What are the responsibilities and job description for the Heavy Equipment Mechanic Apprentice position at St. Louis County, MN?
Kind of Work
Technical work that provides practical work experience, up to two (2) years in duration, for students or recent graduates of a recognized apprenticeship program. Successful apprentices may be eligible for appointment to a higher-level job class relevant to their apprentice position.
Journeyman mechanic work diagnosing and repairing trucks and heavy equipment.
Please Note: Public Works is currently hiring multiple Heavy Equipment Mechanic Apprentices to work in select locations of St. Louis County. As part of the application process, applicants will select the location they would be willing to work. This information will be used to filter the eligible list and ensure applicants are being referred for interview according to their preference.
Salary grade assignment of employees hired into the Apprentice class are set at the applicable pay plan salary grade where Step 1 of the grade is equal to 80 percent of Step 1 of the salary grade for the job class which the employee is apprenticed to.
Please use the following link to view the Teamsters Union Collective Bargaining Agreement.
St. Louis County does not participate in E-Verify. All employees must be continuously authorized to work in the United States, for St. Louis County, on a full-time basis. St. Louis County does not provide sponsorship for employment visas.
Distinguishing Features of Work
This classification is used to provide the apprentice with a hands-on learning experience while performing increasingly more responsible work in a skilled trades field. Placements shall be in an occupational setting related to the apprentice’s field of study. An employee in this class performs skilled mechanical work. Duties include diagnosing, maintaining and repairing light, medium and heavy equipment in the field or shop. The work is performed under the direction of assigned supervisory staff.
Work Environment
These work environment factors are general in nature and may vary depending on the specific position being filled. CONSTANT: Lift and carry up to 30 pounds; push/pull up to 25 pounds; grip strength up to 30 pounds; balance; hand/finger coordination; reaching forward; stand; walk; vision (near, far, field of vision & color); hearing (close and distant). FREQUENT: Lift and carry up to 40 pounds; push/pull up to 40 pounds; grip strength up to 40 pounds; bend & reach; squat. OCCASIONAL: Lift and carry up to 70 pounds; push/pull up to 55 pounds; grip strength up to 185 pounds; climb ladders/stairs; crawl; kneel; reaching overhead; sit (with positional changes); smell; driving. RARE: Push/pull over 160 pounds; grip strength up to 200 pounds (both hands).
Environment; Works outdoors and indoors independently and with others with frequent interruptions and deadlines requiring concentration, critical decision making skills, detailed work, multitasking and organizational skills; infrequent people/public contact.
NOTE: At times, use of awkward body mechanics, including for a sustained period of time, based on limited space available and repair work that needs to be completed.
Selection Process
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Pass/Fail)
Supplemental Questions will be 100% of the scoring process:
Points will be awarded based on the applicant's answers to supplemental questions 10-15.
Experience beyond ten years may be included on the application for purposes of meeting minimum qualifications or informing the hiring authority of your complete employment history.
Please Note: When answering the supplemental questions on the website, the webpage may time out after 30 minutes. It's recommended you draft your answers in a separate document and copy/paste the answers into the application when you're finished writing. Failure to answer and save all of the questions on the "Supplemental Questions" page within 30 minutes may result in the deletion of your answers by the application system.
Tentative Recruitment & Screening Process Schedule
The essential functions for this position are listed under the "ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK" on the specification, available in the Human Resources Department or online at www.stlouiscountymn.gov/jobdescriptions.
Veterans Preference
If you are eligible to apply for Veterans Preference, please attach to your application a copy of document(s) listed for the option that applies to you:
Physical-medical Standards
Qualified applicants must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Applicants selected must meet the physical requirements for the position.
Drug Testing
Applicants selected for appointment must take and pass a drug test.
Background Check
Applicants selected for appointment to a position with St. Louis County are subject to a background investigation.
Employment Eligibility Verification
All new employees must submit documentation verifying identity and employment eligibility within three days of their first day of employment.
Probationary Period
Appointees to the position must successfully complete at least a twelve month probationary period prior to being certified for permanent employment.
Non-discrimination
St. Louis County is an equal opportunity and veteran-friendly employer.
Eligible St. Louis County employees earn a competitive salary and benefits package, including:
01
Please type or clearly print your name.
02
The information you provide related to your education, training, and experience is subject to verification. I understand that giving false information, failing to accurately represent myself, or not providing required documentation as listed on the job announcement will result in disqualification.
Are you legally authorized to work in the United States for St. Louis County?
All employees must be continuously authorized to work in the United States. St. Louis County does not provide sponsorship for employment visas, and it does not currently participate in E-Verify. Will you now, or will you in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status) to work legally for St. Louis County in the United States?
Do you have a valid driver's license?
Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent?
Are you currently enrolled or have recently graduated from a diesel mechanic, heavy equipment mechanics or equivalent program?
At which Public Works location(s) are you willing to work? Please check all that apply.
SME Explanation: Questions 10-15 will be reviewed by a Subject Matter Expert (SME). The questions will be scored and used to help determine 100% of your score. For each question, please list the organization(s) and/or employers where you gained the experience. All information listed must also be supported in the work experience section of your application. I have read and understand the instructions given above and acknowledge that I understand my score is derived 100% from my answers to supplemental questions 10-15.
Please describe the types of small engines, vehicles, and heavy equipment you have worked on.
11
Please describe your education and/or experience with an Oxy-Acetylene torch?
12
What personal traits and/or skills do you currently possess, that will benefit you in your role as Heavy Equipment Mechanic.
13
Please describe your experience working with 12V and 24V electrical systems?
14
Please explain how you would ensure the quality of your workmanship in the maintenance and repair of heavy equipment.
15
Please describe your experience working on hydraulic components.
16
I certify that my responses to the questions above are true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.
Technical work that provides practical work experience, up to two (2) years in duration, for students or recent graduates of a recognized apprenticeship program. Successful apprentices may be eligible for appointment to a higher-level job class relevant to their apprentice position.
Journeyman mechanic work diagnosing and repairing trucks and heavy equipment.
Please Note: Public Works is currently hiring multiple Heavy Equipment Mechanic Apprentices to work in select locations of St. Louis County. As part of the application process, applicants will select the location they would be willing to work. This information will be used to filter the eligible list and ensure applicants are being referred for interview according to their preference.
Salary grade assignment of employees hired into the Apprentice class are set at the applicable pay plan salary grade where Step 1 of the grade is equal to 80 percent of Step 1 of the salary grade for the job class which the employee is apprenticed to.
Please use the following link to view the Teamsters Union Collective Bargaining Agreement.
St. Louis County does not participate in E-Verify. All employees must be continuously authorized to work in the United States, for St. Louis County, on a full-time basis. St. Louis County does not provide sponsorship for employment visas.
Distinguishing Features of Work
This classification is used to provide the apprentice with a hands-on learning experience while performing increasingly more responsible work in a skilled trades field. Placements shall be in an occupational setting related to the apprentice’s field of study. An employee in this class performs skilled mechanical work. Duties include diagnosing, maintaining and repairing light, medium and heavy equipment in the field or shop. The work is performed under the direction of assigned supervisory staff.
Work Environment
These work environment factors are general in nature and may vary depending on the specific position being filled. CONSTANT: Lift and carry up to 30 pounds; push/pull up to 25 pounds; grip strength up to 30 pounds; balance; hand/finger coordination; reaching forward; stand; walk; vision (near, far, field of vision & color); hearing (close and distant). FREQUENT: Lift and carry up to 40 pounds; push/pull up to 40 pounds; grip strength up to 40 pounds; bend & reach; squat. OCCASIONAL: Lift and carry up to 70 pounds; push/pull up to 55 pounds; grip strength up to 185 pounds; climb ladders/stairs; crawl; kneel; reaching overhead; sit (with positional changes); smell; driving. RARE: Push/pull over 160 pounds; grip strength up to 200 pounds (both hands).
Environment; Works outdoors and indoors independently and with others with frequent interruptions and deadlines requiring concentration, critical decision making skills, detailed work, multitasking and organizational skills; infrequent people/public contact.
NOTE: At times, use of awkward body mechanics, including for a sustained period of time, based on limited space available and repair work that needs to be completed.
Selection Process
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Pass/Fail)
- Graduation from or currently enrolled in a program related to diesel mechanics, heavy equipment mechanics or equivalent program.
- Apprentices are part-time employees subject to a twenty-four (24) month probationary period.
- Possession of a valid passenger vehicle or commercial driver’s license as required by the position, if necessary.
Supplemental Questions will be 100% of the scoring process:
Points will be awarded based on the applicant's answers to supplemental questions 10-15.
Experience beyond ten years may be included on the application for purposes of meeting minimum qualifications or informing the hiring authority of your complete employment history.
Please Note: When answering the supplemental questions on the website, the webpage may time out after 30 minutes. It's recommended you draft your answers in a separate document and copy/paste the answers into the application when you're finished writing. Failure to answer and save all of the questions on the "Supplemental Questions" page within 30 minutes may result in the deletion of your answers by the application system.
Tentative Recruitment & Screening Process Schedule
- November 26, 2025 - Applicant screening to begin
- Week of December 15, 2025- Supplemental question scoring to be completed
- Week of December 29, 2025 - Interviews to be conducted
The essential functions for this position are listed under the "ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK" on the specification, available in the Human Resources Department or online at www.stlouiscountymn.gov/jobdescriptions.
Veterans Preference
If you are eligible to apply for Veterans Preference, please attach to your application a copy of document(s) listed for the option that applies to you:
- Veteran: DD214 noting character of service
- Disabled Veteran: DD214 & compensable disability award letter issued within the last 6 months.
- Spouse of Disabled Veteran: DD214 & compensable disability award letter issued within the last 6 months & marriage certificate. (Eligible only if Veteran is unable to qualify because of the disability.)
- Spouse of Deceased Veteran: DD214, Marriage Certificate and Death Certificate.
Physical-medical Standards
Qualified applicants must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Applicants selected must meet the physical requirements for the position.
Drug Testing
Applicants selected for appointment must take and pass a drug test.
Background Check
Applicants selected for appointment to a position with St. Louis County are subject to a background investigation.
Employment Eligibility Verification
All new employees must submit documentation verifying identity and employment eligibility within three days of their first day of employment.
Probationary Period
Appointees to the position must successfully complete at least a twelve month probationary period prior to being certified for permanent employment.
Non-discrimination
St. Louis County is an equal opportunity and veteran-friendly employer.
Eligible St. Louis County employees earn a competitive salary and benefits package, including:
- Vacation, Sick and Personal Leave
- Paid Holidays
- Medical Plan
- Dental Plan
- Vision Plan
- Disability Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Flexible Spending & Health Reimbursement Accounts
- Retirement Benefits
- Deferred Compensation
- Training and Advancement Opportunities
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employee Resource Groups
- Pet Insurance
01
Please type or clearly print your name.
02
The information you provide related to your education, training, and experience is subject to verification. I understand that giving false information, failing to accurately represent myself, or not providing required documentation as listed on the job announcement will result in disqualification.
- Yes
Are you legally authorized to work in the United States for St. Louis County?
- Yes
- No
All employees must be continuously authorized to work in the United States. St. Louis County does not provide sponsorship for employment visas, and it does not currently participate in E-Verify. Will you now, or will you in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status) to work legally for St. Louis County in the United States?
- Yes, I will now, or will in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status) to work legally for St. Louis County in the United States
- No, I will not now, or in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status) to work legally for St. Louis County in the United States
Do you have a valid driver's license?
- Yes
- No
Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent?
- Yes
- No
Are you currently enrolled or have recently graduated from a diesel mechanic, heavy equipment mechanics or equivalent program?
- Yes
- No
At which Public Works location(s) are you willing to work? Please check all that apply.
- Cook
- Hibbing
- Virginia
- Pike Lake (Duluth)
SME Explanation: Questions 10-15 will be reviewed by a Subject Matter Expert (SME). The questions will be scored and used to help determine 100% of your score. For each question, please list the organization(s) and/or employers where you gained the experience. All information listed must also be supported in the work experience section of your application. I have read and understand the instructions given above and acknowledge that I understand my score is derived 100% from my answers to supplemental questions 10-15.
- Yes
- No
Please describe the types of small engines, vehicles, and heavy equipment you have worked on.
11
Please describe your education and/or experience with an Oxy-Acetylene torch?
12
What personal traits and/or skills do you currently possess, that will benefit you in your role as Heavy Equipment Mechanic.
13
Please describe your experience working with 12V and 24V electrical systems?
14
Please explain how you would ensure the quality of your workmanship in the maintenance and repair of heavy equipment.
15
Please describe your experience working on hydraulic components.
16
I certify that my responses to the questions above are true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.
- Yes
- No
- Required Question
