Diesel Mechanic

State of Iowa • Newton - 50208 - Jasper County, IA

6d

About The Position

The Iowa Department of Transportation is hiring a Mechanic to diagnose, repair, and maintain diesel engines and other systems on trucks and heavy equipment. The role uses computer-based diagnostic tools and maintenance software to troubleshoot issues, document repairs, and keep up with vehicle technology. It also includes preventive maintenance, emergency breakdown response, and operation of snow-removal equipment to clear roadways. The work supports safe and accessible travel and the Iowa DOT’s mission of Making Lives Better Through Transportation.

The position follows a Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–3:30 PM schedule, with on-call responsibilities during emergencies or weather events. Employees must live within a 45-minute commute of the work location within five months of hire. Employees may need to travel and stay away from home overnight, respond to emergencies, and work up to 16 consecutive hours. The Iowa DOT provides the tools needed for the job and offers training and career development opportunities.

Requirements

• Meet at least one minimum qualification: three years of full-time automotive or heavy equipment mechanic work; a total of three years of qualifying education and/or full-time experience, with 30 semester hours of post-high-school education in automotive or heavy equipment mechanics equaling one year of experience; or current, continuous state executive branch experience including 18 months of full-time work as a Mechanic Helper.
• Have a Commercial Learner’s Permit upon hire.
• Obtain a Class A Commercial Driver’s License with required endorsements and applicable restrictions within five months of hire, and maintain it as required.
• Have a successful U.S. DOT Clearinghouse query.
• Pass a post-offer, pre-employment physical verifying the ability to perform assigned duties.
• Pass a pre-employment drug screen and participate in ongoing random drug and alcohol testing.
• Reside within a 45-minute commute of the work location within five months of hire.
• Be able to travel, stay away from home overnight during assignments, respond to emergencies, and work up to 16 consecutive hours.
• Have knowledge of winter maintenance operations, including anti-icing and deicing principles, snow and ice principles, and the effects of de-icing equipment on vehicles.
• Be able to calibrate and maintain electronic and hydraulic controls used to apply materials to roadways.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose, repair, and maintain diesel engines, transmissions, hydraulic systems, brakes, and electrical components on trucks and heavy equipment.
• Use computer-based diagnostic tools and maintenance software to troubleshoot problems, document repairs, and stay current with vehicle technologies.
• Perform preventive maintenance on snowplows, dump trucks, loaders, and other specialized vehicles.
• Respond to equipment breakdowns, identify root causes, and make repairs to minimize downtime.
• Maintain accurate service records to track maintenance history and support compliance standards.
• Operate snow-removal equipment to clear snow, ice, and frost from roadways.
• Respond to emergency situations as required.
• Calibrate and maintain electronic and hydraulic controls to ensure proper application of roadway materials.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and benefits package.
• Health, dental, flexible spending, and life insurance; insurance benefits start the first month following 30 days of employment.
• Horizontal Career Path program with hands-on operations, technical skills, and personal development training, progression through three levels over three years, and annual raises tied to progress and performance.
• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• Paid time off effective immediately, including biweekly vacation, separate sick leave, rollover of accruals yearly, and nine 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed