Mechanic / Welder / Fabricator - Bozeman

Montana Department of Transportation; Bozeman (MT); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

State Retirement plan

Overtime/Comp time

Paid vacation, sick leave and holidays

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Montana Department of Transportation in Bozeman seeks a Welder Mechanic to maintain, repair, and fabricate parts for gasoline and diesel machinery. The role includes inspecting, machining, and testing repaired components, and following established maintenance procedures.

Open to Levels I–III with a career ladder and relocation support may be provided. Requires a Montana Commercial Operators License Class A, Type II with tank endorsement and a valid MEC; forklift certification within 3 months

Qualifications

• Two years of welding and fabrication experience or two years in diesel heavy equipment and truck, or two years in light duty vehicles (or a mix).
• Related formal education may substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Preference level 3 (Journeyman) within the career ladder.

Responsibilities

• Repair and maintenance of gasoline and diesel machinery and equipment.
• Fabrication of specialized parts and components; system design and manufacture.
• Test performance by reinstalling, assembling, and operating equipment; follow maintenance procedures.

Skills

Welding

Fabrication

Diesel equipment

Light vehicles

Education

Gas and diesel vehicle repair education

Job description

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is recruiting for a Welder Mechanic in the Bozeman Shop. This position performs a variety of work associatedwith the repair and maintenance of gasoline and diesel machinery and equipment, fabrication of specialized parts, system design andmanufacture, and troubleshooting. Cleans, inspects, and determines course of repair, including restoring close tolerances with accuracy, machining and/or replacing functional parts, devices and control instruments, reinstalls and assembles, starts, drives or operates equipment and devices to test performance. The incumbent must have the ability to follow maintenance procedures.

This position is part of a career ladder with career advancement opportunities.

Benefits of working for MDT and the State of Montana include:

• Culture of public service and a commitment to work/life balance
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Access to Montana Health Centers, low-cost clinics for state employees and their families
• State Retirement plan and additional savings opportunities (deferred compensation)
• Employees in this position receive overtime compensation or compensatory time for all time in a pay status over 40 hours in a workweek
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness
• Benefits apply on first day of employment
• Relocation assistance may be offered to the successful candidate at the time of offer

For information on the Montana Department of Transportation’s mission, vision, and values, please visit our website: https://www.mdt.mt.gov/about.aspx#values

This position follows a career ladder and is open to levels 1 - 3. Preference is given to level 3 (Journeyman).

Experience Levels

• Level I
  • Two years of experience in welding and fabrication or Two years' experience in diesel heavy equipment and truck or two years’ experience in light duty vehicles or combination of each depending on position.
• Level II
  • Three years of experience in welding and fabrication or three years' experience in diesel heavy equipment and truck or three years’ experience in light duty vehicles or combination of each depending on position.
• Level III
  • Four years of experience in welding and fabrication or four years' experience in diesel heavy equipment and truck or four years’ experience in light duty vehicles or combination of each depending on position.
• Related formal education in gas and diesel vehicle, equipment or machinery repair and maintenance may substitute for experience on a year for year basis.

A valid Montana Commercial Operators License (Class A, Type II) with no restrictions, a tank endorsement and a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) OR ability to obtain the full license within 30 days of hire. Forklift certification must be obtained within 3 months after hire.

This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

Other Information

Driver’s record will be verified. Successful applicants will be required to sign a release form which authorizes the Department to obtain the applicant’s permanent driving records. Compliance with Mont. Admin. R. 2.6.201, "State Vehicle Use," and MDT Policy #6.03.001, "State Vehicle Use Policy" are conditions of employment. (if applicable)

This position is being posted in accordance with the CRAFTS Mechanic/Machinist bargaining unit agreement. Non-bargaining unit employees or employees of another bargaining unit may apply. If the position is not filled with a bargaining unit applicant, the non-bargaining unit applicants may be considered. However, bargaining unit applicants will have preference. (if applicable)

The Montana Department of Transportation is an equal opportunity employer. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans and disabled veterans are encouraged to apply. People with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may call the Human Resources and Occupational Safety Division, at 406.444.6054.

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is committed to continuous improvement of our employee safety program and our safety and health processes, and to achieving an injury-free workplace.

Proof of eligibility to work in the United States must be provided if selected for hire. Generally, sponsorship for work authorization is not available through the State of Montana. MDT is not enrolled in E-Verify and is unable to hire F-1 STEM OPT visa candidates.

Effective 5/26/2026, MDT is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov