Mechanic / Machinist - Kalispell

Mechanic / Machinist in Kalispell

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. 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.

Benefits of working for MDT and the State of Montana include:

• 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).
• Employees in this position receive 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
• Benefits apply on first day of employment.
• Relocation assistance may be offered to the successful candidate at the time of offer.

Required Education and Experience:

Mechanic/Machinist III – Starting Pay - $31.09

• 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.

Mechanic/Machinist II - Starting Pay - $30.59

• 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 I - Starting Pay - $30.09

• 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.

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 View phone number on click.appcast.io. 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. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here,