Jobs › Marathon County

Mechanic - Highway Department

Marathon County · Wausau, WI · $27.61–$30.48 an hour · Full time

Posted Sep 16, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

This is journey level work on trucks, graders, loaders and crawlers. Walk me through your experience with heavy diesel equipment.

What they are checking: Whether their hands-on background matches the range of heavy equipment the highway department runs.

Mechanics here are expected to use independent judgment even without a foreman. Tell me about a time you made a call on your own.

What they are checking: Whether they can decide well alone and explain their reasoning afterward.

What would you do

During a winter storm, three plow trucks go down at once. How do you decide which to fix first?

What they are checking: Whether they can prioritize repairs by what keeps the roads safe and talk with supervisors about it.

You may lead other staff on projects. How do you direct someone with less experience on a repair?

What they are checking: Whether they can teach and lead safely, since the role may act as lead worker.

The schedule is mostly first shift but may move to second shift. How would that work for you?

What they are checking: Whether they can accept shift changes that the department may need during the year.

About the work

A plow truck comes in with a hydraulic system that's slow to respond. How do you diagnose it?

What they are checking: Whether they troubleshoot hydraulics logically from pressure and flow rather than swapping parts.

How do you diagnose an electrical problem on a modern diesel truck with emissions systems?

What they are checking: Whether they can use scan tools and wiring diagrams on today's computer-controlled equipment.

How do you approach preventative maintenance to keep a fleet ready for winter?

What they are checking: Whether they plan ahead so equipment fails in the shop on a dry day, not on a snowy road.

What welding and fabrication work can you do?

What they are checking: Whether they can repair plows, wings and attachments in-house, which county shops often need.

What CDL or certifications do you hold, and are you comfortable test driving and operating heavy equipment?

What they are checking: Whether they can legally and safely operate the equipment they repair, which the role requires.

How do you keep yourself safe working under heavy equipment and around stored energy?

What they are checking: Whether they use blocking, lockout and safe lifting habits that prevent serious shop injuries.

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The full job description

As published by Marathon County.

Job Posting End Date: Worker Sub-Type: Regular Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 Position Summary: The Mechanic is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of large sized construction equipment, heavy trucks, or comparable automotive equipment. Work may include routine servicing and light maintenance of assigned equipment. Work may extend to operation of equipment of a higher grade in accordance with established procedures. Work is performed in accordance with orders and instructions and accepted trade practices, with the employee expected to vary operating techniques in response to conditions. Mechanics are expected to exercise independent judgment on the job, including in the absence of a Foreman. Mechanics may serve as lead workers in directing other staff on projects. This position includes skilled, journey level mechanical work repairing a variety of automotive and heavy equipment (large trucks, bulldozers, front-end loaders, crawlers, graders, trailers, etc.). Work involves performing all types of mechanical repair work on trucks and heavy-duty construction equipment as well as specialized gasoline and diesel-powered equipment. Work Schedule: This position is primarily scheduled for 1st shift. However, based on operational needs, there is a likelihood that the schedule may transition to 2nd shift as needed. Examples of Work Performed: The following duties are typical of this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required or assigned. • Troubleshoots and performs major engine repairs including engine valve work, injector replacement, engine or transmission overhauls, and suspension repairs. • Repairs and rebuilds water pumps, rear ends, steering assemblies, hydraulic or air brake systems, electrical systems, and other mechanical components on a variety of heavy equipment including bulldozers, asphalt paver, excavators, snow blowers, front-end loaders, graders, shoulder machines, boom mowers, 3-point mowers, tractors, shoulder reclaimer, broom truck, high lifts, fleet vehicles, small and large trucks. • Repairs to small engines such as lawn mowers, chainsaws, rotors, leaf blowers, message boards. • Diagnoses and repairs hydraulic equipment and other related components. Performs welding repairs and torching on all pieces of equipment, along with fabricating and mounting snow removal attachments. • Diagnoses and calibrates computer-controlled salt spreader systems. • Performs some auto body repairs. • Converts changeover of winter snow equipment to summer equipment. • Operates snow removal equipment during storms or other times when needed. • Develops solutions to work issues that add value for our customers. • Participates in establishing professional development goals that are supportive of broader County goals. • Maintains regular and predictable attendance. Works extra hours as required. • Performs related work as required. Qualifications: • Associate's degree or 2-year diploma in diesel maintenance or closely related field and previous paid work experience repairing diesel engines and heavy-duty trucks and/or equipment desirable; OR 2 years paid mechanic work experience repairing diesel engines and heavy-duty trucks and/or equipment. • Valid driver license, including a Wisconsin Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) without air brake restrictions, tanker endorsement OR selected candidate must pass the required Class A CDL written exams and obtain this license within 6 months of hire. New employees failing to meet the CDL requirement will be terminated. • A driving record that meets Marathon County standards. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: • Skill in engine repair, transmission repair, air brakes replace/repair, suspension repair, driveline repair • Skill in welding/fabrication, mobile air conditioning, truck upfitting, tire changes • Strong diagnostics and problem solving skills • Ability to work independently and as part of a team Compensation: Starting hourly rate of pay: $27.61-$30.48 (based on experience) + Marathon County benefits Physical Requirements: High Physical Requirements - Job requires significant physical exertion, with tasks that involve more active movement. This job may include standing for long periods, lifting heavy objects, or engaging in manual labor. All physical requirements are described with the intent to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job. Selection Procedure: The selection of the successful candidate may be made by assessment of education and work experience, oral interview, review of references, and/or other job-related selection procedures. Depending on position requirements, the selected candidate may be required to satisfactorily complete post-offer assessments, including but not limited to education verification, background checks, driver license verification, physical examination, psychological assessment, and drug screening paid for by the County. Equal Opportunity Employer: Marathon County is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information or protected veteran status. Special Accommodations: Marathon County will make arrangements to furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary and reasonable to afford an individual with a disability the opportunity to participate in the recruitment process. Please notify the Employee Resources Department office or phone (715) 261-1451 to request special accommodations prior to the application deadline. Notice to Applicants: Wisconsin Statutes, Sections 19.36 (7), 64.09 (5), and 64.11 (7) require public employers to treat the following items as a public record: Each applicant’s application, records, recommendations, and qualifications except as provided in Section 19.36 (7), Wis. Stats. that allows the identity of an applicant to remain confidential if the applicant requests in writing that the County not provide access to this information. If you choose not to have this information become a public record, you must make such a request in writing to the Employee Resources Department. If you become a finalist for the position, your identity may be disclosed as required by law

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