Mechanic - Grimes

About the role

Here at the Iowa Department of Transportation, as a Mechanic, you’ll work on trucks and heavy equipment, troubleshoot issues, and use the latest technology to keep Iowa moving. We provide all the tools you need; no need to bring your own. Enjoy great benefits, a healthy work-life balance, and the stability of a career that matters!

Responsibilities

• Diagnose, repair, and maintain diesel engines, transmissions, hydraulic systems, brakes, and electrical components for trucks and heavy equipment.
• Leverage computer-based diagnostic tools and maintenance software to troubleshoot issues, document repairs, and stay current with evolving vehicle technologies.
• Perform proactive preventative maintenance to ensure optimal performance of snowplows, dump trucks, loaders, and other specialized vehicles.
• Respond quickly to equipment breakdowns, identifying root causes and implementing effective repairs to minimize downtime.
• Maintain accurate and detailed service records to track maintenance history and support compliance standards.
• Operate snow-removal equipment to clear snow, ice, and frost from roadways, ensuring safe and accessible travel conditions.

Requirements

• A CDL permit upon hire.
• Class A and endorsements/restrictions on your CDL within 5 months following your hire date.
• Entry-level driver Training is available upon hire through the Iowa DOT.
• The multifaceted training will help meet all state and federal regulations.
• A successful U.S. DOT Clearinghouse query.
• A pre-employment physical verifying the physical ability to perform the duties described.
• A pre-employment drug screen and will be required to participate in ongoing random drug and alcohol testing programs.

Qualifications

• Three years of full-time work experience in automotive or heavy equipment mechanic work.
• A total of three years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in number one), where 30 semester hours of post-high-school education in automotive or heavy equipment mechanics equals one year of full-time experience.
• Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes eighteen months of full-time work as a Mechanic Helper.

Skills

To excel in this role, you must be detail-oriented, hands-on, and committed to continuous learning and innovation.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and benefits package including health, dental, flexible spending, and life insurance.
• Insurance benefits start the first month following 30 days of employment and costs can be reviewed here.
• Horizontal Career Path program offers hands-on training in operations, technical skills, and personal development.
• Over three years, you’ll move through three levels—with annual raises tied to your progress and performance.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Paid time off effective immediately - biweekly vacation, separate sick leave, accruals rollover on a yearly basis, and 9 paid holidays per year.
• Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) Retirement Package with employer match.
• Optional 401A plan with employer contributions.
• Employee Discount Programs from a variety of vendors (vision, cellular, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, counseling; legal, financial).

Pay

Details on pay and compensation will be provided in the job description.

Schedule

Location & Schedule Requirements: Grimes, Iowa. You must have residency within a 45-minute commute of the work location within 5 months of hire. This position follows a Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM schedule, with on-call responsibilities during emergencies or weather events.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Iowa Department of Transportation is an equal-opportunity employer. If you require a reasonable accommodation in completing any screening, interviewing, pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the selection process, please direct your request to the Affirmative Action & Equal Employment Opportunity (AA/EEO) Officer at: aa-eeo@iowadot.us .