Fire Apparatus Mechanic

Under the direction of the fire maintenance supervisor, the fire apparatus mechanic is responsible for performing service, maintenance, and repair work on the department apparatus and other vehicles. Assists other mechanics with maintenance and repair work on department equipment as needed. Work requires high degree of technical knowledge, as well as the ability to exercise independent judgment when determining repair methods.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1. Repairs and rebuilds gasoline and diesel engines, drive trains, and chassis components.
2. Services and repairs HVAC systems and other electrical components.
3. Performs preventative maintenance tasks and diagnoses problems on all types of fire department vehicles and equipment.
4. Troubleshoots hydraulic and electrical problems.
5. Operates department vehicles as needed for inspection and testing.
6. Uses common air and hand tools for the maintenance and repair of fire department vehicles.
7. Prepares and maintains accurate records of maintenance work.
8. Maintains a clean and safe working environment.
9. Operates other equipment such as a hoist jack, overhead crane, forklift and machine tools to fabricate, service, and repair vehicles.
10. Performs physical inventories of service truck parts, tools and supplies.
11. Communicates with, supervisors and co-workers to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
12. Prepares written repair order comment sheets and reports regarding repairs made and equipment status.
13. Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:
1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. Combination of training, education and experience equivalent to four years of journey-level mechanic experience; OR four years as an equipment service worker with demonstrated equipment mechanic abilities and/or apprenticeship as a mechanic.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
1. Knowledge of the principles of internal combustion and diesel engine operation.
2. Knowledge of methods, materials, tools and standard practices for automotive and truck repair.
3. Thorough understanding of the hazards and safety precautions required during
vehicle repair and maintenance.
4. Knowledge of methods of basic fabrication.
5. Knowledge of electronic control systems (i.e., engine, transmission, anti-lock brake system, etc.).
6. Skill in the use and care of tools and equipment associated with the servicing of vehicles and motorized equipment.
7. Skill in service and repair of air brakes and air systems.
8. Ability to diagnose and repair operational problems on automotive equipment.
9. Ability to understand and effectively carry out verbal and written instructions.
10. Ability to read and interpret service manuals, schematics, charts, etc.
11. Ability to diagnose and repair electronic control systems.
12. Ability to meet scheduling and attendance requirements.

Desirables:
1. Knowledge of all components of modern fire apparatus.
2. Knowledge of principals of fire pumps troubleshooting and repair.

Working Environment:

Physical Requirements:
1. Employee must be capable of frequent lifting (up to 70 lbs.), carrying, pushing and pulling of standard shop equipment and vehicle parts.
2. This position requires standing, running, walking, sitting, kneeling, stooping/bending, lifting, squatting, pushing, pulling, crawling, jumping, sliding, climbing, pinching, gripping, digging, spraying, reaching over head, reaching away from body and repetitive motion.
3. This position demands frequent use of sensory activities such as talking, seeing, hearing, smelling, feeling (identifying objects by touch), depth perception and color vision.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• North Carolina Class B Driver's License
• Ability to obtain a Class A Driver's License within 12 months of hire
• Completion of ASE certification of Brakes, Heating and Air and Preventive Maintenance