Watonwan County Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $26.30 - $35.48 Hourly
Location : Watonwan County Public Works, 1304 7th Ave S, St. James, MN
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2026-16
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 08/11/2026
Nature of Work
This is skilled mechanic work in the maintenance of vehicles and related equipment. Work involves responsibility for the performance of skilled tasks in the mechanical maintenance and repair of motor graders, bulldozers, trucks, tractors, automobiles, and other standard and special equipment operated by the County. Job assignments range from minor adjustments to complete engine overhauls and component rebuilds.
Employees of this class are expected to exercise independent judgment as to method of repair on most assignments. Work may include responsibility for directing the work of other personnel assigned to assist. Work is reviewed by supervisory or operating personnel for acceptability in progress and upon completion, and is performed under the general supervision of the Shop/Equipment Maintenance Supervisor.
Essential Functions
Diagnoses trouble and performs mechanical repairs and adjustments on power, drive, brake, steering, electrical, cooling and related systems on light and heavy equipment.
Performs major and minor engine tune-ups and adjustments, grinds and adjusts valves, installs rebuilt motors and may perform complete motor overhauls. Reconditions and replaces parts, such as pistons, bearings, gears, bushings, tie rods, steering sectors, springs and shock absorbers. Operates gas and electric welding equipment.
May be required to operate equipment when necessary, including snow plowing. Orders and picks up parts and materials. Keeps work area clean and orderly. May assign work to personnel as temporary assistants. Performs other work as required.
Responsible to observe all Watonwan County safety and health rules and to apply the principles of accident prevention in day-to-day duties.
Desirable Qualifications
Training and Experience - Requires completion of an 18 to 24 month post-secondary course in Diesel Mechanics or the equivalent, or at least 4 years of "hands-on" work experience. Must obtain Class A CDL with passenger endorsement within 6 months of hire (assistance available). Must obtain DOT certification within one year.
Knowledge, Abilities and Skills - Considerable knowledge of the practices, methods, tools and materials used in maintenance of Public Works equipment. Skill in use and care of tools, precision measuring instruments and equipment. Considerable knowledge of the operating principles of diesel and gasoline engines. Considerable knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of equipment repair work.
Ability to follow oral and written instructions. Ability to maintain a good working relationship with other employees and the public.
Ability to perform manual labor associated with major mechanical repair work. Ability to work under a variety of weather conditions. Ability to lift at least 80 pounds from ground level to chest height. Physical agility to climb, balance, stoop, exert force and perform other bodily movements to sufficiently operate the required equipment and tools.
Special Requirement - Required to have personally owned complete set of hand tools.
- Insurance and retirement benefits add a minimum value of $9.56 to $16.00/hour.
- Up to 2 pay increases per year.
- $800 reimbursement per year for purchase of tools.
- $250 boot allowance per year.
2025 WATONWAN COUNTY BENEFITS
VACATION - 16 days first year
SICK LEAVE - 13 days per year
HOLIDAYS - 11.5 holidays
HEALTH PLAN/FLEXIBLE BENEFIT PLANS:
Minnesota Healthcare Consortium - Medica
HSA Qualified Plans with choice of Medica Passport network, or Mayo Accountable Care Organization. County contributes to a VEBA or HSA to cover out-of-pocket costs.
Single, Employee + Children, Employee + Spouse and Family plans available.
LIFE INSURANCE - $15,000 policy paid by County
RETIREMENT - Public Employees Retirement Coordinated Plan
Employee contribution - 6.5%
County contribution - 7.5%
OPTIONAL BENEFITS (certain items can be purchased pre-tax):
- Dental Insurance - Vision Insurance
- Short-Term Disability Insurance - Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Supplemental Life Insurance - Health Savings Account if HSA Plan
- Dependent Care Reimbursement Account - Health Care Reimbursement Account
- Accident Insurance - Hospital Care Insurance
- Critical Illness Insurance
- Deferred Compensation - pre/post-tax investment plans
01
Which of the following best describes your level of education?

• High School Diploma/GED
• Some College
• Associates
• Bachelors
• Masters or higher
• None of the above

02
Please list the specific degree that you completed. If not yet completed, list your major field of study. If none, type N/A.
03
If I am selected for the position, I understand that I must successfully complete a USDOT pre-employment drug screening as required by 49 CFR Part 655.41. I further understand that a verified negative drug test result must be obtained by the employer prior to performance of any safety-sensitive function, as defined by 49 CFR Part 655.4.

• Yes
• No

04
Have you tested positive, or refused to test, on any pre-employment drug or alcohol test administered by an employer to which you applied for, but did not obtain, safety-sensitive transportation work covered by USDOT agency drug and alcohol testing rules during the past two years?

• Yes
• No

05
If yes, have you been evaluated by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) as required by 49 CFR Part 40, Subpart O (40.285)? (Note: A written report from the SAP is required.)

• Yes
• No

06
If yes, did you complete USDOT's Return-to-Duty process, including follow-up testing, as required by 49 CFR Part 40, Subpart O? (Note: A written report from the SAP is required.)

• Yes
• No

07
Within the last 10 years, how many years of experience do you have in repair and maintenance of semi-trucks, trucks and tractors?

• No experience
• Less than 6 months
• 6 months to less than 1 year
• 1 year to less than 2 years
• 2 years to less than 3 years
• 3 years to less than 4 years
• 4 years or more

08
Within the last 10 years, how many years of experience do you have in repair and maintenance of heavy equipment such as motor graders, bulldozers, etc.?

• No experience
• Less than 6 months
• 6 months to less than 1 year
• 1 year to less than 2 years
• 2 years to less than 3 years
• 3 years to less than 4 years
• 4 years or more

09
Within the last 10 years, how many years of experience do you have in repair and maintenance of automobiles?

• No experience
• Less than 6 months
• 6 months to less than 1 year
• 1 year to less than 2 years
• 2 years to less than 3 years
• 3 years to less than 4 years
• 4 years or more

10
Please describe the tools and repair equipment you know how to operate proficiently.
11
What light or heavy equipment are you proficient in operating?
Required Question