Description

Recruitment #260410-6859FM-001
Location: Rocky Hill, CT
Date Opened: 4/14/2026 12:00:00 AM
Salary: $52,670* - $68,781/year (*New state employees start at the minimum.)
Job Type: Open to the Public
Close Date: 4/27/2026 11:59:00 PM

The State of Connecticut, Department of Transportation (CTDOT), Bureau of Highway Operations, is now accepting applications for Automotive/Diesel Mechanic Trainee (Qualified Craft Worker Trainee) positions in our Rocky Hill Repair Facility.

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS

• Monday - Friday
• Full-time (40 hours per week)
• First shift (7:30 AM - 4:00 PM)
• Location: Rocky Hill, CT
• On-site work environment

THE ROLE

The Qualified Craft Worker Trainee (Auto/Diesel) will perform a wide variety of diagnostics and repairs for CTDOT’s diverse fleet.  The Department’s fleet includes Class 1 through 8 vehicles, heavy construction equipment, complex mechanical equipment, and highway maintenance equipment.

Upon successful completion of a 2-year training period, the incumbent in this role will be evaluated and may be promoted to the target class of Qualified Craft Worker (Automotive And Mechanical Equipment).

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Prior to hire, selected candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment physical, drug screen and work assessment, which will include a respirator physical to follow the Department's Respirator Policy.  A respirator fit test will be performed upon hire.
• For candidates without a CDL: As a condition of permanent employment, selected candidates must obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) A or B, with "tank and airbrake endorsements," and a valid Medical Examiner's Card (MEC) within 6 months of initial employment. Selected candidates will be enrolled in, and expected to complete, an agency paid selected CDL training program to assist in preparation for CDL licensure. This requires a selected candidate to obtain a CDL learning permit from the Department of Motor Vehicles.
• For candidates who already possess a CDL, be sure to indicate the Type, Issuing Agency, License number, Expiration Date, and all endorsements in the "Licenses and Professional Certifications" section of your application. You will also be required to thoroughly complete the Connecticut Department of Transportation Commercial Driver Supplement (CTDOT-CDL-1) form.
• For candidates who currently possess a Medical Examiner's Card (MEC), be sure to include the MEC expiration date in the "Licenses and Professional Certifications" section of your application form.
• Incumbents in this class must be willing to accept assignment to emergency duties, including snow and ice removal, whenever services are needed; to include mandatory winter overtime from November 1 through April 30. Various storm events will require employees to stay at work for the duration of the storm; which at times could be up to a period of several days, to include holidays and weekends.
• Incumbents in this class will be required to have a 30-mile residency from the posted job location.
• Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most closely meet the requirements of the position. Those applicants who hold a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), invited to interview, will be required to produce a copy of their current valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class A or B, and a valid Medical Examiner's Card (MEC) at time of interview.
• As a support to Highway Operations units, various storm events will require employees to be at work prior to, during, and after a storm or weather event, which at times could be up to a period of several days, to include holidays and weekends. Additionally, in preparation for the winter season, overtime may be required to prepare the fleet and equipment.
• Candidates must show how they meet the required knowledge and experience on their application to proceed further in the hiring process.

OUR MISSION 

As one of Connecticut’s largest State agencies, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) employs roughly 3,300 individuals across five bureaus. CTDOT is guided by its mission to improve lives through transportation. Our infrastructure and transit systems are essential to the safety and mobility of Connecticut residents, and our work strengthens both economic and community development. CTDOT is committed to fostering a workforce that reflects the communities it serves, and individuals with broad-ranging backgrounds and life experiences are encouraged to apply.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Receives training to perform tasks as outlined in specification for the class of Qualified Craft Worker;
• Receives on-the-job training to supplement prior vocational or technical training in respective trade area;
• Performs increasingly difficult and skilled tasks requiring application of trade skills, codes and standard trade practices under supervision;
• Assists in estimating time, personnel and material needs on assigned projects;
• Assists in maintenance of necessary records, logs, etc.;
• Performs duties related to trade or similar trade areas as required;
• At state owned airports may be required to stand by for and respond to fire and/or crash emergency situations;
• May be required to assist in snow removal operations during emergency situations;
• Performs related duties as required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Successfully completed the Department of Transportation’s High School Co-Op Intern program by the end of June 2026
• Experience performing diesel, B-Tech level, and light truck repairs
• Education in diesel technology repairs or auto repairs and heavy equipment repair
• Experience maintaining and performing diagnostic repairs in relation to various makes and models, heavy trucks, construction equipment, and small engines
• Experience working with automotive repair software, including diagnostic and repair information research
• Experience with vehicle electric system diagnosis

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes.  As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Graduation from a vocational or technical school with a diploma designating completion of the subject requirements in the respective maintenance trade area.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

An Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in automotive, plumbing, construction, electrical, HVAC or a related field may be substituted for the General Experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Incumbents in this class may be required by the appointing authority to possess appropriate current licenses, permits and/or certifications.
• Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

CHARACTER REQUIREMENTS

At State Airports: In addition to the checking of references and of facts stated in the application, a thorough background investigation of each candidate may be made before persons are certified for appointment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Incumbents in this class must have adequate physical strength, stamina, physical agility and visual and auditory acuity, and must maintain such physical fitness as to be able to perform the duties of the class.
• A physical examination may be required.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Incumbents in this class may be required to lift moderate to heavy weights; may be exposed to extreme weather conditions and to risk of injury from equipment.
• Incumbents in this class may be required by the appointing authority to complete an asbestos removal program consistent with EPA guidelines for operations and maintenance. Incumbents may be required to use protective equipment such as respirators and safety goggles.