Become a Surface Maintenance Mechanic: A Career in Service and Skill
Are you a skilled mechanic looking to apply your technical knowledge in a role that makes a real difference? The Washington Army National Guard is looking for a dedicated Surface Maintenance Mechanic to serve at the Combined Support Maintenance Shop at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. This position offers a unique chance to work on a vast range of heavy-duty, tactical, and combat equipment while serving your state and country.
Job Responsibilities
As a Surface Maintenance Mechanic, your day-to-day work is diverse and challenging. You will perform everything from simple preventative maintenance to complex overhauls. Your core duties include:
- Diagnostics and Repair: Utilizing advanced computer diagnostic tools and visual/auditory inspection to identify mechanical and electrical faults.
- Fleet Maintenance: Servicing a wide inventory of vehicles, including tanks, bulldozers, tactical trucks, and support equipment.
- System Overhauls: Stripping, repairing, and reassembling engines, transmissions, hydraulic lifting systems, and fuel injection assemblies.
- Technical Documentation: Ensuring all work complies with the latest modification work orders, technical manuals, and safety regulations.
- Mentorship: Providing guidance and specialized technical support to junior-grade mechanics.
Comparison: WG-08 vs WG-10 Roles
| Feature | WG-08 Level | WG-10 Level |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Required | 12 Months | 18 Months |
| Complexity | Routine Maintenance | Overhaul/Modification |
| Systems Knowledge | Basic mechanical/electrical | Complex diagnostic/electronic |
Requirements and Qualifications
To be considered for this position, you must hold a high school diploma or GED and meet the military requirements outlined by the Washington Army National Guard. This includes maintaining a compatible military assignment and being able to pass a security clearance check. You must be comfortable with the use of hand tools, power tools, and complex diagnostic equipment.
Salary Overview
The position offers a highly competitive wage based on the WG pay scale, ranging from $33.36 to $41.99 per hour. This compensation reflects the high level of technical expertise required to maintain critical National Guard equipment.
Benefits
- Training: Access to specialized military and technical schools to sharpen your skills.
- Service: A rewarding career path that contributes directly to state and national security.
- Growth: Opportunities to work on state-of-the-art diagnostic and vehicle platforms.
Application Tips
When applying, focus on clearly documenting your hands-on experience. Use specific examples from your professional or military career. Remember: do not copy and paste the announcement text; your application must be in your own words to be considered. Ensure you have your Mil Form 174 ready, as it is a mandatory document for this application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What if I don't have a military background? A: You must be eligible to join the Washington Army National Guard to hold this position. If you are not currently a member, you must be able to enlist or join upon selection.
Q: Is telework an option? A: No, this is an on-site, hands-on role located at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
If you have a passion for mechanics and a commitment to service, this Surface Maintenance Mechanic role with the Washington Army National Guard is an ideal career step. Take the initiative to apply before the deadline to help keep our fleet at the highest level of readiness.
Why This Surface Maintenance Mechanic Job Matters
Power the mission of the Washington Army National Guard as a Surface Maintenance Mechanic—where your hands-on expertise keeps our fleet mission-ready.
Surface Maintenance Mechanic Job Overview
The Washington Army National Guard is seeking a skilled Surface Maintenance Mechanic to join the Combined Support Maintenance Shop at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. This essential role involves troubleshooting, repairing, and performing preventive maintenance on a wide array of tactical, combat, and commercial vehicles. You will be responsible for ensuring that critical equipment—from heavy-duty trucks and tracked combat vehicles to complex hydraulic and electrical systems—remains in peak operational condition to support state and national readiness.
Requirements for Surface Maintenance Mechanic
- Must be a member of the Washington Army National Guard (or eligible for immediate membership).
- Must maintain a compatible military assignment (ECMF 12, 13, 14, 19, 25, 88, 91, 92, or 94).
- Possession of a valid state and military driver's license.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a SECRET security clearance.
- Completion of the Army Avoidance Course (AAC) training upon hire.
- Must meet the requirements of the Lautenberg Amendment regarding domestic violence convictions.
- High School Diploma or GED.
Preferred Qualifications for Surface Maintenance Mechanic
- Experience diagnosing and repairing complex internal combustion and turbine engines.
- Proficiency with modern computer diagnostic tools and embedded vehicle software.
- Advanced knowledge of electrical, electronic, and hydraulic systems.
- Ability to provide technical leadership and instruction to junior mechanics.
- Demonstrated experience working on combat and tactical vehicle assemblies.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Opportunities for professional military and technical school training.
- ✓Service to community and state readiness.
- ✓Stable, mission-critical work environment.
- ✓Competitive hourly compensation.
- ✓Supportive team environment within the National Guard structure.
💡 How to Apply Surface Maintenance Mechanic Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Surface Maintenance Mechanic Job
- Log in or create a profile on the USAJOBS portal.
- Prepare a resume (maximum 2 pages) detailing relevant experience and specific job duties.
- Complete and sign the required Mil Form 174.
- Gather supporting documentation, including transcripts and military records (DD-214, etc.).
- Submit your complete application package via the online application link before the closing date.
- Monitor your status through the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume is written in your own words; verbatim descriptions from the announcement will lead to disqualification.
- Double-check your page count; resumes exceeding 2 pages will not be considered.
- Include specific dates (month/year) and hours worked per week for every position listed.
- Clearly document your military employment history, including specific order types and duties.
- Verify that your uploaded documents have cleared the site's virus scan process before the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is military membership required for this position?
Yes, this is an excepted service position that requires membership in the Washington Army National Guard.
Can I apply if I am not currently in the Guard?
Yes, but you must be eligible for immediate membership and employment in the Washington Army National Guard to be selected.
What is the maximum length for my resume?
Your resume must not exceed two (2) pages. Applications exceeding this limit will be disqualified.
What should I include in my resume regarding military service?
You must list your enlistment/oath dates, MOS/AFSC, and specific duties for all periods of service, including specific order types like ADOS or AT.
Job from Army National Guard Units
The National Guard represents the oldest branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, acting as a bridge between the civilian community and the military. As a National Guard Technician, you perform the essential maintenance required to ensure that our units are always mission-ready, whether they are training for federal deployments or responding to local emergencies within Washington State.