Highway Mechanic

Brown County, WI; Green Bay (WI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual tool stipend

Job summary

Brown County Highway Department seeks a skilled Fleet Mechanic to maintain and repair its diesel engines, heavy equipment, and related systems. You will diagnose, service, and repair trucks, graders, and construction gear, with on-site field work as needed.

This role may include welding and fabrication duties, mentoring junior staff, coordinating daily shop operations, and ensuring safety and quality standards across the fleet.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited technical college in auto or diesel mechanics.
• Minimum three (3) years of experience repairing and maintaining diesel engines and heavy equipment.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, diagnose, and repair diesel and gas engines, transmissions, brake systems, suspensions, hydraulics, HVAC systems, and power steering.
• Perform preventative maintenance and scheduled services.
• Repair department vehicles including pickups, passenger vehicles, loaders, and construction equipment.
• Operate diagnostic tools and software to troubleshoot and resolve electronic/electrical system issues.
• Conduct road tests to verify repairs and operational safety.
• Make on-site service calls for field repairs.
• Lead Mechanic duties: guide shop operations and mentor junior mechanics.
• Maintain shop records and support inventory management for tools, parts, and consumables.

Skills

Diesel engines

Heavy equipment

Electrical systems

Hydraulic systems

Welding

Fabrication

Troubleshooting

Education

Auto or Diesel Mechanics degree

Tools

Cummins

CAT

Allison

OEM diagnostic software

Job description

The Highway Mechanic performs skilled maintenance, service, and repair work on the Brown County Highway Department fleet. This includes vehicles, heavy-duty dump trucks, graders, construction equipment, small engines, and hand tools.

Mechanics may also be assigned to a Welder-Fabricator role, focusing on equipment assembly, trailer repair, and custom fabrication projects.

A strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, ventilation, and structural systems is essential.

Fleet and Equipment Maintenance

• Inspect, diagnose, and repair diesel and gas engines, transmissions, brake systems, suspensions, hydraulics, HVAC systems, and power steering.
• Perform preventative maintenance and scheduled services.
• Repair department vehicles including pickups, passenger vehicles, loaders, and construction equipment.
• Operate diagnostic tools and software to troubleshoot and resolve electronic/electrical system issues.
• Conduct road tests to verify repairs and operational safety.
• Make on-site service calls for field repairs.

Welding and Fabrication (As Assigned)

• Fabricate, build, construct, and assemble highway and winter specific work equipment.
• Perform welding, brazing, cutting, and structural repairs on trucks, trailers, and custom steel equipment.
• Service and repair trailer systems including wiring, hydraulics, and hitches.
• Retrofit vehicles with custom plumbed, wired, or fabricated components.

Lead Mechanic or Welder-Fabricator Duties (As Assigned)

• Serve as a working lead, guiding shop operations while actively participating in mechanical repairs or fabrication work.
• Support the Fleet Manager with scheduling, prioritization, and coordination of daily operations.
• Mentor junior mechanics on proper procedures, safety, and troubleshooting techniques.
• Maintain shop records and support inventory management for tools, parts, and consumables.
• Provide building and grounds support, including routine facility maintenance and infrastructure repair.
• Assist with developing and sustaining policies, work quality standards, and cost control initiatives.

Materials and Equipment Used

• Standard and specialty hand, air, and power tools
• Electronic diagnostic and testing tools
• Welding equipment (MIG, TIG, arc), drill press, lathe, milling machine
• Shear and brake press, band saw, iron worker
• Engine and fuel system diagnostic tools and A/C recovery and recharge systems
• Lubricants, parts cleaners, and fuels

• Operate hydraulic lifts, jacks, overhead crane, and other hydraulic and air operated lifting and rigging systems.

Education and Experience

• Graduate of an accredited technical college in auto or diesel mechanics.
• Minimum three (3) years of experience repairing and maintaining diesel engines and heavy equipment.
• Equivalent combinations of training and experience may be considered.

Licenses and Certifications

• Valid Wisconsin Class A CDL with tanker endorsement required within six (6) months of hire.
• Diesel mechanic or welding certification preferred.
• EPA Section 609 air conditioning certification a plus.

• In-depth knowledge of heavy-duty diesel engines, diagnostics, and repair practices.
• Familiarity with hydraulic systems, electrical systems, and emissions components.
• Strong welding and fabrication ability, including structural and custom equipment builds; as it applies.
• Skilled in using OEM diagnostic software (e.g., Cummins, CAT, Allison).
• Ability to interpret technical manuals, schematics, and repair specifications.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing priorities in a busy repair shop.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness and ability to assist in snow removal operations.

Physical Demands

• Lift up to 75 lbs. (team lift) and frequently carry up to 40 lbs.
• Regular standing, walking, and sitting; occasional vehicle operation.
• Frequent bending, twisting, climbing, reaching, and squatting.
• Clear oral communication and sound recognition.
• Visual ability to distinguish detail at varied distances and lighting.
• Exposure to environmental and occupational hazards, including noise, vibration, fuel, oils, solvents, and temperature extremes.

Tool Requirements

• Must provide a personal complement of mechanic or fabricator professional-grade hand tools, including but not limited to:
  ¼” and ½” drive sockets, open-end and box wrenches, Allen/hex keys, screwdrivers, pliers, grips, and test meters.
• Tools must meet departmental standards and be inventoried for insurance purposes.
• Annual tool stipend of $1,000 available for upgrades and replacements. Unused funds do not carry over.