Heavy Equipment Mechanic III - Grand Junction

This position is only open to Colorado state residents. New employees to the State will be paid biweekly with 26 pay periods in a year. The role is located in Glenwood Springs and is eligible for a housing stipend.

About CDOT

CDOT employees make a difference by providing freedom, connection, and experience to the traveling public while keeping them safe. The State of Colorado offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• Flexible spending and health savings accounts
• PERA retirement with optional 401K plans
• Generous paid time off (annual, sick, holiday, and other leave)
• Career growth opportunities, tuition reimbursement, and professional development
• Colorado Employee Assistance Program (CSEAP) counseling
• Wellness programs, credit union membership, and employee discounts

Some positions may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. CDOT is committed to creating a supportive workplace where everyone, regardless of identity, has the opportunity to thrive.

About the Unit

The Heavy Equipment Mechanic III works in CDOT's Region 3, Section 2 Maintenance Unit, which maintains the state highway system and facilities to ensure safe roadways for the traveling public.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, diagnose, troubleshoot, modify, and repair light and heavy trucks and specialized snow, ice, and road repair equipment to ensure safe operating conditions per federal and state DOT regulations.
• Diagnose, service, and repair systems such as transmissions, brake systems, electrical systems, ignition systems, fuel systems, and hydraulic systems on vehicles including:
  • 10-ton tandem snowplows
  • Tractor-trailers
  • Bulldozers
  • Motor graders
  • Paving machines
  • 6X6 and 4X4 trucks
  • Snow blowers and mower tractors
• Perform preventive maintenance, including:
  • Routine maintenance checks and inspections
  • Adjustments to fluid levels, hoses, belts, brakes, tires, and clutches
  • Changing filters and oil
  • Lubricating vehicles and equipment
  • Tuning gas and diesel engines
  • Servicing valves, fuel filters, and turbo chargers
  • Pressure checking fuel filters
  • Adjusting injector heights, fuel racks, and governors
• Maintain service logs and records of maintenance on vehicles and equipment.
• Complete annual DOT safety inspections and certify vehicles for 49 CFR 396 compliance.
• Complete preventive maintenance work orders.
• Diagnose equipment components for defects using scan tools and diagnostic computers.
• Visually inspect equipment for defects or leaking fluids.
• Test drive vehicles and test operation of equipment and components.
• Fabricate, modify, and install special equipment or replacement parts, including machining, arc welding, oxygen-acetylene cutting/welding, plasma cutting, MIG, and TIG.
• Design and fabricate parts and tools for unique or emergency situations.
• Set up and install new equipment by fabricating or modifying to CDOT specifications.
• Track equipment maintenance, repairs, and Federal DOT Inspection records.
• Order and procure parts, supplies, and materials.
• Prepare work orders and materials estimates in SAP.
• Prioritize safety over production for self, co-workers, and the traveling public.
• Maintain technical knowledge of safety procedures and guidance materials, including Safety Manual, Job Safety Analysis (JSA), equipment manufacturer safety guides, and OSHA publications.
• Attend safety training and participate in tailgate safety talks.
• Continuously develop job knowledge and skills through training.
• Participate in regional trainings, work unit meetings, and committees.
• Attend new equipment commissioning trainings held by vendors.
• Adapt to changes in equipment, tools, materials, and technology.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Work Environment

• Expected work schedule: 4 ten-hour days per week.
• Approximately 40% of time spent in the field and 60% in the equipment shop.
• Required to respond to emergencies outside regular work hours, including weekends and holidays, with some on-call time.
• Must provide a telephone number for emergency contact.
• Required to lift up to 70 lbs and perform physically demanding tasks such as bending, kneeling, and climbing in/out of trucks.
• Must operate CDOT vehicles and travel frequently during the workday for field repairs, trainings, and meetings.
• Required to work in extreme temperatures and weather conditions for extended periods.
• Exposure to loud noises, fumes, odors, gases, dust, high voltage, and electrical shock.
• Must be able to hear and communicate via cell phone and state radio.
• Required to use computers for diagnosing vehicles, 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 with diagnosis and repair of heavy diesel equipment (e.g., 10-ton double axle snowplows, tractor-trailers, bulldozers, motor graders, paving machines, or 15' mower tractors) at the journey level.
• Alternatively, a combination of related education, formalized apprenticeship, and/or relevant experience totaling four years, with at least one year of heavy diesel equipment experience.
• Satisfactory completion of a formalized apprenticeship program or higher-level coursework in automotive/diesel/heavy equipment mechanics may substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis. Unofficial transcripts or certificates are required if using education to qualify.
• Must obtain a current, valid Colorado Commercial Driver's License (Class A or B with air brakes) within 6 months of hire.
• Must pass a pre-employment screening, which may include criminal records, educational records, and driving records checks.
• May be required to pass a controlled substance test and DOT physical.
• Must be willing to respond to emergencies outside regular work hours, including weekends and holidays.
• New employees must complete two weeks of maintenance training; veteran employees must complete one week of annual training in Aurora or via computer.
• Must provide a telephone number for emergency contact.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Pay

Starting base pay is typically $64,428–$67,848 per year.

Schedule

4 ten-hour days per week, with occasional overtime, weekends, holidays, and on-call requirements.