Equipment Mechanic I/II

DEFINITION
 
Under immediate (Equipment Mechanic I) or general (Equipment Mechanic II) supervision, maintains and makes minor and major mechanical repairs to City-owned vehicles and equipment; ensures the safe and proper operation of the City’s fleet; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
 
Receives immediate (Equipment Mechanic I) or general (Equipment Mechanic II) supervision from the Fleet Manager. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.  
 
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Equipment Mechanic I: This is the entry-level classification in the Equipment Mechanic series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform minor and major mechanical repairs to City-owned vehicles and heavy equipment. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Equipment Mechanic II level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.  
 
Equipment Mechanic II: This is the fully qualified journey-level classification in the Equipment Mechanic series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Equipment Mechanic I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.  
 
Positions in the Equipment Mechanic class series are flexibly staffed; positions at the Equipment Mechanic II level are normally filled by advancement from the Equipment Mechanic I level; progression to the Equipment Mechanic II level is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the Equipment Mechanic II level.EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Positions at the Equipment Mechanic I level may perform some of these duties and responsibilities in a learning capacity.
 

• Inspects, diagnoses, and locates mechanical difficulties on a variety of heavy equipment and vehicles including various sizes and classes of pickup trucks, police vehicles, cars, motorcycles, trailers, lawnmowers, forklifts, backhoes, dump trucks, sewer trucks, alternative fuel vehicles, stationary engines, and heavy construction equipment.
• Replaces or repairs faulty parts including electrical and charging systems, wheel bearings, clutches, oil seals, shock absorbers, exhaust systems, steering mechanisms, fuel and water pumps, air-conditioning systems, radiators, and related parts and equipment.
• Repairs and adjustment to gas and diesel engines, diagnose and repair air and hydraulic brakes; repairs and replaces components including power steering, alternators, batteries, distributors, relays, lights, and switches.
• Steam cleans and washes vehicles; changes oil and filters; lubricates vehicles; checks charging systems and replaces batteries, battery cables, fan belts, filters, and wiper blades; tunes up gasoline and diesel engines; rebuilds and adjusts carburetors; repairs fuel injection systems for both gas and diesel engines.
• Maintains maintenance records including cost of repairs and amount of time spent; requisitions, purchases, and restocks parts and supplies; maintains shop, tools, and equipment in a clean and orderly condition.
• Participates in all safety programs required to effectively perform associated job requirements.
• Diagnoses and repairs electrical difficulties; fabricates and modifies parts and equipment; installs and maintains equipment on public safety vehicles.
• Diagnoses mechanical and drivability problems; operates computer diagnostic equipment.
• Performs routine maintenance on fire apparatus and equipment.
• Responds to employee and vendor inquiries in person, by telephone, and via e-mail.
• Operates a variety of equipment and tools required for the maintenance of City equipment.
• Picks-up and delivers vehicles for service; prepares used vehicles for sale or auction.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
Positions at the Equipment Mechanic I level may exercise some of these knowledge and abilities statements in a learning capacity.
 
Knowledge of:
 

• Operation and care of internal combustion engines.
• Operational characteristics of a variety of hand and power tools and equipment.
• Principles and practices of work safety.
• Basic math.
• Tools, equipment, and procedures used in the overhaul, repair, and adjustment of gas, diesel, and alternative-fueled equipment, including computerized diagnostic and test equipment.
• Operating and repair characteristics of the entire range of City-owned light and heavy equipment.
• Proper use of freon and recovery and recycling equipment.
• Operation and care of hydraulics and electrical components.
• Math and measurements including calculating conversions to/from metrics, capacity, and volume.
• Basic Inspection of Terminals (BIT) inspection programs conducted by the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively interacting with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

 
Ability to:
 

• Independently perform a variety of skilled journey-level minor and major mechanical work on automotive, mechanical, electrical, electronic, and hydraulic maintenance and repair tasks related to gasoline, diesel, or alternative fuel-powered automobiles, light and heavy trucks, and construction equipment.
• Know and understand operations and observe safety rules.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose equipment and parts which are not functioning properly.
• Interpret work orders and explain work performed to others.
• Safely operate all vehicles, forklifts, trucks, trailers, and equipment.
• Obtain certifications as required by OSHA/Cal OSHA as provided by the City to perform assigned duties.
• Inspect gas and diesel-powered equipment to locate difficulties and estimate the cost and time of repairs.
• Use a variety of tools and equipment with skill.
• Read and interpret shop manuals, schematics, blueprints, and specifications.
• Document and maintain records of repairs; prepare activity reports; document accurate mileage on City vehicles; save and tag all warranties; follow part ordering and billing procedures.
• Perform final operational tests on all vehicles to quality-check all repairs.
• Perform maintenance and repair welding on equipment.  
• Fabricate parts as needed to complete repair including any design work.
• Visually inspect the structural integrity of aerial lift equipment and report any deficiencies; perform preventive maintenance and repairs to aerial devices in accordance with manufacturer's and ANSI guidelines and in a timely manner.
• Work on, troubleshoot and repair all types of vehicles, equipment, and apparatus.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. 

 
Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education:

• Equipment Mechanic I/II: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12^th) grade supplemented by specialized training in the maintenance and repair of gas and diesel-powered equipment or a related field.

Experience:

• Equipment Mechanic I: One (1) year of experience in the area of gas and diesel engine repair, light and heavy equipment repair, or preventative maintenance repair.
• Equipment Mechanic II: Three (3) years of increasingly responsible vehicles and equipment repair and maintenance experience similar to an Equipment Mechanic I with the City of Davis.

Licenses and Certifications:
 

• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of, or successful acquisition, of a valid Class “A” or “B”, with appropriate endorsements, within one year of employment, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of, or successful acquisition within probationary period, a certificate in air-conditioning refrigerant from the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

Physical Demands

Must possess mobility to work in a shop and field environment; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work, to work in confined spaces and around machines, to climb and descend ladders, operate varied hand and power tools and construction equipment, and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to detect shades of color, read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. The job requires frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate the above-mentioned tools and equipment.  Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work and inspect work areas. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 100 pounds or heavier weights with the use of proper equipment and assistance from other staff. Employees must wear and use the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Environmental Elements

Employees work in a shop and field environment and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspaces, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

WORKING CONDITIONS

May be required to work various shifts or emergencies on evenings, weekends, and holidays.