Become a Surface Maintenance Mechanic with the Washington Army National Guard
Are you a skilled mechanic looking to apply your technical expertise toward a meaningful mission? The Washington Army National Guard is currently seeking a dedicated Surface Maintenance Mechanic to join the Combined Support Maintenance Shop at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM). This is an exceptional opportunity for those with a mechanical background to support the backbone of our operational readiness.
Job Responsibilities
Your primary role involves the full spectrum of vehicle maintenance. Key duties include:
- Diagnostics & Repair: Using advanced diagnostic tools to troubleshoot internal combustion engines, hydraulic systems, and complex electrical circuits.
- Fleet Maintenance: Performing major repairs on heavy-duty tactical equipment, including tracked vehicles, mobile cranes, bulldozers, and tactical trucks.
- Preventive Care: conducting rigorous readiness inspections to ensure vehicles meet safety and performance standards for training events like Annual Training (AT).
- Technical Leadership: Providing guidance to junior mechanics and assisting in field repair operations.
Requirements
Success in this role requires a blend of technical proficiency and military commitment.
| Requirement Type | Specification |
|---|---|
| Education | High School Diploma/GED |
| Security Clearance | SECRET |
| License | Valid State and Military Driver's License |
| Military Status | Must be/become a member of WA Army National Guard |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive compensation structure ranging from $33.36 to $41.99 per hour, depending on the qualifications and the specific grade level (WG-08 or WG-10) assigned based on experience.
Benefits
As a federal technician, you contribute to a proud tradition of service. You will receive professional training, support for your career within the Guard, and the satisfaction of knowing your technical skills directly enable soldiers to perform their duties successfully.
Application Tips
- Your Words, Your Story: When building your resume, describe your experience in your own voice. Do not copy the job duties from this text.
- Formatting Matters: Keep your resume under two pages and clearly list dates (Month/Year) for all employment.
- Mil Form 174: This document is mandatory. Your application will be rejected without it.
Serving as a Surface Maintenance Mechanic is more than a job—it is a vital contribution to national security. If you are ready to tackle complex mechanical challenges in a supportive, mission-focused environment, apply today.
Why This Surface Maintenance Mechanic Job Matters
Power the mission of the Washington Army National Guard by keeping our tactical fleet mission-ready at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
Surface Maintenance Mechanic Job Overview
The Washington Army National Guard is seeking a skilled Surface Maintenance Mechanic to perform critical repairs and preventive maintenance on a wide array of combat, tactical, and commercial vehicles. Based at the Combined Support Maintenance Shop in JBLM, this permanent, excepted service position is vital to maintaining operational readiness for state and federal missions.
Requirements for Surface Maintenance Mechanic
- Must be or be eligible to become a member of the Washington Army National Guard.
- Must hold a compatible military assignment (ECMF 12, 13, 14, 19, 25, 88, 91, 92, 94).
- Must possess a valid state and military driver's license.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a SECRET security clearance.
- Must complete the Army Avoidance Course (AAC) training.
- High School Diploma or GED.
- Males born after Dec 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
Preferred Qualifications for Surface Maintenance Mechanic
- Proven experience with complex hydraulic, pneumatic, and electronic diagnostic systems.
- Ability to repair major engine components, fuel injection systems, and transmission assemblies.
- Experience reading technical manuals, schematics, and electrical diagrams.
- Leadership experience or ability to provide technical guidance to junior mechanics.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive hourly pay
- ✓Excepted service employment status
- ✓Professional development and military training opportunities
- ✓Contribution to national and community defense
💡 How to Apply Surface Maintenance Mechanic Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Surface Maintenance Mechanic Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that specifically addresses your specialized experience in your own words (not verbatim from the job description).
- Complete the Mil Form 174 (mandatory).
- Gather supporting documents including transcripts, DD-214, or current military orders.
- Upload all documents to the online portal before the closing date.
- Review your application status via the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume is no more than two pages long.
- Detail your military experience clearly using the recommended format for Guard/Reserve members.
- Avoid using verbatim text from the announcement; customize your descriptions.
- Double-check that you have included your contact information and specific work dates.
- Verify your document uploads by contacting the Human Resources Office before the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is military membership required for this position?
Yes, this is an excepted service position that requires you to maintain membership in the Washington Army National Guard.
What happens if I use verbatim language from the job description in my resume?
Resumes that copy the job announcement verbatim will not be considered for the position.
What is the security clearance level for this role?
You must be able to obtain and maintain a SECRET security clearance.
Can I apply if I am not currently in the National Guard?
Yes, provided you are eligible for immediate membership in the Washington Army National Guard.
Will I need to wear a uniform?
Yes, this position requires you to wear the military uniform as a condition of your employment.
Job from Army National Guard Units
The National Guard is the oldest branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, with a dual mission: protecting our nation and serving our local communities during emergencies. As a Surface Maintenance Mechanic, you become an essential part of the Army National Guard team, ensuring that tactical vehicles and equipment are always mission-capable.