Equipment Mechanic / Operator Parks (Open)

Note: The job announcement was amended on August 26, 2026 to add the Class A driver's license requirement, updated the examination section to include the performance examination and recruitment schedule.

The County of San Mateo's Parks Department is seeking qualified candidates for the Equipment Mechanic / Operator. Under general supervision, performs journey-level mechanical maintenance, diagnostics, repair, overhaul, and preventive maintenance on a wide variety of gasoline-powered, diesel-powered, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrically powered park maintenance equipment. Operates heavy maintenance and construction equipment, including garbage truck operations in support of parks and facilities maintenance. Inspects, services, repairs, and maintains equipment to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation; maintains maintenance records and inventory; provides technical guidance to maintenance staff; and performs related work as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is a journey-level skilled mechanic classification responsible for performing complex maintenance and repair of park maintenance equipment and machinery. Incumbents independently diagnose equipment malfunctions, perform preventive maintenance, and complete major mechanical repairs. The class is distinguished from general Park Maintenance classifications by its specialized responsibility for equipment maintenance, repair, diagnostics, and technical support.

This position requires the following competencies:

• Technical Expertise – Applies advanced mechanical knowledge to diagnose, repair, and maintain a variety of equipment and machinery.
• Problem Solving – Identifies equipment issues, determines root causes, evaluates alternatives, and implements effective repair solutions.
• Continuous Quality Improvement – Seeks opportunities to improve equipment reliability, maintenance practices, efficiency, and operational performance.
• Safety Focus – Consistently follows established safety procedures and promotes safe work practices to reduce risk and protect employees and the public.
• Planning and Organizing – Effectively manages multiple maintenance priorities, preventive maintenance schedules, and repair deadlines.
• Communication – Clearly communicates technical information, maintenance recommendations, and repair needs both verbally and in writing.
• Customer Service – Provides responsive, professional service to internal customers while supporting park operations.
• Teamwork and Collaboration – Works cooperatively with maintenance staff, supervisors, vendors, and other County departments to accomplish shared goals.
• Attention to Detail – Performs inspections, repairs, documentation, and maintenance activities accurately and thoroughly.
• Adaptability – Responds effectively to changing priorities, emergency repairs, and operational needs.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Repair and maintain electric, air and hydraulic equipment.
• Perform repairs on diesel- and gas-powered tractors.
• Inspect a wide variety of equipment for preventive maintenance.
• Initiate a follow-up preventive maintenance program.
• Perform periodic maintenance of diesel engine fuel systems.
• Repair and rebuild pumps used in sprayers, trash pumps, and water pumps.
• Maintain and repair brakes and steering systems.
• Repair industrial engines, generators, electric starters, and regulators.
• Repair and maintain lawn mowers, chain saws, triplex mowers, and reel mowers.
• Inspect and troubleshoot equipment.
• Diagnose electrical and mechanical problems.
• Operate heavy maintenance and construction equipment.
• Inspect, update and submit equipment condition reports.
• Maintain inventory of stock parts.
• Complete requisitions for equipment parts.
• Prepare annual cost data on equipment repairs and maintenance for budget purposes.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Mechanical and electrical maintenance and major repair of air-cooled two- and four-cycle gasoline and diesel-powered equipment and common accessories.
• Tools and equipment required for maintenance repairs.
• Metal working and fabrication.
• Construction and grounds keeping machinery.

Skill/Ability to:

• Perform journey level mechanical maintenance and repairs.
• Recognize and diagnose equipment malfunctions and mal-adjustments and effect necessary corrections.
• Establish and maintain maintenance files and records.
• Train and supervise Park Maintenance personnel in preventive maintenance, servicing, safety, and minor repair of park equipment.
• Safely operate a variety of heavy equipment.
• Determine requirements for spare parts for each park, conduct inventories and recommend repair or replacement of small equipment and accessories.
• Interpret maintenance material, parts lists, and other associated media required to accomplish maintenance programs and repairs.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:

Two years of experience in the automotive or small equipment repair.
 

Licensure/Certification:

• Possession of a class A California driver license or equivalent.

Open. Anyone may apply. A supplemental application form must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form. The examination will consist of a performance examination and interview (weight: 100%).  Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations, or a screening committee may select those applicants whose education and/or experience appear to best meet the needs of the position. Possession of minimum qualifications does not guarantee advancement in the performance examination process. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.
 
IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply" button. If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org/to apply. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.

This recruitment is continuous and will remain open until the position is filled. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, with screening conducted on September 16, 2026. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are selected to advance will be invited to participate in the performance examination scheduled for Wednesday, October 28, 2026 and/or Thursday, October 29, 2026.

Applications received after a scheduled screening date may be considered during the next screening process. The recruitment may close at any time once the position(s) have been filled.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT TIMELINE
Final Filing Date: Continuous until filled
Screening Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Performance Exams: Wednesday, October 28, 2026 and/or Thursday, October 29, 2026

About the County
San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.

The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.


Talent Acquisition Analyst: Arlene Cahill (Equipment Mechanic / Operator Parks)