Heavy Mobile Equipment Mechanic

Summary

Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, Rio Grande Valley Sector, Mission Readiness Operations Division located in Rio Grande City, TX.

Duties

This position starts at an hourly rate of $33.82 (WG-10, Step 1) to $39.55 (WG-10, Step 5). As a Heavy Mobile Equipment Mechanic, you will determine the cause of malfunctions and make repairs, as well as make modifications to a variety of heavy-duty vehicles and mobile equipment. Duties and responsibilities include: Making repairs to a full range of systems on heavy mobile equipment and vehicles Determining the cause of mechanical operating problems by tracing and locating defects Overhauling or rebuilding one or more systems on a wide range of vehicles or equipment, such as diesel, gasoline, and other types of internal combustion engines; automatic and non-automated transmissions; heavy duty drive line systems; and/or hydraulic utility systems and controls Detecting faulty items, determining causes of malfunction and best repair methods, and assembles, disassembles, repairs, or modifies components and systems. Conducting functional and performance tests on completed work assignments

Qualifications

Although a specific length of time and experience is not required for most trade and labor occupations, you must show thorough experience and training that you possess the quality level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of the position at the level for which you are applying. Qualification requirements emphasis is on quality of experience, not necessarily the length of time. To minimally qualify for the WG-10 grade level you must meet the Screen Out Element: Ability to do the work of the position without more than normal supervision To meet the screen out element(s), you should have experience performing the following duties: Determining causes of mechanical operating problems, tracing and locating defecting, and making repairing to a full range of systems on heavy mobile equipment, buses, and commercial vehicles from oral assignments, work orders, manufacturer's specifications, or accepted trade practices. Overhauling or rebuilding major systems on a wide range of vehicles or equipment such as diesel, gasoline, multifuel, or other types of internal combustion engines; automatic and nonautomated transmissions; heavy-duty drive line systems; or hydraulic, electrical, or mechanical utility systems or controls Independently interpreting and applying manufacturer's repair manuals, schematics, diagnostic codes and safety manuals and be familiar with all the tools, equipment, and materials used by heavy mobile equipment mechanics. Operating vehicles and performing duties requiring a commercial driver's license (CDL) Failure to meet these Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating. In addition to the experience described above, you will also be evaluated on the basis of your overall level of competency (knowledge, skills, and abilities) in the following areas: Knowledge of the mechanical makeup, operation, and working relationships of heavy-duty systems, assemblies, and parts, including various major systems. Knowledge of electrical, electronic, hydraulic, pneumatic, and other non-mechanical systems which have a functional relationship and effect on the operation of the mechanical systems. Knowledge of electronics sufficient to identify and replace defective components, such as sensors, diodes, and circuit boards, and refers more complex problems to electronics mechanics. Ability to ensure proper operation of the complete system or vehicle by connecting, meshing, aligning, and adjusting parts and systems. Skilled and knowledgeable to recognize symptoms indicating probable malfunctions in time to make repairs before actual breakdowns occur. Ability to drive a commercial vehicle to perform tests and ensure repairs are successful. NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional resume requirements. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. You must meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process by 10/01/2026. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office. Background Investigation: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment in order to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity. During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges, the use of illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy), and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances. For additional information on the preemployment process, review the following link: Applicant Resources | CBP Careers Residency: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years. If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency waiver by meeting one or more of the following conditions: Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military A dependent who was authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. government Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university Working as a contractor, intern, consultant or volunteer supporting the U.S. government Probationary Period: All employees new to the federal government must serve a one year probationary period during the first year of his/her initial permanent federal appointment to determine fitness for continued employment. Current and former federal employees may be required to serve or complete a probationary period.

Education

Please see the Qualifications and Required Documents sections for more information if education is applicable to this position.