Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Location: Bemidji

Full-time, unlimited position within the Transportation Department, District 2A - Bemidji.

About the role

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 accurately. Maintain individual and state tool inventory. Perform snow and ice removal if needed.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose, repair, maintain, and modify heavy-duty diesel trucks, equipment, and gasoline-powered vehicles.
• Diagnose and repair mechanical and electronic control systems for engines, brakes, drive train, steering/suspension, and hydraulics.
• Use electronics and computerized testing equipment to diagnose problems and adjust component functions.
• Record repair information accurately using required computer programs.
• Maintain individual and state tool inventory to ensure all tools are usable and accounted for.
• Perform preventative maintenance inspections on equipment.
• Perform snow and ice removal as needed.

Requirements

• Valid Commercial Class A driver’s license with no air brake restrictions; must obtain a tanker endorsement within 30 days of hire.
• Approximately three years of experience as a heavy equipment mechanic, including:
  • Diagnosis, repair, maintenance, and modification of heavy-duty diesel and gasoline-powered vehicles.
  • Diagnosis and repair of mechanical and electronic control systems (engines, brakes, drive train, steering/suspension, hydraulics).
  • Use of electronics and computerized testing equipment for diagnostics and adjustments.
• Working knowledge of English sufficient to read, write, speak, and understand oral and written information; communicate with employees and the public in-person or via two-way radio and electronic devices; and maintain routine written logs and records.
• Must pass a background investigation, including:
  • SEMA4 Records Check
  • Criminal History Check
  • Employment Reference Check
  • Education/License Verification
  • Driver’s License Check
• Must pass a pre-placement drug test for evidence of use of marijuana, cocaine, opiates, phencyclidine (PCP), amphetamines (MDMA, MDA, and MDEA), and acetyl morphine (6-AM).
• Must be immediately accessible by phone and able to report to work within one hour of being called.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Three years of heavy equipment mechanic experience or completion of a Heavy Equipment Apprenticeship program or graduation from a two-year Heavy Equipment Mechanic or related training program.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Valid Commercial Vehicle Inspector Certification.
• Air Conditioning Certification.
• 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.

Certifications to be obtained after hire:

• Valid Commercial Vehicle Inspector Certification within 6 months of hire.
• Air Conditioning Certification within one year of hire.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent use of gross and fine dexterity in various positions, including reaching outward and overhead, bending, working with outstretched arms, lying on the back (e.g., on a creeper), climbing onto large vehicles, and working from heights.
• Frequent lifting, carrying, and holding of supplies and parts up to 50 pounds; infrequent moving of 50–70 pounds by pushing, pulling, or lifting.
• Use of power tools, machinery, instruments, and hand tools.
• Exposure to vision, noise, vibration, respiratory and chemical hazards, and occasional adverse weather conditions (heat, cold, snow, rain, wind).
• Ability to communicate through writing, speaking, hearing, and electronic communication equipment (e.g., telephones, two-way radio, computer).

Pay

$34.16 - $39.66 per hour; $71,326 - $82,810 annually.

Schedule

Day shift, 7:00 am - 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday.

Benefits

• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• 12 paid holidays each year.
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans.
• Fertility care, including IVF, and diabetes care.
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children.
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children.
• Pension plan providing income after retirement (vesting after three years of service).
• Employer-paid life insurance.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care.
• Resources promoting physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being.
• Career development support:
  • Training, classes, and professional development.
  • Tuition reimbursement.
  • Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (some positions may qualify).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support, including:
  • Mental health, relationship challenges, grief and loss, finances, and legal issues.
  • Daily living/convenience services (chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care).

Benefits eligibility varies based on employment type, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service.