Surface Maintenance Mechanic - Army National Guard (Spokane, WA)

The Washington Army National Guard is actively seeking a skilled and motivated individual to fill the critical role of Surface Maintenance Mechanic in Spokane, Washington. This indefinite appointment, excepted service position offers a unique opportunity to leverage your mechanical expertise while serving your state and nation. If you have a strong background in vehicle and equipment repair, possess a commitment to readiness, and are looking for a stable career path within a respected organization, this role may be the perfect fit for you.

About the Army National Guard

The National Guard is the oldest component of the United States Armed Forces, tracing its roots back to the earliest colonial militias. It serves a dual mission: providing combat-ready units for federal service and responding to state needs during emergencies. The Army National Guard combines the strengths of a military organization with the community ties of citizen-soldiers. Joining the National Guard means contributing to national defense, supporting disaster relief efforts, and becoming part of a proud tradition of service. The Washington Army National Guard is committed to maintaining the highest levels of readiness and providing essential support to the communities it serves.

Job Responsibilities

As a Surface Maintenance Mechanic (WG-08/10) with the Washington Army National Guard, your primary responsibilities will include performing diagnoses, routine repairs, and preventative maintenance on a wide range of heavy-duty mobile equipment, combat vehicles, tactical vehicles, and standard automotive equipment. You will work closely with higher-graded mechanics on complex repairs and overhauls of major systems, including internal combustion engines, turbine engines, automatic and non-automatic transmissions, heavy-duty driveline systems, and hydraulic systems. Key duties include:

• Diagnosis and Repair: Utilizing visual and auditory checks, along with basic test equipment (e.g., compression testers, voltmeters, ohmmeters), to determine the cause of mechanical failures and perform repairs.
• Component Replacement: Removing, adjusting, cleaning, and installing various parts and components such as wheel seals, sensors, fuel pumps, brakes, filters, radiators, starter motors, and batteries.
• Preventive Maintenance: Performing Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services (PMCS) to ensure all equipment is functioning properly, including brake adjustments, fluid changes, and lubrication.
• System Understanding: Applying a basic understanding of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic theories to diagnose and repair systems.
• Technical Documentation: Reading and interpreting technical manuals, parts lists, maintenance bulletins, regulations, and management policies to guide repair and maintenance activities.
• Field Maintenance: Providing field maintenance support at unit locations as part of a "contact team" and recovering inoperable vehicles.
• Inspection: Conducting limited readiness and repair inspections on vehicles and associated equipment.
• Minor Repairs: Performing minor body and fender work, basic welding, and repairs on small arms and accessory equipment. May also perform minor repairs on communication equipment.
• Supply Support: Assisting with tool and parts inventory management and documentation if needed.

Additional, more advanced duties are associated with the WG-10 grade, requiring a deeper knowledge of complex systems and diagnostic capabilities.

Requirements

To be considered for this Surface Maintenance Mechanic position, applicants must meet the following qualifications:

Military Requirements:

• Must be a current member of the Washington Army National Guard or eligible for immediate membership and employment.
• Military Grades accepted: E1 - E7.
• Desired Military Assignments: MOS 91, 92, or 88. Applicants do not need to possess these MOS to apply.
• Selected applicants must be assigned to a compatible military position and attain the required MOS within one year of the appointment.
• Must be willing to wear the military uniform.
• Must maintain Washington Army National Guard membership for continued employment.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered under the Military Selective Service Act.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance (Secret).
• Must not have been convicted of a qualifying domestic violence crime.

General and Specialized Experience:

• General Experience: Experience or training demonstrating knowledge of equipment to perform routine jobs, simple preventative maintenance tasks, and the ability to use common tools and equipment.
• Specialized Experience (WG-08): At least 12 months of experience or training involving:
  • Using common hand and power tools and a small variety of test and measurement devices for mechanical repairs.
  • Removing, adjusting, replacing, cleaning, and installing various parts, components, and accessories.
  • A basic understanding of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic theory as applied to vehicles.
  • Reading and interpreting parts lists, manufacturers' repair manuals, diagrams, and electrical schematics.
• Specialized Experience (WG-10): At least 18 months of experience or training leading to a thorough knowledge of:
  • The mechanical makeup, operation, and interrelationships of complex systems, assemblies, and parts for a variety of vehicles and equipment (combat, tactical, commercial, special purpose).
  • Diagnosing, repairing, overhauling, and modifying these vehicles and equipment.
  • Knowledge of electrical, electronic, hydraulic, pneumatic, and other non-mechanical systems that affect mechanical operations.
  • Hydraulic lifting, loading, turning, and positioning systems and their controls.
  • Basic knowledge of electronics sufficient to identify and replace defective components.
  • Repairing or overhauling major components such as engines, transmissions, drive lines, and electrical systems.

Other Requirements:

• Must possess a valid Washington State and military driver's license.
• Must be able to obtain a Government Travel Card (GTC).
• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Ability to establish effective professional working relationships.
• May be required to work other than normal duty hours; overtime may be required.
• Must maintain awareness of environmental responsibilities.

Salary Overview

This position offers an hourly wage between $27.07 and $30.15, depending on the grade level (WG-08 or WG-10) and your qualifications.

Benefits

The Army National Guard provides a range of benefits and opportunities for its members and technicians. While specific benefits may vary, this role includes:

• Career Stability: An indefinite appointment offers a degree of long-term stability.
• Service Commitment: Opportunity to serve your community and country within the National Guard.
• Skill Development: Continuous learning and skill enhancement in the field of mechanical maintenance.
• Uniform: Military uniform must be worn, with associated support potentially available.
• Potential for Permanent Status: Incumbents may be converted to permanent technician status if funding and manning levels permit, without further competition.

Application Steps

To apply for this Surface Maintenance Mechanic position, follow these steps:

1. USAJOBS Account: Create a USAJOBS account or log in if you already have one.
2. Apply Online: Click the "Apply Online" button on the job announcement page.
3. Complete Application: Fill out the online application form completely and accurately.
4. Upload Documents: Submit all required documents, including:
   • Resume (maximum of two pages, written in your own words)
   • MIL Form 174
   • Other supporting documents as specified (e.g., DD-214, SF-50, Transcripts).
5. Review and Submit: Carefully review your entire application package for accuracy and completeness before submitting.
6. Deadline: Ensure your application is submitted by November 26, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST.

Application Tips

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly details your experience as it relates to the specialized experience requirements for both WG-08 and WG-10. Use descriptive language and avoid simply copying phrases from the announcement.
• Be Specific: Include dates of employment (month and year), job titles, organizations, hours worked per week, and detailed descriptions of your duties and accomplishments.
• Military Experience: For current and former Guard/Reserve members, document your military work experience comprehensively, including military orders and duties performed.
• Required Forms: Pay close attention to the MIL Form 174 requirement and any other mandatory documents.
• Check for Completeness: Before final submission, verify that all necessary documents are uploaded and that the application is error-free.

This Surface Maintenance Mechanic position with the Washington Army National Guard in Spokane, Washington, presents a compelling opportunity for qualified individuals to build a rewarding career in public service. By maintaining the readiness of vital equipment, you will play a crucial role in supporting both federal missions and state emergency response. If you possess the required mechanical skills, meet the military membership criteria, and are ready to commit to a role that impacts national security and community well-being, we encourage you to apply.