Mechanic / Machinist - Kalispell

About the role

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is recruiting a Mechanic / Machinist in Kalispell. This position performs a variety of work associated with the repair and maintenance of gasoline and diesel machinery and equipment, fabrication of specialized parts, system design and manufacture, and troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Cleans, inspects, and determines course of repair, including restoring close tolerances with accuracy, machining and/or replacing functional parts, devices and control instruments.
• Restalls and assembles, starts, drives or operates equipment and devices to test performance.
• Maintains and repairs machinery and equipment according to established procedures.
• Follows maintenance procedures.

Requirements

• Four years' (4) of experience in diesel heavy equipment and truck or four (4) years of experience in light duty vehicles; OR combination of each depending on position.
• Fabrication and welding experience is desirable.
• A valid Montana Commercial Operators License (Class A, Type II) with no restrictions, a tank endorsement and a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC). OR a permit with the ability to obtain the full license within 30 days of hire.
• Forklift certification must be obtained within 3 months of hire.
• Related formal education in gas and diesel vehicle, equipment or machinery repair and maintenance may substitute for experience on a year for year basis.

Qualifications

• Two years’ (2) experience in diesel heavy equipment and truck; or two years’ experience in light duty vehicles or a combination of each.
• A valid Montana Commercial Operators License (Class A, Type II) with no restrictions, a tank endorsement and a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC). OR a permit with the ability to obtain the full license within 30 days of hire.
• Forklift certification must be obtained within 3 months of hire.
• Related formal education in gas and diesel vehicle, equipment or machinery repair and maintenance may substitute for experience on a year for year basis.

Skills

Must have the ability to follow maintenance procedures.

Benefits

• Culture of public service and a commitment to work/life balance.
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• Access to Montana Health Centers, low-cost clinics for state employees and their families.
• State Retirement plan and additional savings opportunities (deferred compensation).
• Overtime compensation or compensatory time for all time in a pay status over 40 hours in a workweek.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness.

Pay

• Starting Pay - Mechanic/Machinist III: $31.09
• Starting Pay - Mechanic/Machinist II: $30.59
• Starting Pay - Mechanic/Machinist I: $30.09

Schedule

Not specified.

Other Information

• This position is covered under a Career Ladder Advancement Policy (Level I-IV) and pay is based on the level.
• Applicants meeting qualifications for a level III Mechanic/Machinist will be given preference and first consideration.
• Applicants meeting qualifications for a level II Mechanic/Machinist will be considered before applicants meeting qualifications for a level I Mechanic/Machinist.
• Mechanic/Machinists at MDT may advance in pay to a level IV with three years of MDT Mechanic/Machinist level III experience.
• Education and experience will determine placement and salary.
• Top candidates will be invited to participate in a written test, practical test, and behavioral-based interview prior to final selection.
• Driver’s record will be verified.
• Successful applicants will be required to sign a release form which authorizes the Department to obtain the applicant’s permanent driving records.
• Compliance with Mont. Admin. R. 2.6.201, "State Vehicle Use," and MDT Policy #6.03.001, "State Vehicle Use Policy" are conditions of employment.
• This position is being posted in accordance with the AFSCME Mechanic/Machinists bargaining unit agreement.
• Non-bargaining unit employees or employees of another bargaining unit may apply. If the position is not filled with a bargaining unit applicant, the non-bargaining unit applicants may be considered. However, bargaining unit applicants will have preference.
• The Montana Department of Transportation is an equal opportunity employer.
• Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans and disabled veterans are encouraged to apply.
• People with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may call the Human Resources and Occupational Safety Division, at 406.444.6054.
• If you need an accommodation with the application process, please contact the HR representative listed below.
• The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is committed to continuous improvement of our employee safety program and our safety and health processes, and to achieving an injury-free workplace.
• Effective 5/26/2026, MDT is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification.