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Surface Maintenance Mechanic Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Surface Maintenance Mechanic information

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$15

$27

$37

How much do surface maintenance mechanic jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for surface maintenance mechanic in the United States is $27.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a surface maintenance mechanic?

Surface Maintenance Mechanics are skilled tradespeople who inspect, repair, and maintain equipment and vehicles used on the surface, such as trucks, bulldozers, and other heavy machinery. Their work ensures that this equipment operates efficiently and safely, minimizing downtime and extending its lifespan. They are commonly employed in industries like construction, transportation, and the military, where reliable equipment is crucial for daily operations. The role often involves diagnosing mechanical issues, performing preventive maintenance, and replacing faulty parts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a surface maintenance mechanic?

To excel as a Surface Maintenance Mechanic, you need proficiency in diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining vehicles or equipment, often supported by vocational training or relevant certifications. Familiarity with diagnostic software, technical manuals, and specialized hand and power tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for troubleshooting and collaborating with team members. These skills ensure equipment reliability, safety, and operational efficiency in demanding maintenance environments.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by surface maintenance mechanics on the job?

Surface Maintenance Mechanics often face challenges such as troubleshooting complex mechanical and electrical issues on a variety of vehicles and equipment. They may need to work in environments where time constraints and urgent repairs are common, especially during peak operational periods. Adapting to new technologies and maintaining up-to-date certifications are also important, as equipment can be modernized frequently. Collaboration with other mechanics and technicians is essential to efficiently diagnose problems and ensure all repairs meet safety and performance standards.

What is the difference between Surface Maintenance Mechanic vs Aircraft Maintenance Technician?

AspectSurface Maintenance MechanicAircraft Maintenance Technician
CertificationsTypically requires ASE certifications or equivalentRequires FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification
Work EnvironmentIndustrial settings, manufacturing plants, or shipyardsAirports, hangars, and aircraft maintenance facilities
Industry UsageHeavy equipment, ships, or industrial machineryAviation and airline industry
Common Search IntentComparing industrial/mechanical rolesAircraft-specific maintenance roles

The main difference is that Surface Maintenance Mechanics focus on maintaining and repairing industrial equipment, ships, or heavy machinery, often in manufacturing or industrial settings. Aircraft Maintenance Technicians specialize in inspecting, repairing, and maintaining aircraft, requiring FAA certification. While both roles involve mechanical skills, their work environments, certifications, and industry applications differ significantly.

More about Surface Maintenance Mechanic jobs

What are popular job titles related to Surface Maintenance Mechanic jobs?

For Surface Maintenance Mechanic jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Surface Maintenance Mechanic job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,279 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Surface Maintenance Mechanic

Lincoln, NE • On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Other

Posted 7 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Troubleshoots, performs maintenance, and makes major repairs on heavy-duty mobile equipment, combat, tactical, and automotive vehicles.

  • Removes, disassembles, repairs, overhauls, and reassembles engines and major assemblies, components, and systems, including electrical, hydraulic, and fuel systems.

  • Performs repairs and maintenance functions in remote locations, including replacing defective parts and providing technical guidance to lower grade employees.


Job description

THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION. This National Guard position is for a SURFACE MAINTENANCE MECHANIC, Position Description Number D1194000 and is part of the Surface Maintenance Managers Office, National Guard.

Major Duties
  • As a SURFACE MAINTENANCE MECHANIC, WG-5801-5/8/10, duties include: (1) Troubleshoots, performs maintenance and major repairs on heavy-duty mobile equipment, combat, tactical and automotive vehicles. This may include self-propelled artillery, tracked cargo and personnel carriers, road graders, mobile cranes, front loaders, conveyors, bulldozers, power shovels, compressors, generators, tanks, tracked combat vehicles, sedans, buses, all terrain vehicles, trucks, semi trailers, forklifts, tractors, and accessory equipment. Troubleshoots, repairs and overhauls major systems to include internal combustion engines, turbine engines, automatic and non-automatic transmissions, heavy duty drive line systems, and hydraulic utility systems and controls. Makes repairs to assemblies and components such as voltage regulators, generators/alternators, brake cylinders, etc. Performs work in accordance with modification work orders, technical manuals, lubrication orders, maintenance bulletins, regulations or management policies. May repair a variety of more complex major systems to include engines, cross drive or similar multi-system transmissions and a variety of intricate fuel injection systems. (2) Troubleshoots equipment and diagnoses the cause of mechanical failures by means of visual and auditory checks and/or uses test equipment such as engine analyzers, compression testers, voltmeters, ohmmeters, pressure gauges, and computer diagnostic tools. Utilizes embedded diagnostics in equipment and a wide variety of original equipment manufacturer system analyzers in order to determine the exact nature or extent of repair. Determines what adjustments may be necessary to complete work orders, and whether any additional repairs other than those specified or indicated on the work order are necessary. (3) Removes and disassembles engines and major assemblies, sub-assemblies, components, and fuel, hydraulic, and oil pressure systems. Makes the appropriate repairs, overhaul, or modifications in accordance with the proper repair specifications and procedures. Reassembles engines and other systems, and adjusts, tests, and reinstalls in vehicles and equipment as necessary. Makes adjustments and repairs to electrical and suspension systems. May install pistons, sleeves, rings, bearings, rods, crankshafts, timing gears, and rocker arms. May be required to perform fuel injection equipment repair, overhaul, rebuild, and calibration duties utilizing a variety of complex test and calibration equipment. (4) Independently performs repairs and maintenance functions in remote locations that can be accomplished by removing, cleaning, reinstalling, or replacing defective parts of components and systems such as injectors, leaking wheel cylinders, corroded mufflers, fuel tanks, brake cylinders and worn brake shoes, voltage regulators, generators, injector pumps, and fuel pumps. Provides technical guidance and specialized team leadership to lower grade employees within the team. Assists lower grade mechanics in performing major repair work. May provide Field and limited Sustainment maintenance at unit locations as part of a “contact team.” Recovers and evacuates inoperable vehicles from the unit location of breakdown. May assist higher graded mechanics in repairing a variety of interconnected systems such as electrical, air and hydraulic systems, complex state of the art electrical and electronic systems that use specialized diagnostic equipment to identify problems, complex fuel injection systems and other similar complex systems. (5) Conducts readiness and repair inspections on vehicles and associated equipment supported by the activity. Performs operational inspections and ensures vehicles and equipment are properly serviced, including brake adjustments, replacing hydraulic fluids, greasing, cleaning, etc., and performs other preventive maintenance operations as required. Inspects supported equipment prior to use during Inactive Duty Training (IDT) and Annual Training (AT), to ensure that it is functioning properly. May inspect in-process repair work of lower graded repairer to ensure equipment is being repaired in accordance with pertinent requirements. May serve as a commodity inspector during Command Maintenance Management evaluations (COMET) or as a member of a Maintenance Assistance Instruction Team (MAIT). Instructs operator/crew in the maintenance of equipment and provides technical advice and assistance to supported units when requested. (6) Performs other duties as assigned
Conditions of Employment
  • Military membership in the Nebraska Army National Guard is required.
  • Males born after 31 December 1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • Obtain/maintain the level of security clearance/background check required.
  • Direct Deposit is mandatory.
Qualifications

NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED: This is a Title 32 excepted service position that requires membership in the Nebraska Army National Guard. Selectee will be required to wear the military uniform daily. Acceptance of an excepted service position constitutes concurrence with these requirements as a condition of employment. Applicants who are not currently a member of the National Guard must be eligible for immediate membership and employment in the National Guard in the military grade listed in this announcement.

OPEN AREAS OF CONSIDERATION: AREA 1 and 2

DEFINITION OF AREA(S) OF CONSIDERATION:

AREA 1: Current permanent and indefinite technicians of the Nebraska Army or Air National Guard; and current Title 5 employees of the Nebraska Military Department who are military members of the Nebraska National Guard.

AREA 2: All Drill Status/M-Day members and temporary technicians of the Nebraska Air or Army National Guard.

AREA 3: Current military service members who are willing and eligible to become members of the Nebraska Air or Army National Guard.

AREA 4: All qualified candidates eligible and willing to become a member of the Nebraska National Air or Army National Guard prior to the effective date of hire.

Military Grades: Maximum: E8/WO1; Minimum: E1/WO1; Military Grade inversion within the full time work forces is not permitted. The military grade of the full time supervisor must equal or exceed the military grade of the personnel supervised.

Compatibility will be followed in accordance with 32 USC 709(b) and 10 USC 10216. Compatibility requirements must be met prior to appointment to the position.

Security Clearance/Background Check requirements: In order to comply with US DOD requirements and ensure the safety and security of the missions, programs, property and personnel of the Nebraska Military Department, employees must obtain the appropriate background investigation and maintain the level of security clearance assigned to their respective work.

Nebraska National Guard Personnel Security Manager - Please send all inquires to ng.ne.nearng.mbx.persec@army.mil

GENERAL EXPERIENCE: Experience or training which demonstrates knowledge of equipment to be able to do routine jobs, simple preventative maintenance tasks, and can use common tools and equipment in the line of work.

WG-05: - 6 months experience or training using common hand tools in making repetitive repairs under close supervision. Experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the simpler and routine duties of the trade.

WG-08: - 12 months experience or training using common hand and power tools and a small variety of test and measurement devices to make mechanical repairs. Experience removing, adjusting, replacing, cleaning, and installing a variety of parts, components, and accessories. Experience which demonstrates a basic understanding of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic theory applying to vehicles; and skill to replace, fit, install, and make adjustments. Experience demonstrating an understanding of the makeup and operation of the various individual systems maintained and their interrelationships. Experience reading and interpreting parts lists, manufactures' repair manuals, diagrams, and electrical schematics.

WG-10: - 18 months experience or training leading to a thorough knowledge of the mechanical makeup, operation, and working relationships of complex systems, assemblies, and parts for a variety of combat, tactical, commercial, special purpose vehicles, and equipment. Ability to diagnose, repair, overhaul, and modify a variety of combat, tactical, commercial, special purpose vehicles, and equipment. Knowledge of electrical, electronic, hydraulic, pneumatic, and other non-mechanical systems that have a functional relationship and effect on the operation of mechanical systems. Knowledge of hydraulic lifting, loading, turning, and positioning systems and their mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and electronic controls. Basic knowledge of electronics, sufficient to identify and replace defective components, such as sensors, diodes, and circuit boards. Ability to repair or overhaul major components such as diesel, multi-fuel or gasoline engines, turbine engines, automatic and manual transmissions, drive line assemblies, electrical and electronic systems and accessories, fuel injection systems, and emission control systems

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional Information

If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency. Individuals with military incentive bonuses may be subject to recoupment.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

  • your performance and conduct;
  • the needs and interests of the agency;
  • whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government;
  • whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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