Become a Surface Maintenance Mechanic with the Illinois National Guard

Are you a skilled mechanic with a passion for high-stakes, heavy-duty equipment? The Department of the Army is currently seeking a dedicated Surface Maintenance Mechanic to support the Illinois National Guard in Paris, Illinois. This role is a vital component of ensuring that our tactical vehicles and combat equipment remain mission-ready and reliable.

Job Responsibilities

As a Surface Maintenance Mechanic, you will be responsible for a wide spectrum of duties, including:

Troubleshooting and repairing heavy-duty internal combustion engines (diesel and gasoline).
Overhauling major assemblies, including transmissions, drivelines, and fuel injection systems.
Utilizing sophisticated engine analyzers, voltmeters, and computer diagnostic software to identify mechanical failures.
Modifying equipment based on technical manuals and safety bulletins.
Performing preventive maintenance to avoid equipment downtime.

Comparison of WG Levels

Skill Tier	Primary Focus	Complexity Level
WG-5	Basic repairs & routine maintenance	Supervised
WG-8	Parts replacement, minor adjustments & mechanical theory	Independent
WG-10	Overhaul, complex systems, electrical/hydraulic diagnostics	Advanced

Requirements

To be considered for this position, you must meet several key criteria:

Must be or become a member of the Illinois National Guard.
Must possess technical training or work experience in the trade.
Must pass a federal background investigation.
Compliance with the Lautenberg Amendment (no domestic violence convictions).

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive hourly wage, ranging from $21.69 to $34.85 per hour, commensurate with your experience and the assigned WG level.

Benefits

Working for the National Guard as a Title 32 Technician provides the opportunity to serve your state and country while benefiting from federal employment advantages, including stability, defined professional growth, and the chance to work on cutting-edge military technology.

Application Tips

Customize Your Resume: Clearly list your mechanical duties, hours worked per week, and dates of employment.
Check Your Form: Ensure your NGIL Form 73 is uploaded and accurately reflects your military qualifications.
Follow Procedures: Submit everything through the USAJOBS portal by the deadline to ensure your application is considered.

If you are ready to take your mechanical career to the next level while supporting the Illinois National Guard, this is the opportunity you have been waiting for. Apply today to secure your place in this essential service role.

Why This Surface Maintenance Mechanic (Title 32) Job Matters

Power the Illinois National Guard fleet as a Surface Maintenance Mechanic. Use your mechanical expertise to keep essential tactical vehicles and equipment mission-ready.

Surface Maintenance Mechanic (Title 32) Job Overview

The Illinois National Guard is seeking a skilled Surface Maintenance Mechanic to join the FMS 10 team in Paris, Illinois. This is a Title 32 Excepted Service position responsible for the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of a wide array of combat, tactical, and commercial vehicles. You will play a critical role in ensuring the operational readiness of military equipment through diagnostics, complex mechanical repairs, and systems testing.

Requirements for Surface Maintenance Mechanic (Title 32)

Must be a member of the Illinois National Guard or willing to become a T32 Dual Status Technician.
Must maintain the military grade up to E9.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
Must undergo and pass a background investigation for federal employment suitability.
Subject to the Lautenberg Amendment regarding domestic violence convictions.
Must be willing to wear a military uniform while on duty.

Preferred Qualifications for Surface Maintenance Mechanic (Title 32)

Comprehensive knowledge of diesel, multi-fuel, and gasoline internal combustion engines.
Demonstrated ability to use advanced diagnostic tools like engine analyzers and pressure gauges.
Proficiency in repairing complex electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic control systems.
Experience with tactical or heavy-duty vehicle maintenance and modification work orders.
Ability to interpret technical manuals, electrical schematics, and parts lists.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal hourly pay scale.
✓Stability of federal service employment.
✓Contribution to state and national defense readiness.
✓Access to diverse training and professional development opportunities.

💡 How to Apply Surface Maintenance Mechanic (Title 32) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Surface Maintenance Mechanic (Title 32) Job

Create or update your USAJOBS profile.
Complete the online Occupational Questionnaire.
Prepare a resume (max 2 pages) detailing specific mechanical experience with dates and hours.
Gather required documents, including DD-214 and the completed NGIL Form 73.
Submit your full application package via the USAJOBS portal before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Tailor your resume to reflect the specific experience required for the WG level you are applying to.
Be specific with your dates of employment; use Month/Year format.
Ensure your NGIL Form 73 is signed and fully completed.
Review your application status frequently via your USAJOBS account dashboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is military membership required for this position?

Yes, this is a Title 32 Excepted Service position, which requires membership in the Illinois National Guard.

Can I substitute education for work experience?

No, this position requires applicants to demonstrate qualification through professional experience alone.

What is the work schedule like?

While standard hours apply, the role may require irregular or overtime hours to meet operational needs.

What is the highest grade level for this role?

*A: The position has promotion potential up to WG-10.*

Is relocation assistance provided?

*A: No, relocation assistance is not available for this role.*

Job from Army National Guard Units

The National Guard is the oldest component of the Armed Forces of the United States. With a rich history of serving community and country during emergencies, it offers a unique career path that combines civilian technical expertise with military service. By joining the National Guard, you become part of an elite team dedicated to the collective defense of our nation.