Mechanic II

About Public Works

The Public Works Department ensures the City's infrastructure remains safe, functional, and sustainable. It oversees vital services including stormwater management, transportation, water and wastewater systems, maintenance of streets and grounds, and capital improvement projects.

As the City’s largest department, we are committed to the City’s vision and the Department’s mission. We play a vital role in making Kirkland livable, sustainable, and connected. We are City employees who take pride in being trusted stewards of the public’s resources, infrastructure, environment, and quality of life.

We have a One Team approach, strive for excellence and attract, value, and keep diverse, talented employees.

Why Kirkland?

• Performs preventive maintenance on City vehicles and equipment, including lube and oil, brakes, filters, hoses, batteries, emission testing and other systems to protect the assets to ensure safety and reliability.
• Performs all possible repairs and maintenance of City vehicles and equipment subject to priority of needs, staff availability and cost.
• Upfits new and existing vehicles and associated equipment with such things as tool boxes, racks and emergency lighting, radio and mobile computer mounting to meet City needs. 
• Performs safety checks and inspections on City vehicles and equipment; adjusts, repairs, and replaces parts as necessary; ensures vehicles meet state and local standards for public transportation and safety compliance.
• Operates a variety of equipment and machinery. 
• Determines the need for outside assistance in major repairs, seeking approval as necessary. 
• Maintains accurate records of maintenance, brake inspections, tires, oil changes, battery changes and tune-ups, and replaced parts.
• Prepares vehicles for auction and salvage of surplus equipment.
• Assists in establishing and maintaining a preventative maintenance program and schedule.
• Maintains shop area, equipment, and tools in a safe, clean and orderly manner.
• Operates common software programs such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases and maintenance management systems. 
• Assists in maintaining the shop parts inventory.
• Fosters a positive and supportive work environment; promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace, contributing to an environment of respectful living and working in a multicultural society.

• Performs functions as assigned in the City’s emergency response plan in the event of an emergency. Be available for emergency response and after-hours responsibilities.
• Maintains excellent communications with customers across all departments and organizational levels to include e-mail, phone, and face-to-face contact.    
• Assists in identifying and selecting outside vendors as required.
• Utilizes a work order system to maintain accurate vehicle cost, and history by vehicle. Utilizes a computerized fleet equipment management system.
• All other duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of gas and diesel-powered trucks and heavy equipment, electrical installation and charging, hydraulics, braking systems (including air brakes), lighting installation, transmissions, and pumps. 
• Ability to troubleshoot and accurately diagnose mechanical and complex electrical repairs, including the use of a variety of hand and fixed power tools and equipment.
• Ability to weld, fabricate, and modify equipment.
• Good customer service and communications skills.
• Basic familiarity with PC-based applications and operating systems.
• Ability to lift 20-50 pounds.

• Education: High school diploma or GED.
• Experience: 4 years journey-level experience in the repair and maintenance of automobiles, heavy trucks, gas, and diesel engines.
• Or: In place of the above requirements, the incumbent may possess any combination of relevant education and experience which would demonstrate the individual’s knowledge, skill, and ability to proficiently perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above.

• Must have a valid Washington State Driver’s license and ability to remain insurable under the City’s insurance to operate motor vehicles.
• Possess and maintain current Combination Driver’s License (Class A) with tanker endorsement or must obtain within 12 months of date of hire (training paid by the City, license endorsement paid by the employee).
• Possess Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification, or obtain within 12 months from the date of employment.
• Once an incumbent meets the following criteria, they will move automatically to the EVT position:
  1. EVCC Emergency Vehicle Technician certification
  2. Possess a Combination Driver’s License (Class A) tanker endorsement. 
• Upon hire, must provide own tool kit consisting of standard and metric, open-end and socket wrenches. Open-end wrenches must be standard size 1/4" through 1-1/4", metric size 6 mm through 22 mm. Socket sets 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" drive, standard size 1/4" through 1-1/4", metric size 6 mm through 22 mm. Various pliers, screwdrivers and other hand tools required to perform the essential function of the job must be part of the kit.

Position requires a resume and cover letter for consideration of application.  Please note how you meet minimum qualifications within the cover letter.  Applicants who are selected for next steps in the hiring process will be invited by phone or e-mail.  Candidates are encouraged to apply at the earliest possible date as screening, interviewing, and hiring decisions will be made through the recruitment period, until such time as the vacancy is filled.

The City of Kirkland is a welcoming community where every person can thrive and grow. We value diversity, inclusion, belonging, and work together to support our community. We do this by solving problems, focusing on the customer, and respecting all people who come into the City whether to visit, live, or work.  As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to creating a workforce that does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. We encourage qualified applicants of all backgrounds and identities to apply to our job postings.  Persons with a disability who need reasonable accommodations in the application or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call 425-587-3210 or Telecommunications Device for the Deaf at 711.