TDOT MECHANIC - 09222026-81072

State of Tennessee; Gallatin (TN); On-site; USD 49,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Tennessee in Gallatin, TN, seeks a skilled mechanic in the TDOT region to diagnose, repair, and maintain heavy vehicles and road equipment. Primary duties include calibration, diagnostics, and preventive maintenance across engines, electrical, and hydraulic systems.

Applicants should have a high school diploma or equivalent and one year of related experience; CDL licensing will be pursued after hire. This full-time role is located at the Sumner County garage.

Qualifications

• Education equivalent to graduation from a standard high school and one year of full-time repair/maintenance experience.
• Coursework at accredited technical/trades school may substitute for up to 12 months of required experience.
• Must possess and maintain a Class D driver's license valid in Tennessee.
• Must obtain Class A CDL with N endorsement within eleven months (57 restriction permitted) or Class B CDL if age requirements not met.

Responsibilities

• Calibrates computerized groundspeed and measuring controls in equipment.
• Repairs electronic equipment in tack trucks and related machinery using diagnostic tools.
• Repairs and calibrates mechanical equipment and diesel engines, including transmissions and brakes.
• Diagnoses, analyzes, and repairs engines, electrical, hydraulic, and suspension systems.
• Tests repaired vehicles/equipment to ensure proper operation and safety.

Skills

Repair & maintenance

Diagnostics

Mechanical aptitude

Automotive knowledge

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Diagnostic tools

Job description

State of Tennessee Job Information

Opening Date/Time 09/22/2026 12:00AM Central Time

Closing Date/Time 09/28/2026 11:59PM Central Time

Salary (Monthly) $4,057.00 - $5,078.00

Salary (Annually) $48,684.00 - $60,936.00

Job Type Full-Time

City, State Location Gallatin, TN

Department Transportation

LOCATION OF POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, SUMNER COUNTY

This position is located in Region 3 – District 37 Operations – Garage Section.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Education equivalent to graduation from a standard high school and experience equivalent to one year of full-time repair and/or maintenance of engines or related mechanical components, including but not limited to, transmissions, ignitions, and brakes.

Substitution of Education for Experience: Coursework at an accredited technical or trades school in automotive technology, auto mechanics or diesel mechanics may be substituted for the required experience on a month-for-month basis up to 12 months.

Necessary Special Qualifications

Applicants for this class must:

• Possess and maintain a Class D driver's license valid to operate vehicles in the State of Tennessee.
• Possess and maintain, or obtain at their own expense and within eleven months of hire or promotion, a Class A Commercial Driver's License with an N endorsement (a 57 restriction is allowable) that is valid in the State of Tennessee. Employees will have five months from hire or promotion into the title to obtain the applicable permits leading to eligibility for the specific required license.
• Employees not meeting the age requirements for the Class A Commercial Driver's License with an N endorsement must possess and maintain, or obtain at their own expense and within eleven months of hire or promotion into the title, a Class B Commercial Driver's License that is valid in the State of Tennessee. When the age requirements are met, the employee must, at their own expense and within eleven months, obtain a Class A Commercial Driver's License with N endorsement (a 57 restriction is allowable) that is valid in the State of Tennessee.

Examination Method

Education and Experience, 100%, for Preferred Service positions.

Overview

Summary: Under general supervision, is responsible for vehicle and equipment mechanic work of average difficulty; and performs related work as required.

Distinguishing Features

This is the working level classification in the TDOT Mechanic sub-series. An employee in this class performs analysis, diagnosis, and repairs of various mechanical, electric, and computerized issues of average difficulty in vehicles and road equipment. This class is flexibly staffed with and differs from the TDOT Mechanic Trainee, in that an incumbent of the latter learns to analyze, diagnose, and repair various mechanical, electrical, and computerized issues of routine difficulty in vehicles and road equipment. This class differs from that of a TDOT Mechanic Senior in that an incumbent of the latter is responsible for analysis, diagnosis and repairs of vehicles and road equipment of considerable difficulty and supervisory responsibilities of average difficulty.

Responsibilities

Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment

• Performs the calibration processes of computerized groundspeed and measuring controls to ensure proper working condition of the electronic equipment that is used in tack trucks, snow and ice removal, anti-icing distribution, salt brine production, herbicide application, mapping vehicles and asphalt pavers and milling machines.
• Repairs electronic equipment that is used in tack trucks, snow and ice removal, anti-icing distribution, salt brine production, herbicide application, mapping vehicles and asphalt pavers and milling machines by utilizing electronic testing equipment such as multimeters, scan tools, electrical probes, battery and load testers, to ensure proper working condition.

Repairing And Maintaining Mechanical Equipment

• Repairs and calibrates computerized groundspeed and measuring controls to ensure proper working condition of the mechanical equipment that is used in tack trucks, snow and ice removal, anti-icing distribution, salt brine production, herbicide application, mapping vehicles and asphalt pavers and milling machines.
• Diagnoses, analyzes, and repairs a variety of heavy‑duty tracked and wheeled equipment powered by diesel engines, such as excavators (tracked or wheeled), snowplow trucks, forklifts, tractors, backhoes, dozers, graders, loaders, under bridge inspection trucks, bucket trucks, TDOT HELP trucks, fire trucks, tack trucks, asphalt pavers, milling machines and rollers.
• Analyzes, diagnoses, and repairs a variety of engines and transmissions, electrical; cooling; hydraulic; emissions; suspension systems and hydraulic, electric, and air brake systems of vehicles or equipment.
• Analyzes, diagnoses, and repairs a variety of vehicles such as cars, light trucks, vans, and SUVs, including gas, diesel, and hybrid.
• Analyzes, diagnoses, and repairs a variety of small engines and equipment, such as gas, diesel, and air‑cooled generators, lawn mowers, and chainsaws.
• Performs preventive equipment/vehicle maintenance such as changing oil; checking and replacing filters; checking fluid levels and adding fluids that are low; checking air in tires; replacing and balancing tires; and greasing, oiling; adjusting tracks and inspection of safety items such as fire extinguishers and warning triangles.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, Or Material

• Diagnoses equipment malfunctions and issues by listening to noises and visually inspecting, including the reading of codes using diagnostic scanning tools.
• Inspects equipment and test drives vehicles to determine nature of problem.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems

• May make basic determination of whether malfunctioning equipment can be operated safely to avoid damage to equipment or injury to personnel.
• Analyzes all appropriate data for the correct maintenance procedures and repair of vehicles/equipment.

Assisting And Caring For Others

• Responds appropriately during roadside, work site, and other emergencies as required.

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, Or Equipment

• Tests vehicles and equipment that have been repaired or serviced to ensure that they are in proper working condition.
• Performs basic operation of vehicles, machinery, and light‑duty and heavy‑duty equipment, including but not limited to excavators (tracked or wheeled), snowplow trucks, fire trucks, forklifts, tractors, backhoes, dozers, graders, loaders, under bridge inspection trucks, bucket trucks, TDOT HELP trucks, tack trucks, asphalt pavers and milling machines and rollers.
• Operates computerized groundspeed controls to ensure proper working condition of equipment used in tack trucks, snow and ice removal, herbicide application, and asphalt pavers and milling machines.

Analyzing Data Or Information

• Assess the component systems of equipment to isolate source of equipment malfunction or failure.

Controlling Machines And Processes

• Operates and utilizes a variety of standard and specialized tools and equipment used in equipment/vehicle repair, such as hand tools, air compressors, all service truck tools, jacks, chain hoists, air wrenches, automotive/equipment lifts, welders, cutting torches, drill presses, lathes, grinders, and diagnostic machines.

Coaching And Developing Others

• Provides equipment/tools orientation and on-the-job training to other employees.

Documenting/Recording Information

• Documents calibration of computerized groundspeed controls to ensure proper working condition of electronic equipment such as is used in tack trucks, snow and ice removal, herbicide application, and asphalt pavers and milling machines.
• Updates history file records and routine paperwork, such as work orders and maintenance records, on serviced/repaired vehicles or equipment.
• Logs personal time worked, work orders, and leave taken on department‑specific forms as directed by supervisor.
• Logs equipment usage including mileage, hours, pre‑operation and post‑operation checklist, and other factors to provide to supervisors as directed.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

• Maintains required levels of certification in work zone flagging, OSHA, brine making, CDL, basic computer skills, and all TDOT equipment including but not limited to excavators (tracked or wheeled), snowplow trucks, anti‑icing distribution, salt brine production, tractors, backhoes, dozers, graders, loaders, tack trucks, asphalt pavers and milling machines.
• Attends training classes to maintain up‑to‑date required licenses, skills, certifications, and understanding of all relevant technology used in TDOT equipment such as excavators (tracked or wheeled), snowplow trucks, forklifts, tractors, backhoes, dozers, graders, loaders, under bridge inspection trucks, bucket trucks, fire trucks, TDOT HELP trucks, tack trucks, asphalt pavers and milling machines.
• Acquires on‑the‑job training and attends training classes in environmental compliance.

Performing General Physical Activities

• Replaces parts which may require bending, stooping, overhead lifting, or lifting of heavy items.
• Climbs and/or balances on ladders, scaffolding, vehicles, slopes, hills and roadway structures of varying heights to maintain equipment and complete other assigned tasks in a variety of environmental conditions.

Communicating With Supervisors, Peers, Or Subordinates

• Communicates with supervisor and peers regarding status of assigned work, new technology, policies and procedures.
• Coordinates with supervisor and peers to obtain parts and supplies needed for equipment repairs from appropriate source.

Communicating With Persons Outside Organization

• Communicates as directed by supervisor with external business partners to complete cost‑effective and efficient vehicle repair.
• Communicates as directed by supervisor via phone, electronic, or written communication with outside vendors to facilitate ordering accuracy.

Interacting With Computers

• Utilizes a computer to access and navigate vehicle/equipment diagnostic data, information resources, and other records.
• Keys messages in a variety of electronic message boards as directed by supervisor to inform public of roadway conditions.
• Operates employee self‑service database to maintain and view personal employment data.
• May utilize digital camera and other data recording equipment to record information and transfer files to centralized storage locations.

Getting Information

• Receives work orders electronically, verbally, or in written form from supervisor to complete assigned tasks.
• Reviews computer and paper resources to retrieve information regarding proper repair and maintenance procedures, theory, and operations.
• Receives information verbally, electronically, and in written form to understand and diagnose mechanical issues to be resolved.

Monitor Processes, Materials, Or Surroundings

• Monitors work environment to identify safety hazards and report to appropriate personnel.
• Monitors gauges and other indicators to ensure correct functionality and operations of various types of equipment.

Estimating The Quantifiable Characteristics Of Products, Events, Or Information

• Estimates time required to complete equipment repair.
• Estimates quantity of tools, parts, and supplies needed for repairs.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

• Communicates politely and courteously with co‑workers, supervisors, and other business partners to ensure a positive and productive work environment.

Competencies

• Dealing with Ambiguity
• Learning on the Fly
• Problem Solving
• Technical Learning
• Time Management
• Action Oriented
• Perseverance
• Integrity and Trust
• Patience
• Self-Development

Knowledge

• Customer and Personal Service
• Mathematics
• Mechanical
• Basic Public Safety and Security

Skills

• Active Learning
• Equipment Maintenance
• Equipment Selection
• Installation
• Operation Monitoring
• Repairing
• Troubleshooting
• Systems Analysis
• Time Management ...

Abilities

• Problem Sensitivity
• Spatial Orientation
• Finger Dexterity
• Manual Dexterity
• Wrist‑Finger Speed
• Extent Flexibility
• Static Strength
• Auditory Attention
• Depth Perception
• Sound Localization
• Speech Clarity

Tools & Equipment

• Personal Computer
• Telephone
• Fax Machine
• Printer

TN Driver Standards

• A valid driver's license
• For the past five years, the candidate's driver record must not have record of the following violations: driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, license suspension for moving violations, more than 4 moving violations.

Please include your Driver's License Information under the Licenses and Certifications section of your application.

• Agencies may allow an exception based on other factors.