If you like working on cars or trucks but don’t have years of professional experience yet, the Garage Tech I role at Dot Foods is one of the best entry-level opportunities in the industry.
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While most shops want you to have 5 years of experience just to change oil, Dot Foods uses the “Tech I” position to train people. You get your foot in the door, earn a great paycheck, and learn the trade on their massive fleet of Volvo and Peterbilt trucks.
The Quick Details
Here is the snapshot of what you need to know:
| What to Know | The Details |
| Company | Dot Foods |
| Role | Garage Tech I (Entry Level) |
| Pay Rate | $22.00 – $29.00+ per hour (Varies by location) |
| Schedule | Full-Time (Often 4×10 shifts = 3 days off) |
| Experience | Entry Level (Mechanical aptitude required) |
| Tools | Dot often provides major tools; you bring basics. |
What You Would Actually Do
Be aware: As a “Tech I,” you aren’t going to be rebuilding engines on Day 1. This is the starting point of the shop.
- Fleet Maintenance: A lot of your time will be spent on the basics—washing trucks, fueling, checking fluids, and changing tires.
- Minor Repairs: You’ll fix lights, mud flaps, and help the senior techs with brake jobs or electrical work.
- The “Grunt” Work: Keeping the shop clean and organized is part of the gig.
- Learning: This is practically a paid apprenticeship. You watch the Tech II and Tech III mechanics, learn how the systems work, and eventually move up.
Why Is This a Good Job?
- The Pay: Starting over $22/hr to wash trucks and change tires is fantastic money.
- Career Path: Dot Foods promotes from within. If you show up and learn, you can move to Tech II (more money) and Tech III (big money) relatively quickly.
- Job Security: As mentioned before, Dot Foods has never had a layoff. The trucks always need to run, so the shop never closes.
- The Benefits: You get the same benefits as the drivers and corporate staff—Health, Dental, 401(k) with match, and Profit Sharing.
Do You Qualify?
They are looking for potential, not perfection.
The Requirements:
- Valid Driver’s License: You need to drive the trucks around the lot. (A CDL is not required for Tech I, but if you have one, they usually pay you an extra $1/hr).
- Mechanical Aptitude: You need to know which end of the wrench to hold. If you work on your own car at home, you likely qualify.
- Physical: You must be able to lift 75 lbs (tires are heavy).
- Tools: You usually need a basic set of hand tools. Dot provides the big specialized equipment.
How to Apply
- Click the Link: Go to the Dot Foods Garage Tech Application.
- Check Location: Make sure the job is for the city you live in (they have garages all over the US).
- Highlight Skills: On your application, mention any mechanical work you’ve done—even if it was just changing your own brakes or working on lawnmowers. It shows you have the “knack” for it.
Good luck!
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