Heavy Equipment Mechanic III (CDL Training Provided) - Alamosa

This position is only open to Colorado state residents.

About the role

Join the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) as a Heavy Equipment Mechanic III in Alamosa, CO. This journey-level position works primarily in the field and occasionally in the shop, providing skilled, professional mechanic services for a wide range of CDOT equipment. You’ll diagnose and repair malfunctions, overhaul components, perform preventative maintenance, and fabricate parts. The role impacts the safety of the traveling public and offers the opportunity to obtain a Colorado Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class A or B.

Pay

Base pay for this position is typically between $2,478 - $2,610 biweekly ($64,428 - $67,848/year). New employees to the State will be paid biweekly, with 26 pay periods in a year.

Schedule

Expected work schedule is 4 ten-hour days, Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Some on-call time is required, and you must be available to respond to emergencies outside regular work hours, including weekends and holidays. You must provide a telephone number where you can be reached for emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and repair vehicle and equipment malfunctions on all major systems.
• Overhaul and rebuild components and equipment.
• Use test equipment to diagnose defects or malfunctions.
• Work on vehicles and equipment such as 3.5-ton single axle and 10-ton tandem axle tractor-trailers, front-end loaders, motor graders, asphalt paving machines, and 15' mower tractors.
• Perform preventative maintenance and annual safety inspections.
• Design and fabricate parts and special tools.
• Order and procure parts and supplies.
• Use computers to track vehicle repairs.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment.
• Respond to emergencies outside regular work hours, including overtime, weekends, and holidays.
• Travel to remote locations for equipment repair, trainings, and meetings.
• Work in extreme temperatures, variable weather conditions, and elevations up to 12,000 feet for extended periods.
• Lift up to 70 lbs, bend, kneel, and climb in/out of trucks during maintenance and repairs.
• Operate CDOT vehicles and use computers for diagnosing, data input, record keeping, and email.

Requirements

• Four years of progressively responsible experience in automotive and heavy equipment repair, including at least one year of experience diagnosing and repairing heavy diesel equipment such as 10-ton double axle snowplows, tractor-trailers, bulldozers, motor graders, paving machines, and/or 15' mower tractors, with current proficiency at the journey level.
• A combination of relevant education and experience equal to at least four years. Satisfactory completion of a formalized apprenticeship program or higher-level non-correspondence coursework from an accredited college or technical school in automotive, diesel, or heavy equipment mechanics may substitute on a year-for-year basis. Unofficial transcripts or a certificate of completion are required if using education to qualify.
• Must possess a current, valid regular driver’s license.
• Must obtain and maintain a valid Colorado Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class A or B with no restriction on air brakes within 6 months of hire as a condition of continued employment.
• Must pass a pre-employment screening, which may include a social security number trace, criminal records check, public court records check, educational records, and driving records checks.
• May be required to pass a controlled substance test (drug test) and DOT physical through CDOT’s medical provider.
• Must be willing and physically able to work in extreme temperatures, variable weather conditions, and at varying elevations up to 12,000 feet for long periods.
• Must be able to read, understand, follow, and give oral and written instructions.
• Must be able to hear and communicate via cell phone and state radio to relay information and respond to field calls.
• Exposure to loud noises, fumes, odors, gases, dust, high voltage (over 600V), and electrical shock is expected.

Preferred Qualifications

• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class A with no restriction on air brakes.
• Extensive experience troubleshooting, diagnosing, and repairing automotive and heavy-duty diesel vehicles and equipment up to 10 tons.
• Experience designing and fabricating parts and special tools for unique or emergency situations.
• Medium/Heavy truck ASE Certifications in Diesel Engine, Drive Trains, Brakes, Suspension and Steering, Electrical/Electronic Systems, Heating, Ventilation, and A/C.
• Strong interpersonal, relationship-building, and customer service skills.
• Strong attention to technical detail, accuracy, reasoning, analytic thinking, troubleshooting, and problem-solving.
• Innovative approaches to repairs with consideration for resources, budget, time, efficiency, and safety.
• Strong commitment to safety and a positive, can-do attitude.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently or in a team, adapt to changing environments, and learn quickly with minimal direction.
• Proficiency in using computers for vehicle diagnosing, data input, record keeping, and email, with the ability to quickly learn new software.

Benefits

• Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance (Cigna or Kaiser) with coverage for dependents after a 30-day sign-up period.
• Choice of retirement plans offered by Colorado PERA.
• 96 hours of vacation and 80 hours of sick leave earned within the first year, plus 11 paid holidays.
• No out-of-pocket expenses for tools—CDOT provides all hand and power tools, as well as specialty equipment.
• CDOT provides all personal protective equipment (PPE) and training on equipment, CPR, and first aid.
• Full payment for CDL physical.
• Reimbursement for 50% of CDL renewal after the first year.
• Generous paid time off package, including annual, sick, holiday, and other leave.
• Strong career growth opportunities, tuition reimbursement, and professional development.
• Colorado Employee Assistance Program (CSEAP) counseling, wellness programs, credit union membership, and employee discount programs.
• Some positions may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

Work Environment

• Work is primarily in the field, with some work in the equipment shop.
• Required to respond to emergencies outside regular work hours, including overtime, weekends, and holidays.
• Some on-call time is required.
• Must be willing and physically able to work in extreme temperatures (hot and cold), variable weather conditions, and at elevations up to 12,000 feet for long periods.
• Exposure to loud noises, fumes, odors, gases, dust, high voltage (over 600V), and electrical shock.
• New employees are required to attend two weeks of maintenance training in Aurora; veteran CDOT employees attend one week of training per year in Aurora.