If you are a current State of Maine employee, please submit your application through the internal application process using the Find Jobs report in PRISM. Seasonal employees who do not have PRISM access should apply through the State’s career page and indicate on the application that they have previously worked for the State.

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Department of Public Safety
Job Class Code: 7279
Grade: 20 (Operations/Maintenance) 
Salary: $21.45 - $29.97/Hour
Location: South Portland, ME 
Opening Date: November 13, 2026 
Closing Date: December 1, 2026

Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

Ready to put your skills to work where they truly matter and be part of something larger than yourself? Join the team that takes pride in knowing their work helps the Maine State Police protect the public and save lives. As an Auto Mechanic III, you will make an impact with your job every day—keeping law enforcement officers safe, vehicles mission-ready, and critical equipment functioning when it matters most. 

This is not your average mechanical role— you’ll work on specialized police vehicles owned and operated by Maine’s largest police agency, as well as emergency equipment, and custom-built components that help keep our communities protected every day. If you’re looking to grow in your field, this is the opportunity for you: training on specialized equipment is provided, with the chance to learn new skills and knowledge. If you’re a mechanic who values precision, safety, and craftsmanship, don’t miss out: submit your application today! 

What You’ll Do 

As an Auto Mechanic III, you will play a key role in maintaining and outfitting police and other law-enforcement vehicles. Your work will include: 

Specialized Vehicle & Equipment Maintenance 

• Diagnose and repair police communication equipment, including mobile data terminals, printers, modems, and adapters. 

• Install, repair, and calibrate emergency lights, sirens, alternators, fuel delivery systems, and electrical components. 

• Rebuild and repair pursuit-rated engines, transmissions, and drivetrains. 

Technical Fabrication & Repair 

• Use welding, cutting, and fabrication tools—including oxyacetylene, plasma cutters, and electric welding equipment—to design and repair custom equipment. 

• Maintain and update electronic and mechanical systems using the latest diagnostic software. 

Field Work & Specialized Operations 

• Operate wreckers and ramp trucks to recover vehicles containing evidence for criminal investigations. 

• Road-test high-speed patrol vehicles (with supervisor authorization) to verify safety and performance. 

Shop & Inventory Operations 

• Organize and maintain shop supplies and parts inventory. 

• Write detailed repair orders to document all work performed and maintain complete vehicle histories. 

Additional Responsibilities 

• Assist with snow removal, vehicle transport, equipment operation, school bus inspections, and pickups/drop-offs of parts and supplies as needed. 

What You Bring 

• Strong mechanical aptitude and experience with vehicle repair—experience with emergency or fleet vehicles is a plus (but we will train the right candidate!) 

• Knowledge of electrical, diagnostic, and fuel-system repair. 

• Ability to use welding and fabrication tools safely and effectively. 

• Comfort working with computer-based diagnostics and reprogramming tools. 

• A commitment to accuracy, safety, and teamwork. 

Why Join Us? 

• Work that directly contributes to public safety and community wellbeing. 

• Opportunities to expand your skills in specialty vehicle systems, fabrication, diagnostics, and more. 

• A collaborative environment that values quality workmanship and professional growth. 

• Comprehensive benefits and stable, rewarding public service career pathways. 

What you need 

• 4 years of experience/education 

• A valid Maine Driver’s License 

• A Maine Inspection License 

• Able to pass a criminal background check 

If you’re ready for a role with purpose—one where your technical skills help protect the people who protect us—we encourage you to apply. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education, training, and/or experience in engine or automotive repair, mechanical or electric equipment maintenance, or another closely related technical trade area demonstrating competence in diagnosing and repairing vehicles or mechanical equipment; troubleshooting electronic and networking equipment; operating manual and power tools; keeping records; and working independently.

LICENSING/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: (These must be met by all employees prior to attaining permanent status in this class).
Possession of a valid Class C motor vehicle license as issued by the State of Maine.
Obtain and maintain Maine Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection credentials for all vehicle types.

To request a paper application, please contact Stephanie Hayes via email at recruiting.sesc@maine.gov

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,857.68-$13,950.24 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State. 
• Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 14.06% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee. 
• Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act. 
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.  

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your experience and passion set you apart.

If you require a paper application, please download and print one HERE

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If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.