hands‑on skills that keep essential equipment running safely and reliably. You take part in real repairs, preventative maintenance, and diagnostics while growing your technical knowledge. This position offers a strong pathway for growth in a supportive and active work environment.

Description of Work

This position supports the maintenance and repair of diesel and construction equipment through structured, on‑the‑job training. It introduces essential skills in diagnostics, safety practices, and mechanical repair. As a Diesel and Construction Equipment Mechanic Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Repair Assistance: Take part in repairing vehicles, engines, electrical systems, and major components
• Maintenance Training: Participate in preventative maintenance tasks such as tune‑ups, adjustments, and system checks
• Inspection Support: Assist with state safety and emissions inspections, as well as help complete required documentation
• Diagnostic Learning: Use tools and procedures to identify equipment issues and recommend repair methods
• Tool and Equipment Care: Maintain motorized hand equipment and report missing or damaged items
• Safety Practices: Follow safety procedures, identify hazards, and help keep the work area clean and safe

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.
• Dual shifts (4:00 AM to 12:00 PM or 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM), overtime, and travel may be required. Work hours are subject to seasonal change.
• 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.

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 employees to possess an active Pennsylvania Class A or B Commercial Driver Learner’s Permit; OR an active Pennsylvania Class A or B Commercial Driver License with the Air Brake Restriction (L) and Manual Transmission Restriction (E) removed 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.
• All positions will require employees to obtain a valid Pennsylvania Class 1, 4, or 7 Inspection Mechanic Certification during the probationary period.

Additional Requirements:

• Employees may be required to obtain and maintain CDL endorsements and certifications necessary to operate specific pieces of equipment.
• This position is required to obtain an active Tank Vehicle Endorsement (N) within the six‑month probationary period.
• This position requires operation of vehicles or equipment with a manual transmission within the six‑month probationary period.
• Mechanic Trainees are required to possess a basic set of tools, as a requirement to perform their job duties. Tools outside of this basic set are supplied by PennDOT as needed.
• This position is subject to Drug and Alcohol testing in accordance with Federal Regulations.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• You must pass a background investigation.

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).

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.

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