Become a Key Leader: Surface Maintenance Mechanic Supervisor in Marshall, Texas
Are you an experienced technical leader looking to fuse your military commitment with a lucrative, stable federal career? The Texas Military Department is offering an outstanding opportunity for qualified military professionals to serve as a Surface Maintenance Mechanic Supervisor (Title 32) at Field Maintenance Shop 21 (FMS 21) in Marshall, Texas.
This is not your average mechanics role. As a Dual-Status Technician, you will stand at the intersection of military discipline and elite engineering oversight. With a highly competitive wage structure ranging from $39.61 to $46.28 per hour and the massive financial benefit of zero state income tax in Texas, this position is designed for individuals ready to excel both in uniform and in their civilian career. Read on to learn about this compelling career pathway, what the job entails, and how you can position yourself as the ideal candidate.
About the Agency: The Texas Military Department
The Texas Military Department (TMD) is a unique, mission-driven organization composed of the Texas Army National Guard, Texas Air National Guard, and Texas State Guard. Guided by the core tenets of Duty, Honor, and Texas, the department represents the absolute standard of readiness and resilience.
TMD works tirelessly to cultivate an environment where every service member can thrive, providing emergency response, safety, and operational support at home while preparing units to deploy abroad. Their motto emphasizes embracing the courageous spirit of Texas history and culture, prioritizing the welfare of those they lead, and maintaining public trust. Operating within this ecosystem means joining a legacy of service, teamwork, and innovation.
Job Responsibilities & Daily Operations
As a Surface Maintenance Mechanic Supervisor at FMS 21 in Marshall, Texas, you are not just turning wrenches; you are directing the operational capacity of an entire facility. You will plan, coordinate, and execute technical workflows to ensure that all tactical, combat, and commercial-grade vehicles under your charge are mission-ready.
Your core daily responsibilities will include:
- Resource and Work Management: Plan the utilization of subordinate technicians, shop facilities, and specialized equipment on a weekly and monthly basis. You will set deadlines, design workflows, and adjust schedules dynamically to handle unexpected breakdowns or urgent operational directives.
- Financial Oversight and Planning: Assist upper management with the allocation of quarterly funding. You will evaluate incoming unit requests, review historical spending, prioritize readiness demands, and allocate budgets effectively.
- Quality Assurance and Safety Control: Implement and supervise a robust Quality Control/Quality Assurance (QC/QA) program. You will verify that all completed vehicle services meet stringent Army guidelines while enforcing federal Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) regulations and environmental protective policies.
- Leadership and Mentorship: Direct and mentor junior mechanics. You will write performance evaluations, plan technical training, establish leave rotations, and guide promotions to foster a supportive and highly efficient work environment.
- Property and Force Protection: Maintain full accountability for physical inventory, real property, and complex diagnostic equipment. You will oversee access control, vehicle keys, and property in accordance with military and federal policies.
Requirements & Military Compatibility
To be considered for this Excepted Service role, you must meet a specific set of military and professional standards. Because this is a Title 32 Dual-Status position, you must maintain an active membership in the Texas Army National Guard and wear the military uniform during your duty days.
Core Eligibility Criteria:
- Military Rank Spread: Warrant Officer 1 (W-1/WO1) through Chief Warrant Officer 3 (W-3/CW3).
- Military Occupational Specialty (MOS): WO 91 Series (Mechanical Maintenance Warrant Officers).
- Security Clearance: Must have or be able to successfully clear a Secret security clearance background check within 12 months of appointment.
- Driver's License: A valid state-issued driver's license is mandatory.
- Lautenberg Amendment Compliance: You must have no record of misdemeanor domestic violence convictions that would prevent you from carrying or handling service weapons.
- Trial Period: New appointees must serve a 1-to-2-year trial period to assess their conduct and technical performance.
Salary Overview & Financial Advantages
This position is graded at the Wage Supervisor WS-10 level. This federal pay scale guarantees a highly stable hourly wage with room for consistent increases as you progress.
| Pay Feature | Details for This Position |
|---|---|
| Minimum Hourly Rate | $39.61 |
| Maximum Hourly Rate | $46.28 |
| Estimated Annual Base | Approx. $82,380 - $96,260 (Based on a 2,080-hour work year) |
| State Income Tax | $0.00 (Texas charges no state income tax) |
| Direct Deposit | Mandatory requirement |
In addition to the competitive base pay, living in Texas provides a substantial cost-of-living advantage. Without state income tax eating into your paycheck, your take-home pay is significantly higher than in states with high local taxes.
Comparison: Dual-Status vs. Standard Civilian Mechanic Roles
Before taking the plunge, it helps to understand how a Title 32 Dual-Status role compares to traditional private-sector mechanic positions.
| Feature | Title 32 Dual-Status Supervisor | Private Sector Shop Manager |
|---|---|---|
| Core Duty Structure | Combines civilian technical expertise with Guard service | Strictly civilian operations |
| Workplace Uniform | Military Uniform (Required) | Corporate branding / Civilian coveralls |
| Tax Incentives | Federal pay + No Texas state income tax | No state tax, but lower federal stability |
| Retirement Structure | FERS Pension + TSP Matching + Military Pension | 401(k) plans (dependent on company) |
| Stability | Highly resilient federal funding | Susceptible to market & economic swings |
Comprehensive Benefits Package
While the base salary is highly appealing, the true value of a federal career lies in its unmatched benefits package. As a federal technician, you will receive:
- Health and Wellness: Choose from a massive catalog of competitive federal health insurance plans, along with dental, vision, and long-term care programs.
- Retirement Security: Build a secure future with the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension plan and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with generous government matching contributions.
- Paid Leave: Earn accrued annual leave for vacation and personal time off, alongside a separate sick leave accrual program and 11 paid federal holidays each year.
- Skill Development: Gain access to specialized, fully funded advanced diagnostic and management training programs.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Navigating the federal hiring process requires attention to detail. Follow these steps to ensure your application gets through the system successfully:
- Prep Your Resume: Unlike civilian resumes, your federal resume must be highly detailed. Clearly list the beginning and end dates of each previous job in an MM/YYYY format, along with the exact number of hours worked per week (e.g., "06/2018 to 05/2021 | 40 Hours/Week").
- Complete the Occupational Questionnaire: When prompted, click to view and complete the online assessment questionnaire. Your answers must align perfectly with the experiences detailed in your resume.
- Upload Critical Supporting Documents: Ensure you attach your detailed resume, a current SF-50 (if applicable), DD-214/Statement of Service, and any disability letters.
- Submit & Track: Send in your application through USAJOBS before the deadline of September 19, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST. You can verify your application's status in your account dashboard.
Expert Application Tips
- Quantify Your Technical Expertise: Don't just list "repaired trucks." Write about the specific combat, tactical, and special-purpose systems you handled. Mention complex multi-fuel systems, advanced pneumatic lifts, and electrical components.
- Demonstrate Your Leadership Instincts: Describe how you handle work backlogs, prioritize repairs during critical unit drills, and address resource limitations. Prove that you can direct teams efficiently.
- Confirm Guard Status First: Your application will be immediately set aside if you do not meet the military compatibility rules. Ensure you are either an active Texas Army National Guard member in the WO 91 Series or have verified eligibility with a local recruiter before applying.
Q: What is the significance of FMS 21 in Marshall?
FMS 21 is a high-tempo Field Maintenance Shop responsible for supporting nearby tactical units. It acts as a critical hub for vehicle and machinery readiness, meaning you will be managing highly important equipment and coordinating closely with unit commanders.
Q: Are there educational requirements for this supervisor job?
No. This position does not enforce any formal college degree requirements. Your qualification depends entirely on your practical mechanical experience and leadership history.
If you possess strong mechanical skills, leadership experience, and a deep sense of dedication, the Surface Maintenance Mechanic Supervisor position in Marshall, Texas, is the perfect place to grow your career. This Title 32 role gives you the opportunity to lead exceptional teams, secure federal benefits, and earn a highly competitive salary in a tax-friendly state.
Take the next step in your military and professional journey. Complete your application package, align your resume, and apply today!
Why This Surface Maintenance Mechanic Supervisor (Title 32) Job Matters
Take command of vehicle maintenance operations at the Texas Army National Guard's Marshall facility—supervise elite teams, enjoy premium federal pay, and pay absolutely zero state income tax!
Surface Maintenance Mechanic Supervisor (Title 32) Job Overview
The Texas Military Department is seeking a qualified, highly skilled technical leader to fill the role of Surface Maintenance Mechanic Supervisor (Title 32) at Field Maintenance Shop 21 (FMS 21) in Marshall, Texas. In this dual-status role, you will lead a dedicated team of mechanics and technicians, orchestrate complex maintenance plans, and maintain a state of absolute operational readiness for combat, tactical, and special-purpose vehicles. Because this is a dual-status position, you will maintain active membership in the Texas Army National Guard, combining civilian technical expertise with military leadership.
Requirements for Surface Maintenance Mechanic Supervisor (Title 32)
- Must hold active membership in the Texas Army National Guard.
- Must wear the military uniform appropriate to your rank.
- Open to all individuals eligible to enlist or hold an appointment in the Texas Army National Guard.
- Required Rank: Warrant Officer 1 (W-1/WO1) up to Chief Warrant Officer 3 (W-3/CW3).
- Required Military Occupational Specialty (MOS): WO 91 Series.
- Must hold or be able to secure a Secret security clearance within 12 months of hiring.
- Must possess a valid state-issued driver's license.
- Must be compliant with the Lautenberg Amendment (no misdemeanor domestic violence convictions).
- Must successfully complete a one- to two-year trial period upon appointment.
Preferred Qualifications for Surface Maintenance Mechanic Supervisor (Title 32)
- Proven experience directing, assigning, and evaluating the work of junior mechanics and technicians.
- Deep technical mastery over diagnostic procedures, overhauls, and configurations of combat-ready vehicle systems.
- Strong understanding of funding distribution, budget prioritizations, and customer unit operations.
- Demonstrated ability to establish quality control frameworks that maximize mechanical yield and minimize waste.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Zero State Income Tax (Texas resident benefit)
- ✓Competitive hourly pay ($39.61 to $46.28 per hour)
- ✓Enrollment in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance plans
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with agency matching contributions
- ✓Generous paid annual leave and sick leave accrual
- ✓Paid federal holidays
- ✓Continuous leadership and advanced technical training opportunities
💡 How to Apply Surface Maintenance Mechanic Supervisor (Title 32) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Surface Maintenance Mechanic Supervisor (Title 32) Job
- Navigate to the official USAJOBS listing to initialize the application process.
- Ensure your federal resume is detailed, explicitly listing MM/YYYY start/end dates and weekly hours worked for each position.
- Log into your USAJOBS account and select the resume and documents you want to include in your package.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire to detail your technical and supervisory competencies.
- Upload required verification documents, such as your SF-50, DD-214, or Military Statement of Service.
- Submit your complete application before 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.
- Track your progress by visiting your USAJOBS account dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Be precise with dates: USAJOBS requires explicit timelines (e.g., MM/YYYY to MM/YYYY) and the exact hours worked per week to calculate qualified experience.
- Align your technical skills: Use your resume to thoroughly describe your experience with diesel engines, pneumatic systems, hydraulics, and diagnostic equipment.
- Detail your leadership: Highlight any situations where you scheduled work, established team priorities, or resolved operational backlogs.
- Confirm Guard compatibility: Reach out to your local recruitment or retention office to verify your military eligibility and ensure compatibility with the WO 91 series before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is military service mandatory for this position?
Yes. This is a Title 32 Excepted Service Dual-Status Technician role. Selected candidates must be active members of the Texas Army National Guard or become members prior to starting.
What military ranks are eligible to apply?
The authorized military rank spread is from Warrant Officer 1 (W-1/WO1) to Chief Warrant Officer 3 (W-3/CW3). Your military assignment must align with the Warrant Officer 91 Series.
Does this role offer remote work or telework options?
No. Due to the hands-on nature of managing workshops, equipment repairs, and face-to-face team coordination, this position requires on-site presence at FMS 21 in Marshall, Texas.
Does Texas charge state income tax on this salary?
No. Texas is one of nine states in the U.S. with no state income tax, allowing you to take home a larger portion of your federal salary.
What happens if I hold an incentive or bonus contract with the Guard?
Accepting a dual-status Federal Technician position can sometimes impact or terminate ongoing military incentive contracts. It is highly recommended to consult your Education Services or Retention office before accepting.
Q: Can I apply if I am in the Reserve or another state's National Guard?
To qualify, you must be a member of the Texas Army National Guard or be willing and eligible to transfer to the Texas Army National Guard immediately upon selection.