Equipment Mechanic I/II (Open and Promotional)

County of San MateoSan Mateo, CA
Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Public Works is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Equipment Mechanic I/II. This role involves performing various maintenance and repair tasks for road construction equipment within the Vehicle and Equipment Services Section. Responsibilities include lubrication and basic repair services for a wide range of vehicles and equipment, including heavy diesel and gasoline-powered trucks, tractors, bulldozers, graders, rollers, compressors, service trucks, and other off-road construction equipment. The ideal candidate will have experience in repairing and maintaining heavy diesel-powered construction equipment and gasoline and alternative fuel vehicles. They should be capable of working independently and as part of a team, following directions, providing excellent customer service, and communicating effectively. Equipment Mechanic I is an entry-level position focused on less skilled duties, with opportunities for advancement to Equipment Mechanic II as proficiency is gained. Equipment Mechanic II is a journey-level position responsible for the full range of overhaul and repair of heavy equipment, including inspection, troubleshooting, diagnosis, and repair initiation. Incumbents at the II level also provide on-the-job training to Equipment Mechanics I.

Requirements

  • Mechanical maintenance and repair of diesel, gasoline and electric powered road maintenance and construction equipment.
  • Methods, tools, materials and equipment used in servicing and repairing diesel, gasoline and electric powered road and maintenance and construction equipment.
  • Tools and modern testing equipment required for repair and maintenance of equipment.
  • Capabilities and operation of road maintenance and construction equipment.
  • Proper condition of various automotive and equipment parts, and procedures for ensuring proper condition and operation.
  • Safety rules, procedures and practices pertaining to the use and repair of heavy equipment and in the operation of a repair shop.
  • Perform complex service and repair work on diesel, gasoline and electric powered road maintenance and construction equipment.
  • Use heavy equipment repair tools, including mechanic's hand tools, air wrenches, cooling system tester, volt-ohm meter, grease gun, tire balancer, tire changer and floor jack.
  • Use specialized diagnostic equipment.
  • Use oxy-acetylene and stick-welding equipment.
  • Use drill press, grinding machine and metal lathe.
  • Use chassis lubrication equipment.
  • Perform heavy manual labor.
  • Read and interpret shop manuals to perform mechanical repair.
  • Follow oral and written instructions.
  • Follow safety rules, procedures and practices.
  • Work courteously and effectively with the public and with co-workers.
  • Bend, stand and walk for extended periods of time and lift and carry equipment and supplies used in the course of the work, such as cylinder heads, one-ton truck tires, and air impact wrenches.
  • Meet U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) drug and alcohol testing requirements and standards for holder of commercial driver’s license.
  • Two years of experience performing heavy construction equipment maintenance, repair, and service (for Equipment Mechanic I).
  • Three years of experience as a journey-level equipment mechanic and demonstrated proficiency in the repair and maintenance of a wide variety of heavy equipment (for Equipment Mechanic II).
  • Possession and maintenance of a valid California Commercial Learner’s Permit at the time of appointment is required if a California Class A Commercial Driver’s License with tank vehicle and hazardous materials endorsements is not held; and must obtain and maintain a valid California Class A Commercial Driver’s License with tank vehicle and hazardous materials endorsement within six months of hire.

Nice To Haves

  • Experience in the repair and maintenance of heavy diesel-powered construction equipment and gasoline and alternative fuel vehicles and equipment.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Ability to follow written and oral directions.
  • Ability to provide excellent customer service.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with both customers and co-workers.

Responsibilities

  • Overhaul smaller gasoline and diesel engines.
  • Replace bearings, adjust and repair electrical and fuel systems.
  • Replace wheel cylinders, reline and adjust brakes.
  • Inspect and replace shock absorbers, tie rods, ball joints, king pins, idler arms, and steering arms.
  • Inspect, repair and replace master cylinders, wheel cylinders, pads, linings, calipers, drums, shoes and brake drum rotors.
  • Clean and pack wheel bearings, and U-joints.
  • Install, inspect, repair and replace electrical and ignition systems, including generators, alternators, voltage regulators, batteries and emergency equipment.
  • Install, inspect, repair and replace fuel systems including pumps, filters, and carburetors.
  • Perform routine tune-ups of vehicles, which include replacing air cleaner, spark plugs, points, and condenser; inspect, repair or replace wires, belts, distributors; clean and adjust the carburetor and set the timing.
  • Adjust and repair grader blade and loader bucket assemblies.
  • Remove and replace tracks, engines, motors, bearings and other component parts.
  • Inspect, operate and repair all hydraulic equipment.
  • Fabricate parts, brackets, tools and other equipment.
  • Cut and weld using oxy-acetylene and electric arc equipment.
  • Make repairs of equipment in field when necessary.
  • Drive transport vehicles to move equipment.
  • Lube chassis, door and hood hinges, door locks and padlocks check and maintain fluid levels, change oil and oil filters.
  • Inspect, clean and service air cleaners.
  • Repair, mount and balance tubes and tires and rotate tires as needed.
  • Inspect, test and replace batteries, cables and terminals.
  • Steam clean vehicle exterior, engine compartment and other components.
  • Inspect, replace and repair cooling system, radiator, pump, thermostats, belts and hoses.
  • Inspect, repair and replace exhaust system muffler and exhaust pipes.
  • Inspect engine, transmission and differential for leaks and cracks; refer to supervisor if found and complete a repair sheet.
  • Inspect and adjust clutch for free play.
  • Install seat belts and inspect for wear.
  • Perform minor repairs to parts of engine and/or replace them.
  • Inspect and adjust or replace door, hood, trunk latches.
  • Replace minor parts such as gauges, warning light bulbs, fuses, windshield wiper blades, radiator and gas tank caps; replace and adjust headlights and taillights.
  • Complete repair sheets noting parts and labor hours used.
  • Prepare records and reports.
  • Perform emissions inspections and certifications.
  • Observe safety regulations, work in such a manner to avoid hazardous situations, and bring potential hazards to supervisor's attention.
  • Make service calls using shop vehicle lubrication truck.
  • Drive and operate forklift.
  • Perform related duties as assigned.
  • Provide on-the-job training and instruction to Equipment Mechanics I (Equipment Mechanic II only).
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