The Montana Department of Transportation is recruiting an Automotive/Diesel Mechanic in Lewistown. 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. Cleans, inspects, and determines course of repair, including restoring close tolerances with accuracy, machining and/or replacing functional parts, devices, and control instruments, reinstalls and assembles, starts, drives, or operates equipment and devices to test performance. The incumbent must have the ability to follow maintenance procedures.
The incumbent must have the ability to follow manufacturers’ instructions, blueprints and drawings, and written/oral instructions to fabricate correctly scaled and assembled components for projects, update equipment, fabricate changes needed for technology, safety, operational benefits or other departmental goals and objectives.
For a full job description, please contact HR Generalist, Lori Edgar at ledgar@mt.gov
Benefits of working for the Montana Department of Transportation and the State of Montana include:
Mechanic/Machinist I
· Two years’ (2) experience in diesel heavy equipment and truck; or two years’ experience in light duty vehicles or a combination of each.
Mechanic/Machinist II
· Three years’ (3) experience in diesel heavy equipment and truck or three years’ experience in light duty vehicles or a combination of each.
Mechanic/Machinist III
· Four years’ (4) 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). Applicants with a learner’s permit will have 30 days to obtain the necessary Montana Commercial Operators License. Forklift certification must be obtained within 3 months after hire.
Related formal education in gas and diesel vehicles, equipment or machinery repair and maintenance may substitute for experience on a year for year basis.
Other Information
Top candidates will be invited to participate in a written test, practical test, and behavioral-based interview prior to final selection.
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.
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.
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 Machinists’ bargaining unit agreement. Non-bargaining unit employees or employees of another bargaining unit may apply. Bargaining unit applicants will have preference.
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.
Your online application must be submitted before midnight on the closing date. If you need accommodation with the application process, please contact the HR representative listed below.
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. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov
