The Texas Air National Guard, part of the Department of the Air Force, is recruiting 2 Heavy Mobile Equipment Mechanics (Title 32) at Kelly AFB, San Antonio, TX, to maintain, troubleshoot, overhaul, repair, modify, and inspect heavy mobile equipment, support equipment, and special purpose vehicles for the 149th Logistics Readiness Squadron. This excepted service position requires active membership in the Texas Air National Guard (enlisted E4–E5) and wear of the uniform.

Requiring 5+ years experience in mechanical repair (or equivalent training), knowledge of diesel/multi-fuel engines, transmissions, hydraulics, and electronics, and ability to work in combat/tactical settings, this full-time role offers a 25% recruitment incentive (4-year agreement) and no state income tax. Ideal for skilled mechanics passionate about national service, this opportunity aligns with Texas’ military heritage and U.S. defence goals. This role suits reliable, hands-on professionals ready for impactful, team-based maintenance in a mission-critical unit.

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About Texas Air National Guard

The Texas Air National Guard is the air militia of the U.S. State of Texas, providing trained and equipped units for federal and state emergencies. The 149th Fighter Wing at Kelly AFB supports air sovereignty, disaster response, and logistics readiness.

The Guard fosters a culture of service, excellence, and camaraderie, with opportunities for advancement and civilian benefits. For Mechanics, the Guard provides specialized training, tools, and deployment experience in a diverse, inclusive military community.

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Duties and Responsibilities

As Heavy Mobile Equipment Mechanic, you will ensure mission readiness. Core duties include:

1. Repair, Adjust, Overhaul, and Maintain military/commercial heavy equipment (cranes, bulldozers, graders, conveyors) including:
   • Gasoline/diesel/electric hybrid/multi-fuel/turbine engines (turbo/blower-assisted)
   • Automatic/manual transmissions with power take-offs/cross-drives
   • Hydraulic/electric/pneumatic systems/controls
   • Fluid pumping, turrets, winches, four-wheel steering
2. Diagnose Malfunctions using visual/auditory checks, computer diagnostics, engine analyzers, compression testers, voltmeters, ohmmeters, pressure gauges.
3. Troubleshoot Electronic Systems – identify/replace defective components (computer modules, sensors, solenoids, digitized circuits).
4. Modify/Improvise Repairs – develop methods, alter parts, make design modifications in absence of guidelines.
5. Perform Body/Corrosion Control – repair/replace body parts, locks, glass; weld/power tool/hand tool repairs.
6. Clean/Test/Repair Radiators/Oil Coolers and air conditioning systems per environmental guidelines.
7. Replace/Repair Tires/Tubes and balance wheel assemblies.
8. Prepare/Maintain Work Orders for man-hour/data accounting; complete forms for work delayed/parts needed.
9. Establish/Maintain Shop Stock – requisition materials/parts/equipment; inspect/maintain/operate shop tools.
10. Research/Update Technical Orders and directives.
11. Serve as OJT Instructor – conduct classes on operation/maintenance; evaluate instruction effectiveness.
12. Conduct Local OHS Training – ensure compliance with hazardous waste disposal.
13. Perform Other Duties as assigned, including structural firefighting, aircraft handling, heavy equipment operation, facility maintenance, or disaster response.

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Qualifications and Evaluations

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 5 years in agricultural science field or equivalent
• Experience developing/directing/evaluating agricultural health programs relating to trade/regulatory/SPS matters

Job Knowledge

• Expert knowledge of animal/plant health sciences, laws, precedent decisions, quarantine regulations, preclearance procedures
• In-depth knowledge of local laws, programs, practices related to animal/plant health, treaties, cooperative agreements
• Understanding of host government ministry structures, legislative/rulemaking procedures, political subtleties, agriculture organizations’ sensitivities

Education Requirements

• Master’s degree in agriculture/agronomy, plant pathology/entomology, animal/veterinary sciences, or biology

Language Requirements

• Level IV (Fluent) in English (speaking/reading/writing) – may be tested
• Level IV (Fluent) in Swahili

Skills and Abilities

• Analyse complex regional issues, apply complex body of knowledge/laws/precedents
• Independently organize/execute work, research from diverse sources
• Communicate effectively in writing/orally to high-level officials
• Read/comprehend scientific journals and apply to program objectives
• Post-hire: advancing management skills, self-motivation, creativity, team play

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Conditions of Employment

• Appointment Factor: Excepted Service requiring active Texas ANG membership (Enlisted E4–E5, AFSC 2T3X1) and uniform wear
• Security Clearance: Secret required (obtainable within 1 year)
• Drug Test: No
• Probationary Period: Successful completion
• Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week)
• Travel: Occasional (East African Region)
• Relocation Expenses: Reimbursed if eligible
• Bargaining Unit: Yes
• Recruitment Incentive: 25% available (4-year service agreement)

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How to Apply

Apply Online: USAJobs Application Portal by December 17, 2025 (11:59 PM EST).

Required Documents:

• Resume (detailed duties, dates, hours/week)
• Master’s degree/transcripts
• DD-214/Statement of Service (if applicable)
• SF-50 (if federal employee)
• Other: Residency/Work Permit (if non-US), OF-306, etc.

Next Steps: Confirmation email after submission. HR will evaluate and contact shortlisted for language/skills test/interview.

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Tags

USDA APHIS Heavy Equipment Mechanic Texas ANG, Kelly AFB San Antonio, Mobile Equipment Repair Diesel Engines, Full-Time WG-10 $28.77-$35.57 Hourly, Master Mechanic 5 Years, Vision 2030 Defence Skills

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Expert Tips for Success as Heavy Mobile Equipment Mechanic at Texas ANG: A Shortlister’s Perspective

As a recruiter shortlisting for this Texas ANG mechanic role, I prioritize applications that demonstrate heavy equipment mastery, diagnostic precision, and military readiness. With a 70% rejection rate due to incomplete resumes or no ANG eligibility, these 10 tips are designed to place your application in the top 5%.

Tip 1: Lead with a Quantified Heavy Equipment Repair Achievement

Why It Works: Recruiters seek proven mechanics—50% of shortlists go to candidates with overhaul/km metrics. A resume opening with a specific achievement (e.g., “Overhauled 50 diesel engines with 98% first-time fix”) grabs attention.

Resume Example: “Overhauled 50 diesel engines as Heavy Mechanic with 98% first-time fix.” Why: This proves your mastery.

Cover Letter Example: “As 5-year diesel specialist, I reduced downtime 40% through preventive maintenance.”

How to Do It: Open resume with one bullet showing engine/transmission numbers + outcome.

Tip 2: Highlight Diagnostic & Troubleshooting Skills

Why It Works: Diagnosing complex systems is core—recruiters prioritize problem-solvers.

Resume Example: “Diagnosed 200 hydraulic failures using computer analyzers with 95% accuracy.” Why: This shows your precision.

Interview Example: “As Mechanic, I use ohmmeters and pressure gauges to pinpoint issues in 30 minutes.”

How to Do It: Include bullet with diagnostic tools + resolution time.

Tip 3: Demonstrate Military Compatibility

Why It Works: Requires Texas ANG membership (E4–E5, AFSC 2T3X1)—recruiters reject non-eligible.

Resume Top: “Texas ANG Eligible – Current E5 with AFSC 2T3X1 – Ready for immediate activation.” Why: This instantly qualifies you.

Cover Letter Example: “As active Guard member, I maintain uniform readiness and drill attendance.”

How to Do It: State ANG status in bold at top. Attach DD-214 if veteran.

Tip 4: Showcase OJT Instruction Experience

Why It Works: Serving as OJT instructor is duty—recruiters prioritize trainers.

Resume Example: “Trained 30 mechanics as OJT Instructor with 95% certification rate.” Why: This shows your teaching skill.

Interview Example: “As Mechanic, I conduct classes on pneumatic systems quarterly.”

How to Do It: Include bullet with trainee numbers + certification.

Tip 5: Highlight Safety & OHS Compliance

Why It Works: Compliance with OHS/hazardous waste is mandatory—recruiters prioritize safety pros.

Resume Example: “Enforced OHS in 100 inspections with zero incidents.” Why: This proves your safety focus.

Cover Letter Example: “As candidate, I ensure 100% PPE compliance in workshops.”

How to Do It: Include bullet: “100% OHS compliance record”.

Tip 6: Demonstrate Electronic Systems Repair

Why It Works: Troubleshooting electronics/sensors is specialized—recruiters want hybrid skills.

Resume Example: “Repaired 150 electronic systems (sensors, circuits) with 98% uptime.” Why: This shows your versatility.

Interview Example: “As Mechanic, I replace computer modules in tactical vehicles.”

How to Do It: Include bullet with electronic repair numbers.

Tip 7: Use Detailed Resume Format

Why It Works: USAJobs requires specific format—recruiters reject non-compliant.

How to Do It:

• USAJobs Resume Builder – use official template
• Detail duties, dates, hours/week
• Keywords: “diesel overhaul”, “hydraulic repair”, “SPS compliance”

Tip 8: Prepare for Language Test

Why It Works: Level IV English/Swahili may be tested—recruiters prioritize fluent communicators.

Interview Prep: Practice describing a complex repair in English/Swahili. Why: This proves your oral skills.

How to Do It: Review technical vocabulary in both languages.

Tip 9: Highlight ANG Membership Readiness

Why It Works: Excepted service requires immediate ANG membership—recruiters filter early.

Cover Letter Opening: “As E5 Texas ANG member with AFSC 2T3X1, I am ready for uniform duty.”

How to Do It: State rank/AFSC upfront.

Tip 10: Craft a Mission-Aligned Motivation Statement

Why It Works: Recruiters want patriots committed to service.

Use This in Cover Letter:

“As a 5-year heavy equipment mechanic and proud Texas ANG E5, I am passionate about maintaining mission-critical assets that keep America safe. My expertise in diesel overhauls and electronic diagnostics will ensure the 149th LRS has 100% readiness for homeland defence.”

Apply via USAJobs – this is your chance to serve Texas!

Deadline: 17th December 2025