About the opportunity
This is a National Guard Title 32 Excepted Service position located in Marion, Illinois, within the Illinois National Guard (IL FMS 18). The incumbent performs troubleshooting, maintenance, major repairs, overhauls, and inspections on a variety of heavy-duty mobile equipment, combat and tactical vehicles, and automotive equipment. Responsibilities include diagnosing mechanical failures using test equipment and computer diagnostic tools, removing and disassembling engines and major assemblies, and ensuring work complies with technical manuals and maintenance bulletins. This position requires maintaining membership in the Illinois National Guard and wearing a military uniform.
Salary and benefits
- Competitive hourly pay ranging from $24.10 to $39.36 per hour
- Comprehensive federal benefits package through the U.S. Army Benefits Center
- Opportunities for professional technical training and career development within the National Guard
Who can apply?
- Must be willing to become a Title 32 Dual Status Technician and gain Illinois National Guard membership in an eligible enlisted grade (E3 and above)
- Must possess general experience or training demonstrating knowledge of equipment to perform routine jobs, simple preventative maintenance tasks, and use common tools
- Must meet specialized experience requirements for WG-5, WG-8, or WG-10 levels involving vehicle and equipment maintenance, repair, or overhaul
- Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for the Selective Service
- Must meet federal employment suitability requirements, pass a background investigation, and not have convictions under the Lautenberg Amendment
Required documents
- A resume not exceeding 2 pages clearly demonstrating required experience, work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment, and duties performed
- SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action), required if you are a current or previous federal employee
- Illinois National Guard Technician Program Supplement to Application for Dual Status (NGIL Form 73)
- DD-214 and official transcripts, as applicable
- Other supporting certifications or documents if required by the announcement
When to apply
- Opening date: October 21, 2026
- Closing date: October 20, 2027 at 11:59 PM (EST)
How to apply
- Log into your USAJOBS account or create a new profile
- Complete the online application and occupational questionnaire via USA Staffing
- Upload all required documents, including your resume, SF-50, and NGIL Form 73
- Review your complete application package and submit before the announcement deadline
Additional information
- This position is an indefinite appointment within the excepted service under 32 U.S. Code Section 709
- Irregular and/or overtime hours may be required to support operational requirements
- Education cannot be substituted for experience in this occupational series and grade
- Resumes received in verbatim format copied directly from position descriptions will not be considered
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Ideal for individuals with hands-on mechanical, automotive, or heavy equipment maintenance experience who want to combine trade skills with military service
- Strong fit for current Illinois National Guard members or federal employees seeking an indefinite technical role in Marion, Illinois
- Suitable for mechanics looking for structured federal pay scales and comprehensive government benefits
What should you think carefully about?
- Mandatory requirement to enlist or maintain membership in the Illinois National Guard and wear a military uniform as a condition of employment
- Indefinite appointment status means the role does not automatically confer permanent civil service tenure
- Strict documentation requirements, including a strict 2-page resume limit and completion of specific National Guard supplement forms
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This position suits applicants seeking stable government employment that values practical trade skills over formal higher education. It provides an opportunity to apply mechanical expertise to defense and tactical equipment while maintaining military affiliation.
Our take
Apply if you possess the required mechanical background and are willing to fulfill Illinois National Guard membership requirements. It is less suitable for candidates who are unwilling to serve in the military or wear a uniform.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verifiedSource: USAJOBS
