Heavy Mobile Equipment Mechanic

About the role

This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, Mission Readiness Operations, located in Naco, AZ.

The position starts at an hourly rate of $32.61 (WG-10, Step 1) to $38.05 (WG-10, Step 5).

Responsibilities

• Determine the cause of malfunctions and make repairs, as well as modifications to a variety of heavy-duty vehicles and mobile equipment.
• Make repairs to a full range of systems on heavy mobile equipment and vehicles.
• Determine the cause of mechanical operating problems by tracing and locating defects.
• Overhaul or rebuild one or more systems on a wide range of vehicles or equipment, such as:
  • Diesel, gasoline, and other types of internal combustion engines
  • Automatic and non-automated transmissions
  • Heavy-duty drive line systems
  • Hydraulic utility systems and controls
• Conduct functional and performance tests on completed work assignments.
• Operate vehicles requiring a commercial driver's license (CDL).

CBP employees demonstrate the highest level of commitment to protect and serve the United States of America and to exemplify the CBP Core Values of Vigilance, Service to Country, and Integrity.

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service.
• Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years (additional details below).
• All pre-employment processes will be conducted in English.
• You may be required to pass a background investigation.
• CBP follows the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan for drug testing procedures.
• You must possess a valid state driver's license at the time of appointment and be able to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
• This is a bargaining unit covered position, represented under the National Border Patrol Council (NBPC).

DHS uses E-Verify to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States.

Qualifications

Although a specific length of time and experience is not required, you must show through experience and training that you possess the quality level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of the position at the level for which you are applying. Emphasis is on quality of experience, not necessarily the length of time.

To minimally qualify for the WG-10 grade level, you must meet the Screen Out Element: Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision. This includes experience performing the following duties:

• Determining causes of mechanical operating problems, tracing and locating defects, and making repairs to a full range of systems on heavy mobile equipment, buses, and commercial vehicles from oral assignments, work orders, manufacturer's specifications, or accepted trade practices.
• Overhauling or rebuilding major systems on a wide range of vehicles or equipment such as:
  • Diesel, gasoline, multifuel, or other types of internal combustion engines
  • Automatic and non-automated transmissions
  • Heavy-duty drive line systems
  • Hydraulic, electrical, or mechanical utility systems or controls
• Independently interpreting and applying manufacturer's repair manuals, schematics, diagnostic codes, and safety manuals, and be familiar with all tools, equipment, and materials used by heavy mobile equipment mechanics.

Failure to meet the Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

In addition to the above, you will also be evaluated based on your overall level of competency in the following areas:

• Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc.
• Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic)
• Use of Measuring Instruments
• Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Includes blueprint reading)
• Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
• Troubleshooting

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

You must meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable, and any applicable Time in Grade requirements (current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band in the federal service) by 08/21/2026.

Background Investigation

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity. During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding:

• Any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges
• Use of illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy)
• Use of non-prescribed controlled substances including experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances

Residency

There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals must have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years. If you do not meet the residency requirement but have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request a residency waiver by meeting one or more of the following conditions:

• Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military
• A dependent authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military working for the U.S. government
• Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university
• Working as a contractor, intern, consultant, or volunteer supporting the U.S. government

Probationary Period

All employees new to the federal government must serve a one-year probationary period during the first year of their initial permanent federal appointment to determine fitness for continued employment. Current and former federal employees may also be required to serve or complete a probationary period.

Work Conditions

• Make repairs on vehicles where parts worked on are in hard-to-reach places, requiring standing, stooping, stretching, and working in tiring and uncomfortable positions often for extended periods.
• Frequently lift and carry parts and equipment weighing up to 40 pounds; occasionally move moderately heavy items with assistance or mechanical devices such as jacks, hoists, and cranes.
• Work is usually performed inside on concrete surfaces with exposure to drafts, noise, and fumes from vehicles.
• Continuous exposure to dirt, dust, grease, with potential for burns, chemical irritations, shocks, bruises, cuts, and strains, requiring adherence to prescribed safety practices and use of safety equipment such as safety shoes, safety glasses, and respirators.
• Work requires wearing protective clothing and/or safety equipment.

Schedule

• You will be required to perform work on a shift and rotational basis.
• You must be available to work overtime on a scheduled or unscheduled basis.
• Travel may be required for this position.