Surface Maintenance Mechanic - Serve Your Country and Community

Are you a skilled tradesperson with a knack for keeping complex machinery and vehicles running smoothly? The Army National Guard is seeking dedicated and experienced Surface Maintenance Mechanics to join their ranks in Lincoln, Nebraska. This is a unique opportunity to utilize your mechanical expertise in a full-time capacity, contributing directly to national security while serving your community. If you possess a strong understanding of vehicle systems, a commitment to quality repairs, and are looking for a stable career with competitive compensation, this position with the Nebraska Army National Guard might be the perfect fit for you.

About the Agency: The Army National Guard

The National Guard stands as the oldest component of the United States Armed Forces, with roots stretching back to colonial America. Comprised of citizen-soldiers and airmen, the Guard plays a dual role, serving both federal and state missions. This means Guard members are ready to deploy overseas when needed by the nation, but are also the first line of defense during domestic emergencies, such as natural disasters, within their own states. Joining the National Guard means becoming part of a proud tradition of service, defense, and community support. The Army National Guard, in particular, focuses on maintaining a highly trained and equipped land combat force ready to answer the call, whether for federal activation or state duty.

Job Responsibilities: Keeping Critical Equipment Operational

As a Surface Maintenance Mechanic (WG-5801) with the Army National Guard in Lincoln, Nebraska, your primary responsibility will be ensuring the operational readiness of a diverse fleet of vehicles and equipment. This role demands a comprehensive understanding of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems.

Key duties include:

• Troubleshooting and Repair: Diagnosing and resolving mechanical failures in heavy-duty mobile equipment, combat vehicles, tactical vehicles, and automotive machinery. This includes, but is not limited to, self-propelled artillery, tracked carriers, road graders, cranes, bulldozers, trucks, sedans, and specialized equipment.
• System Overhaul and Maintenance: Performing maintenance, major repairs, and overhauls on critical systems such as internal combustion engines (diesel, multi-fuel, gasoline), turbine engines, automatic and non-automatic transmissions, heavy-duty drive lines, and hydraulic utility systems.
• Component Replacement: Identifying and replacing defective components, including parts like voltage regulators, generators/alternators, brake cylinders, fuel pumps, and various engine and transmission parts.
• Technical Interpretation: Reading and interpreting technical manuals, modification work orders, lubrication orders, maintenance bulletins, regulations, and management policies to guide repair procedures.
• Diagnostic Procedures: Utilizing visual and auditory checks, along with specialized test equipment (engine analyzers, multimeters, pressure gauges, computer diagnostic tools), to accurately determine the nature and extent of repairs needed.
• Preventive Maintenance: Conducting readiness and repair inspections, performing operational checks, and executing scheduled preventive maintenance to ensure equipment is in optimal working condition.
• Technical Guidance: Providing technical advice and guidance to lower-graded mechanics and assisting in complex repair tasks. You may also instruct operators on equipment maintenance.
• Field Support: Potentially performing field maintenance and limited sustainment repairs at unit locations, including recovery and evacuation of inoperable vehicles.

Requirements: Who Should Apply?

This position is specifically for members of the National Guard, making membership in the Nebraska Army National Guard a fundamental requirement. The job is classified as a Title 32 excepted service position, meaning you must meet specific criteria to be considered.

Essential Requirements:

• National Guard Membership: You must be a current member of the Nebraska Army National Guard or be eligible for immediate enlistment and employment within the Guard.
• Military Grade: The military grade must be compatible with the position, with a maximum of E8 and a minimum of E1. Grade inversion is not permitted.
• Uniform Wear: Selectees are required to wear the military uniform daily.
• General Experience: Possess experience or training that demonstrates the ability to perform routine tasks, basic preventative maintenance, and utilize common tools and equipment relevant to the trade.
• Specialized Experience: Depending on the grade level (WG-05, WG-08, or WG-10), you will need a specified amount of experience:
  • WG-05: Minimum 6 months of experience using common hand tools for repetitive repairs under close supervision.
  • WG-08: Minimum 12 months of experience using common hand and power tools, and basic test devices for mechanical repairs, including component removal, adjustment, and replacement.
  • WG-10: Minimum 18 months of experience demonstrating thorough knowledge of complex vehicle systems, including diagnosis, repair, overhaul, and modification. This level requires knowledge of related electrical, electronic, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
• Security Clearance: Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance. This involves a background investigation.
• Selective Service: Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered under the Military Selective Service Act.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive hourly wage, providing a stable and attractive income. The salary range for the Surface Maintenance Mechanic is between $23.02 and $36.52 per hour, depending on the specific grade level (WG-05, WG-08, WG-10) and the applicant's qualifications and experience.

Benefits: More Than Just a Paycheck

While specific benefits packages can vary, employment with the Army National Guard offers a range of advantages:

• Career Stability: A full-time position with a federal agency provides job security.
• Skill Development: Opportunities for advanced training and professional growth in your trade.
• Service and Patriotism: The inherent satisfaction of serving your country and your community.
• Health and Wellness: Access to resources and potential health benefits associated with military service (details often available through specific Guard programs).
• Retirement: Potential for retirement benefits based on years of service.

For more detailed information on potential benefits, candidates are encouraged to explore resources like https://www.abc.army.mil/.

Application Process: How to Apply

Applying for this exciting opportunity is a straightforward process managed through the USAJOBS platform. Ensure you complete all steps carefully to maximize your chances of consideration.

1. USAJOBS Account: Create an account on USAJOBS.gov or log in if you already have one.
2. Online Application: Complete the online application and the accompanying Occupational Questionnaire. Be thorough and honest in your responses.
3. Resume Submission: Prepare a detailed resume that clearly outlines your experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the Surface Maintenance Mechanic role. Ensure it includes contact information, employment dates (month/year), hours worked per week, and a description of your duties and accomplishments. Federal job experience should include series and grade.
4. Supporting Documents: Upload any required or optional supporting documents. This may include a Cover Letter, DD-214 (if applicable), or SF-50.
5. Verification: Review your entire application package, including your resume and questionnaire answers, to ensure accuracy and completeness. Make sure your resume clearly supports your answers to the questionnaire.
6. Submission: Submit your complete application package by the closing date, which is October 3, 2027, at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time.

Important Note: Your application package must be submitted by the deadline. Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Application Tips for Success

To navigate the application process effectively and stand out from other candidates, consider these tips:

• Read Carefully: Pay close attention to the 'Qualifications,' 'Requirements,' and 'Major Duties' sections. Tailor your resume and application responses to directly address these points.
• Be Specific: When describing your experience, use concrete examples and quantify your achievements where possible. Instead of saying 'repaired vehicles,' specify 'repaired diesel engines on 5-ton trucks, reducing downtime by 15%.'
• Match Keywords: Use keywords found in the job announcement throughout your resume and application. This helps automated systems and human reviewers quickly identify your suitability.
• Check for Clarity: Ensure your resume is easy to read and clearly presents your most relevant experience for this role.
• Contact Information: Double-check that your contact information in your USAJOBS profile is accurate and current. The agency will use this to communicate with you.
• Eligibility: If you are unsure about your eligibility to join the Nebraska Army National Guard, contact the local recruiting office at 402-309-7458.
• Security Inquiries: For questions regarding the security clearance process, reach out to the Nebraska National Guard Personnel Security Manager at [email protected].

The Surface Maintenance Mechanic position with the Army National Guard in Lincoln, Nebraska, offers a fulfilling career for skilled mechanics. It’s an opportunity to apply your technical talents in a meaningful way, supporting military readiness and national security. If you meet the requirements, particularly the essential need for National Guard membership, and are passionate about maintaining critical equipment, we encourage you to submit your application. Join a team dedicated to service and excellence, and make a tangible difference.

Grade	Minimum Hourly Rate	Maximum Hourly Rate	General Experience Requirement	Specialized Experience Requirement
WG-05	$23.02	$29.93	Ability to perform routine jobs, simple preventative maintenance, and use common tools.	6 months experience using common hand tools for repetitive repairs under close supervision.
WG-08	$26.72	$34.70	Ability to perform routine jobs, simple preventative maintenance, and use common tools.	12 months experience using common and power tools, test devices for mechanical repairs, and component replacement/adjustment.
WG-10	$30.09	$36.52	Ability to perform routine jobs, simple preventative maintenance, and use common tools.	18 months experience with complex vehicle systems, diagnosis, repair, overhaul, and related systems (electrical, hydraulic, etc.).