Is diesel more than fuel to you — it’s your craft, your calling, your code? Do you thrive on the rumble of a finely tuned engine and the satisfaction of keeping powerful machines running at their best? At the Iowa Department of Transportation, we’re not just looking for someone who works on diesel; we’re looking for someone who lives it. Someone who understands that every engine they touch helps keep Iowa’s roads safe, our economy moving, and our communities connected.
We’re not just hiring a Mechanic—we’re seeking adiesel-driven professionalwho reflects our core values:
- Safety First – You never cut corners. You protect your team and the public.
- Integrity Without Exception – You do the right thing, even when no one’s watching.
- Customer Focused – You understand that every repair keeps Iowans connected.
- Servant Leadership – You lead by example and lift others up.
- People Matter – You believe in respect, teamwork, and making a difference.
If you’re ready to bring your skills to a team that values your expertise and your character,we want to hear from you.
Join us in Making Lives Better Through Transportation.
Schedule & Location:
We are seeking four mechanics to join our team in Central Iowa, with positions available in Boone, Iowa Falls, Marshalltown, and Williams. Due to the variety of locations, candidates must establish residence within a 45-minute commute of their work location within five months of hire. This position follows a Monday–Friday schedule, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and includes on-call responsibilities during emergencies or weather events.
CDL Requirement:
A Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is required for this role. Don’t have one yet? No problem. You’ll need a CDL permit to start, and we’ll help you earn your Class A CDL within 5 months through Iowa DOT-provided training—including online courses, road training, and hands-on instruction that meets all state and federal requirements.
What You’ll Do:
- Diagnose, repair, and maintain diesel engines, transmissions, hydraulics, brakes, and electrical systems on DOT trucks and heavy equipment.
- Perform preventative maintenance to keep snowplows, dump trucks, loaders, and other specialized vehicles running strong.
- Troubleshoot breakdowns quickly to get equipment back in service.
- Maintain detailed maintenance and repair records.
- Conduct diesel emissions testing and compliance checks to meet state and federal environmental standards.
- Use diagnostic software and tools to identify and resolve complex diesel engine issues, including fuel injection systems, turbochargers, and aftertreatment systems (DEF, DPF, SCR).
- Perform cold-weather diesel system preparation and maintenance, ensuring reliability during Iowa’s harsh winters.
- Collaborate with team members to share knowledge and stay current on emerging diesel technologies and best practices.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment in accordance with DOT safety protocols.
What we offer YOU:
- 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.
- Competitive pay and benefits package including health, dental, flexible spending, and life insurance.
- Insurance benefits start first of the month following 30 days of employment. 2025 health and dental insurance premiums can be foundhere.
- Opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Paid time off effective immediately - biweekly vacation, separate sick leave, accruals rollover every year, 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).
We encourage you to view more about the State of Iowa Employee benefits and costs at theState of Iowa Employee Benefits Website!
You have the freedom to flourish in Iowa – Apply today!
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
Reasonable accommodation includes an interpreter, translator, written materials, modified equipment/devices, ADA access, etc. This does not include scheduling needs.
Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:- 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.
For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.Positions in this job class in the Department of Public Defense – Military Division must possess at the time of hire, or be able to obtain within six (6) months of hire, a valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License with air brake endorsements.
All of the following apply to Department of Transportation positions only: All of the following apply to Department of Transportation positions only:
- Positions in this class require possession of a valid Commercial Learner's Permit upon hire.
- Within a timeframe determined by the appointing authority, a valid Commercial Driver's License with the required endorsements and applicable restrictions must be obtained and subsequently maintained to continue employment.
- In conjunction with Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (parts 40 and 382), positions in this job class require a preemployment drug screen and will require ongoing participation in the employer's random drug and alcohol testing program and will be subject to the regulations regarding the Federal drug and alcohol testing program.
- Prior to starting employment, all persons are required to have a post offer, pre-employment physical verifying the physical ability to perform the duties assigned.
- Employees must be able to travel and may be required to stay away from home overnight during assignments.
- Employees must respond to emergency situations as required.
- Employees must have knowledge of winter maintenance operations such as anti-icing and deicing principles, snow and ice principles, and the effects of de-icing equipment on vehicles. They must also have skill in calibrating and maintaining electronic and hydraulic controls to ensure proper amounts of materials are applied to the roadway.
- Employees must be able to work up to 16 consecutive hours.