Automotive Mechanic

We are seeking a skilled Automotive/Diesel Mechanic to join our team at the State of Nebraska. As a key member of our transportation department, you will be responsible for performing complex diagnosis, maintenance, and repair of heavy-duty trucks, road construction and maintenance equipment, and other motorized equipment.

The successful candidate will have a strong background in automotive and diesel technology, with experience in computerized diagnostic instruments and equipment. You will work independently, with minimal supervision, to diagnose and repair complex mechanical and electrical systems. Your attention to detail and ability to work safely will be essential in this role.

• Perform highly skilled and complex diagnosis, maintenance, and repair of multiple makes and models of heavy-duty trucks, and road construction and maintenance equipment containing multiple, computerized systems/sensors, as well as medium and lightweight vehicles, and other motorized equipment.
• Fabricate and repair equipment and parts by using a variety of welders, welding materials, and methods to adapt incompatible parts, replace unavailable parts, secure attachments, and repair damage.
• Calibrate various systems on heavy-duty vehicles and equipment that distributes various materials as they pertain to road and weather conditions and allow operators to drive the vehicles and equipment safely and efficiently.
• Inspect new equipment to ensure that it meets specifications and set up new equipment to ensure it is road ready.
• Evaluate equipment to identify adjustments needed to accommodate auxiliary attachments, equipment, and operating systems. Install, troubleshoot, repair, and replace mechanical, electrical, computer, and hydraulic system components to restore equipment to a state of safe and operational state.
• Maintain hydraulics systems; install and monitor electrical systems; repair steering systems; repair suspension systems, brake systems, drive trains, fuel systems, and repair/overhaul and/or replaces diesel and/or gasoline engines.
• Performs major engine overhauls using precision tools to completely rebuild gasoline and diesel engines.
• Obtain bids for the parts needed to repair engines, consult District Mechanic on repair techniques.
• Overhaul transmissions and final drives; perform repairs and diagnostic of hydraulic systems and rewire electrical systems.
• Perform metal fabrications and major repairs on snow plows and trucks that may require extensive welding.
• Disassemble units, inspect parts for wear, repair, overhaul, and replace parts using precisions measuring instruments.
• Operate computer for equipment management.
• May be required to perform repairs in the field, regardless of weather conditions.
• Must be willing to respond to emergencies outside regular work hours and work overtime, including weekends and holidays.
• Must be willing and be physically able to work in extreme temperatures and weather conditions for long periods of time.
• May be required to operate a wrecker for vehicle recovery.
• Work under the direction of the District Mechanic, Area Superintendent, and Area Supervisor.
• Operate tandem axle truck and/or other heavy equipment.
• Perform varied snow removal tasks; preventative maintenance on equipment; and assist in general upkeep and maintenance of assigned equipment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Practical work experience performing automotive/diesel maintenance and repair, including use of computerized diagnostic instruments and equipment OR post-high school vocational or technical coursework in automotive/diesel mechanics including instruction in computerized diagnostic equipment and in automotive/diesel mechanical maintenance and repair practices, equipment, and technologies.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A degree in Automotive Diesel Mechanics, with experience in the repair of trucks or heavy equipment.
• Experience in welding and fabrication.
• Basic computer experience.
• Work experience in auto/diesel mechanics.
• Knowledge of the maintenance, repair, and service procedures for gasoline and diesel equipment, the use of hand tools, and use of testing equipment.

Other:

• Possess or be able to obtain a Class A CDL within 60 days of hire through our in-house CDL training program. Costs to obtain the permit will be covered by the department.
• Must be able to report to work outside scheduled work hours for snow and other highway emergencies; must be able to be reached and report to work in emergencies.
• Must be able to report to work within 30 minutes of being contacted.
• Possess and maintain a good driving record.
• Ability to lift up to 100 pounds, work in extreme temperature conditions or inclement weather, and climb, bend, stoop, and lift above the shoulders.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Ability to work and communicate as part of a team.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, be self-motivated, and hold high integrity.
• Trainable.
• Ability and willingness to learn and accept challenges by learning and adjusting to new technology and processes.
• Quality/results-oriented sense of urgency in the performance of duties.
• Ability to work safely and demonstrate safe and reliable practices and behaviors.
• Ability to interact in a positive manner and treat co-workers and supervisors with dignity and respect, work to resolve conflicts, and make good decisions using sound judgment, processes, and purpose.
• Possess good written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to perform heavy physical labor on a continuous basis.

Knowledge of:

• The advanced, modern principles, methods, tools, and equipment of automotive and diesel technology trade.
• The principles of internal combustion engines, different drive trains, gear boxes, hydraulic systems, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and electrical systems.
• Automotive and heavy vehicle computer control, reporting, and diagnostic systems.
• The operating principles of automotive computer technology, diagnostics, and repair methods.
• Variances of design among manufacturers.
• Electrical monitors and meters.
• Welding technology and practices.
• Occupational hazards and safety precautions of the mechanics trade.
• Safe handling and disposal methods of hazardous materials.

Skill in:

• Operating electronic, computerized, and/or precision measuring equipment to diagnose, maintain, and repair equipment.
• Using hand tools and operating power and hydraulic tools and shop equipment such as welders, cutting torches, bench and angle grinders, drill presses, lathes, press breaks, and compressors.

Ability to:

• Diagnose complex equipment and mechanical/electrical malfunctions and to determine the corrective repairs needed.
• Operate diagnostic equipment and interpret results.
• Read and interpret equipment schematics, blueprints, flowcharts, and technical manuals.
• Operate equipment and determine if it is functional and safe.
• Use machine shop tools.
• Perform varied types of welding and fabrication.
• Determine necessary tensile strength of fabricated parts.
• Visualize an end product from an idea.
• Maintain manual and computerized recordkeeping systems.
• Operate heavy, medium, and light weight vehicles and equipment.
• Communicate in person, over the telephone, and by mail or email with agency coworkers and vendors to exchange information.
• Interact with and maintain work relationships with coworkers, vendors, and agency administrative staff.
• Instruct coworkers in the use of specialized tools, machines, and equipment of the agency.
• Identify cost factors and estimates of the cost of repairs/maintenance as directed.
• Learn employing agency policies and procedures relating to equipment maintenance and repair.
• Learn employing agency record keeping systems.
• Learn local, regional and national resources available to complete assigned duties.

We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.

Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.

Current employees of the State of Nebraska should NOT apply on this external career. Instead go to Workday and access the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page.