Mechanic - Ames

State of Iowa - Executive Branch; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

IPERS retirement

Paid time off

9 paid holidays per year

Training and career growth

Job summary

The Iowa Department of Transportation in Ames is seeking a skilled Mechanic to maintain and repair trucks and heavy equipment, diagnose issues, and apply the latest diagnostic technology. The role emphasizes safety, integrity, and serving the public, with opportunities for professional growth and stable employment.

You will handle preventative maintenance, respond to emergencies, and operate snow‑removal equipment when needed, all while upholding core values and a focus on quality service.

Qualifications

• Three years of full‑time automotive or heavy equipment mechanic work.
• Ability to diagnose and repair diesel engines, transmissions, hydraulics, brakes, and electrical systems.
• Proficiency with computer‑based diagnostic and maintenance software.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose, repair, and maintain diesel engines and heavy equipment.
• Troubleshoot using diagnostic tools and document repairs.
• Perform preventative maintenance on snowplows, dump trucks, and loaders.
• Respond promptly to breakdowns and minimize downtime.
• Maintain accurate service records for compliance.

Skills

Diesel engines knowledge

Troubleshooting

Safety awareness

Education

CDL permit

Tools

Diagnostic software

Maintenance software

Job description

Job Description

Ready to roll up your sleeves and take on a challenge? Here at the Iowa Department of Transportation, as a

Job Description

Ready to roll up your sleeves and take on a challenge? Here at the Iowa Department of Transportation, as a Mechanic, you’ll work on trucks and heavy equipment, troubleshoot issues, and use the latest technology to keep Iowa moving. We provide all the tools you need, no need to bring your own. Enjoy great benefits, a healthy work-life balance, and the stability of a career that matters! If you’re looking for variety, growth, and the chance to make a real impact, this is the place for you.

We’re not just hiring any mechanic; we’re looking for someone who lives by our core values: Safety First, Integrity Without Exception, Customer Focused, Servant Leadership , and People Matter, and moves our mission of Making Lives Better Through Transportation forward.

Responsibilities

To excel in this role, you must be detail-oriented, hands‑on, and committed to continuous learning and innovation. Candidates will further develop their technical skills in a rewarding environment through responsibilities that include:

• Diagnose, repair, and maintain diesel engines, transmissions, hydraulic systems, brakes, and electrical components for trucks and heavy equipment.
• Leverage computer‑based diagnostic tools and maintenance software to troubleshoot issues, document repairs, and stay current with evolving vehicle technologies.
• Perform proactive preventative maintenance to ensure optimal performance of snowplows, dump trucks, loaders, and other specialized vehicles.
• Respond quickly to equipment breakdowns, identifying root causes and implementing effective repairs to minimize downtime.
• Maintain accurate and detailed service records to track maintenance history and support compliance standards.
• During emergencies, you may operate snow‑removal equipment to clear snow, ice, and frost from roadways

Location:

Ames, Iowa

Schedule Requirements

Monday through Friday 7:00 am to 3:30 pm. May be required to work up to 16 consecutive hours, required to respond to emergency situations 24 hours/day, some overnight travel required

Requirements

• A CDL permit is required upon hire
• Within 45 calendar days following appointment, a valid Class B CDL with the required endorsements and applicable restrictions must be obtained and maintained in order to continue employment.
• A pre‑employment drug screen and will be required to participate in ongoing random drug and alcohol testing programs.

As a State of Iowa employee, you will be eligible for the following benefits:

• Competitive pay and benefits package including health, dental, flexible spending, and life insurance.
• Insurance benefits start the first month following 30 days of employment and costs can be reviewed here.
• Horizontal Career Path program offers hands‑on training in operations, technical skills, and personal development. Over three years, you’ll move through three levels—with annual raises tied to your progress and performance.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Paid time off effective immediately - biweekly vacation, separate sick leave, accruals rollover on a yearly basis, and 9 paid holidays per year.
• Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) Retirement Package with employer match
• Optional 401A plan with employer contributions.
• Employee Discount Programs from a variety of vendors (vision, cellular, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, counseling; legal, financial).

We encourage you to learn more about the State of Iowa Employee benefits and costs at the State of Iowa Employee Benefits Website !

The Iowa Department of Transportation is an equal‑opportunity employer. If you require a reasonable accommodation in completing any screening, interviewing, pre‑employment testing, or otherwise participating in the selection process, please direct your request to the Affimative Action & Equal Employment Opportunity (AA/EEO) Officer at: [e-mail] .

Reasonable accommodation, such as an interpreter, translator, written materials, modified equipment/devices, ADA access, etc. This does not include scheduling needs.

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify,

a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

• Three years of full‑time work experience in automotive or heavy equipment mechanic work.
• A total of three years of education and/or full‑time experience (as described in number one), where 30 semester hours of post‑high‑school education in automotive or heavy equipment mechanics equals one year of full‑time experience.
• Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes eighteen months of full‑time work as a Mechanic Helper.

Additional Qualification Requirements

Positions in this job class in the Department of Public Defense – Military Division must possess at the time of hire, or be able to obtain within six (6) months of hire, a valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License with air brake endorsements.

All of the following apply to Department of Transportation positions only:

• Positions in this class require possession of a valid Commercial Learner's Permit upon hire.
• Within a timeframe determined by the appointing authority, a valid Commercial Driver's License with the required endorsements and applicable restrictions must be obtained and subsequently maintained to continue employment.
• In conjunction with Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (parts 40 and 382), positions in this job class require a pre?employment drug screen and will require ongoing participation in the employer's random drug and alcohol testing program and will be subject to the regulations regarding the Federal drug and alcohol testing program.
• Prior to starting employment, all persons are required to have a post offer, pre‑employment physical verifying the physical ability to perform the duties assigned.
• Employees must be able to travel and may be required to stay away from home overnight during assignments.
• Within a timeframe determined by the appointing authority, field maintenance employees are required to reside within a defined driving time, during normal conditions, from assigned work location.
• Employees must respond to emergency situations as required.
• Employees must have knowledge of winter maintenance operations such as anti‑icing and deicing principles, snow and ice principles, and the effects of de‑icing equipment on vehicles. They must also have skill in calibrating and maintaining electronic and hydraulic controls to ensure proper amounts of materials are applied to the roadway.
• Employees must be able to work up to 16 consecutive hours.