Vehicle and Equipment Mechanic

Job Appointment: Most positions filled through this recruitment are full-time, regular positions. This recruitment may also be used to fill temporary or limited-duration positions.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, hours vary by bureau. 
Work Location: This position reports to various locations.
Union Representation: The District Council of Trade Unions (DCTU).  To view current labor agreements, click here.
Starting Pay: Applicants start at the entry rate. If you are an AFSCME/DCTU-represented employee, see labor agreement or contact your labor representative for additional information. 

You will join a team that values safety, clear communication, positive working relationships, and reliable service.

Current and Anticipated Opportunities

Bureau of Fleet and Facilities — CityFleet

CityFleet maintains more than 3,600 vehicles and pieces of equipment owned by the City and outside agencies. The fleet ranges from motorcycles to heavy Class 8 trucks and off-road equipment. Technicians also have opportunities to work on electric, hybrid, and renewable compressed natural gas vehicles.

These positions provide preventive maintenance and repairs to help ensure City bureaus have safe, reliable, affordable, and compliant equipment.

Portland Fire & Rescue

Portland Fire & Rescue anticipates vacancies and may use this recruitment’s eligible list to fill positions. These mechanics maintain and repair specialty emergency and rescue vehicles and equipment, with a focus on heavy truck chassis maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair.

What You’ll Do

Bureau of Fleet and Facilities

• Perform journey-level mechanical and electrical repairs and overhauls on a diverse fleet of vehicles and equipment.

• Diagnose and repair diesel engines, transmissions, heating and air conditioning systems, aerial lifts, and related components.

• Perform preventive maintenance to support equipment safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance.

• Maintain and repair vehicles ranging from motorcycles to heavy trucks and off-road equipment.

• Work with alternative-fuel vehicle technologies, including electric, hybrid, and renewable compressed natural gas systems.

• Communicate effectively with coworkers and bureau customers to support timely, dependable service.

Portland Fire & Rescue

• Perform journey-level maintenance and repairs on specialty emergency and rescue vehicles, equipment, and systems.

• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair heavy truck chassis and related components.

• Use appropriate methods, materials, tools, and equipment for routine welding and fabrication work.

• Participate in a rotating on-call assignment to provide after-hours repair services, including nights and weekends.

• Respond promptly to emergency repair needs that support Fire Bureau operations.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Skilled Mechanic: Brings journey-level experience diagnosing and repairing mechanical and electrical systems on vehicles and equipment.

• Safety Focused: Makes safe work practices a priority in maintenance, repair, and emergency response activities.

• Effective Problem Solver: Uses sound judgment and diagnostic skills to identify problems and complete reliable repairs.

• Clear Communicator: Shares information effectively and builds positive relationships with coworkers and customers.

• Adaptable Team Member: Can respond to changing priorities and work on a wide variety of vehicles, equipment, and systems.

• Committed to Learning: Welcomes opportunities to develop technical skills and work with evolving vehicle technologies.

** This is an essential classification which is expected to report to work during inclement weather and other situations where the mayor shuts down the city to all employees except essential. **

Applicants must demonstrate how their education, training, and experience meet each of the minimum qualifications listed below:

1. Experience with mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, air and structural systems for various vehicles and equipment. 
2. Experience and skills performing repair, tune-ups and preventative maintenance techniques on various types of vehicles and equipment.
3. Experience troubleshooting and using computer diagnostics from original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and aftermarket providers. 
4. Ability to record maintenance records on a PC computer. 
5. Experience working constructively in a team and applying safety standards and procedures.

Applicants must also possess:

• A valid state driver's license and acceptable driving record
• Valid CDL within 6 months of hire (City of Portland will pay for the CDL)
• Some positions may require the ability to successfully pass an in-depth background investigation

Preferred Qualifications:

Bureau of Fleet and Facilities

• Associate degree in automotive technology, diesel technology, or a related field.

• Relevant specialty certifications, including ASE Master certification.

Premium pay is available for ASE Master certification and alternative shifts.

Portland Fire & Rescue

• Prior experience maintaining and repairing fire apparatus.

• Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications.

• Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) certification.

Prior fire apparatus repair experience and ASE or EVT certifications are preferred but not required. Successful candidates who do not hold ASE or EVT certifications are strongly encouraged to obtain them. Pay incentives are available for these certifications.

How to Apply:

• Submit your work history and responses to supplemental questions by the closing date.
• (Optional) Submit Veterans’ Preference documents, if applicable. 
   If this is your first time applying with the City of Portland, or if you haven’t requested veteran preference before (and would like to now), please attach your DD214-Member 4 and/or VA Benefit Letter to your application. Once we verify your eligibility, we’ll record your veteran preference in our system, so it automatically applies to your future applications.
• Click here for application tips for resume, supplemental question response and/or cover letter.

What to Expect:

1. Application Review - Week of November 30, 2026: We'll review your application materials to ensure you meet the minimum qualifications listed above.
2. Work Skills Demonstration - Week of January 11, 2026: The in-person work skills demonstration test will cover the following:
   1. Parts Identification
   2. Electrical Board Diagnosis
   3. Troubleshooting Scenario
   4. Pre-Trip Inspection
3. Notice/Feedback - Week of January 25, 2026: You will receive an email when the minimum qualification review is complete. If you disagree with the evaluation results, you may request a review within 14 days of the email notice, per City Administrative Rule 3.01.
4. Selection Process - Late January/Early February: The hiring bureau will review qualified applications, conduct interviews, and check references.
5. Conditional Job Offer - Final candidates may undergo a background or driving record check, depending on the position.
   • Pre-hire Evaluation: As part of the conditional job offer, candidates [must/may be required to] complete a Pre-hire Evaluation during the hiring process/probationary period. The Pre-hire Evaluation may consist of a medical exam, screenings, and a physical capacities test (PCT) required for work clearance and safety compliance. The PCT measures physical ability through job-related tasks such as lifting, carrying, climbing, shoveling, and repetitive movements. Unless already employed in a City position requiring a similar or more demanding PCT, candidates must pass all required tasks to proceed with employment. For more information visit the Pre-hire Evaluation page.

Learn More About:

• How to Apply Videos and Workshops
• City of Portland Core Values
• HRAR-3.01 - Recruitment Processes
• Veteran Preference Information
• Total Compensation and Benefits
• Language Pay Differential Eligibility

 We’re committed to providing a fair, inclusive, and accessible hiring process. If you need assistance with your application or would like to request a reasonable accommodation due to a disability, pregnancy, or religious belief, please contact the recruiter listed below.

Questions? We're here to help!
 If you have questions about this recruitment or need assistance, contact:

TroyLynn Craft, Senior Recruiter
[email protected]
Bureau of Human Resources