Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment; Bemidji (MN); On-site; USD 71,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Minnesota's Transportation Department in Bemidji is seeking a Heavy Equipment Mechanic to diagnose, repair, and maintain state-owned equipment and trucks. This full-time, Monday–Friday role offers competitive pay and benefits.

Qualifications include a valid Commercial Class A license with tanker endorsement within 30 days, about three years of heavy equipment experience or completion of a related apprenticeship, and the ability to work with electronic controls and onboard computers.

Qualifications

• Valid Commercial Class A license with no air brake restrictions, tanker endorsement within 30 days of hire.
• Approximately three years of experience diagnosing, repairing, maintaining, and modifying heavy equipment and heavy‑duty diesel trucks.
• Experience diagnosing and repairing engines, brakes, drive trains, steering/suspension and hydraulics; ability to use electronics for engine adjustments and to read/interpret onboard computers.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose, repair, maintain and modify state-owned light, medium and heavy equipment.
• Conduct preventative maintenance inspections as needed.
• Use required computer programs to record repair information for access by others.

Skills

Heavy equipment experience

Diagnostics

Electronic control systems

Education

Heavy Equipment Apprenticeship or two-year training program

Related training program with diagnostics

Tools

Electronic testing equipment

Onboard computers

Job description

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 08/12/2026
• Closing Date: 09/08/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Transportation Department / Transportation-District 2-AFSCME
• Division/Unit: District 2A - Bemidji / Operations Manager
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $34.16 - $39.66 / hourly; $71,326 - $82,810 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 202 - Craft, Maintenance, Labor/AFSCME
• Work Area: Mechanic Shop
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 08/12/2026
• Closing Date: 09/08/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Transportation Department / Transportation-District 2-AFSCME
• Division/Unit: District 2A - Bemidji / Operations Manager
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $34.16 - $39.66 / hourly; $71,326 - $82,810 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 202 - Craft, Maintenance, Labor/AFSCME
• Work Area: Mechanic Shop
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Working Title: Heavy Equipment Mechanic Job Class: Heavy Equipment Mechanic Agency: Transportation Dept

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 08/12/2026
• Closing Date: 09/08/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Transportation Department / Transportation-District 2-AFSCME
• Division/Unit: District 2A - Bemidji / Operations Manager
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $34.16 - $39.66 / hourly; $71,326 - $82,810 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 202 - Craft, Maintenance, Labor/AFSCME
• Work Area: Mechanic Shop
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well‑being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

• Diagnose, repair, maintain and modify state‑owned light, medium and heavy equipment
• Conduct preventative maintenance inspections on equipment as needed
• Use required computer programs so that repair information is recorded accurately and available for use by others.
• Maintain individual and state tool inventory so that all tools are in usable condition and accounted for.
• Performs snow and ice removal if/as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

To qualify for Heavy Equipment Mechanic, applicants must meet the following:

• Valid Commercial Class A driver’s license with no air brake restrictions and must obtain a tanker endorsement within 30 days of hire.

Approximately three years of experience as a heavy equipment mechanic which includes:

• diagnosis, repair, maintenance and modification of both heavy‑duty diesel trucks and equipment and gasoline powered vehicles.
• diagnosis and repair of mechanical and electronic control systems for engines, brakes, drive train, steering/suspension, and hydraulics.
• use of electronics sufficient to make engine, transmissions and brake adjustments and diagnose problems, and the use of computerized testing equipment and/or onboard computers sufficient to diagnose problems and adjust the functions of components.

OR

Completion of Heavy Equipment Apprenticeship program or graduation from a two‑year Heavy Equipment Mechanic or related training program that included:

• diagnosis and repair of engine, drive train, brakes, steering/suspension, and hydraulics for heavy equipment, (e.g. trucks, tractors, busses).
• training in electronics sufficient to make engine adjustments and diagnose problems.
• training in the use of computerized testing equipment and/or onboard computers sufficient to diagnose problems and adjust the functions of components.

AND

Working knowledge of English sufficient to read, write, speak and understand oral and written information; communicate with employees and the general public in -person or via two‑way radio and other electronic devices; and to maintain routine written logs and simple records.

Preferred Qualifications

• Valid Commercial Vehicle Inspector Certification
• Air Conditioning Certification
• Possess multiple, distinct, ASE certifications in heavy truck mechanics or equivalent certifications
• Welding experience using modern techniques
• Three years of HEM experience within the last five years

Certifications

• Valid Commercial Vehicle Inspector Certification within 6 months of hire
• Air Conditioning Certification within one year of hire

Additional Requirements

REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS:

**Successful candidate must pass past‑employer reference checks and criminal history check**

It Is Our Policy That All Candidates Submit To a Background Investigation Prior To Employment. The Background Check May Consist Of The Following Components

• SEMA4 Records Check
• Criminal History Check
• Employment Reference Check
• Education/License Verification
• Driver's License Check

The incumbent will be subject to drug and alcohol testing. New employees must pass a pre‑placement drug test for evidence of use of marijuana, cocaine, opiates, phencyclidine (PCP) and amphetamines (MDMA, MDA and MDEA) and acetyl morphine (6‑AM).

The incumbent is required to be immediately accessible to a phone and be able to report to work within one (1) hour of being called.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to work in a set area with tool carts, sinks, hoists and supplies easily accessible (i.e. the mechanic shop.) The employee frequently uses gross and fine dexterity in a variety of positions including reaching outward and overhead, bending, working with outstretched arms and/or while lying on the back (i.e. on a creeper), climbing up onto a large vehicle, working from heights and bending over. The employee works with power tools, machinery/instruments and equipment, and hand tools requiring the frequent lifting and/or carrying/holding of supplies and parts up to 50 pounds. The employee will infrequently move between 50 and 70 pounds by pushing, pulling or lifting and carrying. Working conditions include vision, noise, vibration, respiratory and chemical hazards and occasional adverse weather conditions (heat, cold snow, rain, wind). Must be able to communicate through writing, speaking and hearing, and also able to communicate with the use of electronic communication equipment, i.e. telephones, 2‑way radio, computer, etc.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your Benefits May Include

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short‑term and long‑term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax‑free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well‑being

Support To Help You Reach Your Career Goals

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) For Work/life Support

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well‑being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies

Based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran‑friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.

MnDOT does not discriminate against qualified applicants with disabilities. Anyone who believes they may need a reasonable accommodation to fully participate in the job application, interview or selection processes may contact any agency official with whom application has contact in the processing of their employment application to request an accommodation. Applicants may also contact the MnDOT Aff…

MnDOT’s Reasonable Accommodation policy can be found at: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/policy/hr/hr009.html