Heavy Equipment Mechanic

State of Minnesota; Bemidji (MN); On-site; USD 71,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Minnesota Transportation Department seeks a Heavy Equipment Mechanic in Bemidji to diagnose, repair, maintain and modify state-owned light, medium and heavy equipment. Day shift, 7:00 am – 3:30 pm, Monday to Friday, on-site, with competitive pay.

The role requires a Class D license with CDL progression, CVI certification by probation, and experience with diesel engines, hydraulics and electronic controls.

Qualifications

• Valid Class D driver's license with ability to obtain Class A CDL with no air brake restriction and tanker endorsement by end of probation.
• Valid Commercial Vehicle Inspector (CVI) certification by end of probation.
• Approximately three years of experience as a heavy equipment mechanic on heavy trucks and equipment.
• Experience diagnosing and repairing engines, drive trains, brakes, steering/suspension, hydraulics; electronics use for diagnostics.

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.
• Maintain tool inventory and ensure tools are usable and accounted for.
• Performs snow and ice removal as needed.

Skills

Heavy equipment knowledge

Diagnostics & repair

Electronic control systems

English communication

Education

Heavy Equipment Apprenticeship program or related two-year training

Job description

Working Title: Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Job Class: Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Agency: Transportation Dept

*This position was previously announced and is being re-posted for additional candidates. If you previously applied, please reapply as the qualifications have been modified.

• Job ID : 94920

• Location : Bemidji

• Telework Eligible : No

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

• Date Posted : 09/26/2026

• Closing Date : 10/12/2026

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Transportation Department / Transportation-District 2-AFSCME

• Division/Unit : District 2A - Bemidji / Operations Manager

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift, 7:00 am - 3:30 pm

• 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 (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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:

• Minimum of a valid Class D Driver’s License at the time of hire with the ability to obtain a Class A Commercial Driver’s License with no air brake restriction and tanker endorsement obtained by the end of the probationary period (within 6 months of hire/placement). (MnDOT will provide training.)

• Valid Commercial Vehicle Inspector (CVI) Certification obtained by the end of the probationary period (within 6 months 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 within one year of hire

• Possess multiple, distinct, ASE certifications in heavy truck mechanics or equivalent certifications

• Welding experience using modern techniques

• Three years of Heavy Equipment Mechanic experience within the last five years

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.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] . Please indicate what assistance is needed.