Mechanic I

Full Job Description

Troubleshoots, maintains and repairs a variety of light, medium and heavy-duty City vehicles and equipment.

Receives immediate (Mechanic I) or general (Mechanic II) supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Mechanic I’s exercise no supervision over staff. Mechanic II’s may instruct and exercise technical direction over lower-level staff in the field.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Mechanic I: This is the entry-level classification in the Mechanic series.

Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine tasks in the maintenance and repair of City vehicles and 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 II-level, but they 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.

Mechanic II: This is the fully qualified journey-level classification in the Mechanic series.

Positions at this level are distinguished from the Mechanic I 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.

This classification is distinguished from the Senior Mechanic in that the latter performs the more complex work assigned, including providing direction and monitoring the work activities of staff.

Positions in the Mechanic classification series are flexibly staffed; positions at the II-level may be filled by advancement from the I-level.

Requirements

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

Note: Duties may vary depending on work location and assignment.

Inspects, diagnoses, repairs and overhauls and replaces systems and components including but not limited to brakes; transmissions; engines; air conditioning, exhaust and electrical systems; diesel, gasoline, and alternative fueling systems (e.g.

Compressed Natural Gas [CNG], propane, and bio-fuel); hybrid and electric drive systems; emissions; automotive and truck hydraulic systems; and related computer-controlled components.

Conducts detailed vehicle safety inspections.

Performs routine and preventive maintenance on vehicles and various equipment.

Maintains paper and electronic records of repairs and maintenance. May assist in maintaining parts inventory, as assigned.

Performs all tire maintenance functions including dismounting, repairing, remounting, and balancing of various tires in service on City equipment. May assist in maintaining tire inventory, as assigned.

Hauls a variety of equipment and vehicles using a truck and trailer.

Responds to road calls and performs on-site diagnostics and repairs on vehicles and equipment.

Delivers and returns vehicles, equipment, and parts to and from specific locations.

Fabricates and installs a variety of parts and equipment, which may include minor welding.

Maintains and cleans tools and work areas. Disposes hazardous waste in accordance with Division and City guidelines.

Keeps current with new technology and participates in various training activities

Provides technical assistance, coordination and instruction to others, as assigned.

May monitor, train, and lead less experienced mechanic shop personnel.

Follows applicable safety rules and regulations.

Performs other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

Maintenance and repair techniques on light, medium and heavy-duty vehicles and equipment

Fuel system, emission control, gasoline, natural gas and diesel engine repair

Electrical systems, automotive and truck hydraulic systems, drivetrains, brake systems and air conditioning systems

Lubrication and preventive maintenance

Proper use of tools and equipment including electronic diagnostic tools

Procedures for handling and disposing of hazardous waste

Safe work practices and procedures

Basic mathematics

Principles and practices of training and coordinating the work of others

Effective customer service techniques

Ability to:

Follow applicable safety rules and regulations

Troubleshoot, maintain, and repair vehicle and equipment systems including, but not limited to mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic components

Read and interpret drawings, schematics, and repair manuals

Operate various hand and power tools

Perform heavy physical labor and work in cramped, close quarter environments

Lift, carry, and move heavy objects

Monitor and train others

Provide technical assistance, coordination, and instruction

Complete and maintain logs and records accurately

Perform mathematical calculations

Learn and use required computer software applications

Follow written and oral instructions

Prepare and maintain work orders

Work independently

Maintain a clean and safe work environment

Provide effective customer service

Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with City employees and the general public

Work with persons from diverse social, cultural, and economic backgrounds as well as a variety of work styles, personalities, and approaches

Skill in:

Reading, writing, and communicating at an appropriate level

Basic mathematics

Reading schematics

Using a personal computer and applicable software applications

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

Graduation from high school or the equivalent.

Experience:

Two years of recent, paid work experience performing mechanic work which has included troubleshooting, maintenance and repair of vehicles and/or equipment.

An associate degree or 60 semester units or the equivalent from an accredited college or vocational school in automotive technology or a closely related field may substitute for one year of the required work experience.

Licenses and Certificates:

Mechanic I: Possession of a valid class C driver license. Possession of a Class B driver license must be obtained within one year of date of hire and maintained throughout employment.

Possession of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification as a Master Automobile Technician (Tests A1-A8) or Master Medium/Heavy Truck Technician (Tests T1-T8) is desirable.

Possession of ASE certification as an Alternate Fuels Technician (Test F1) is desirable.

Possession of a valid Forklift Operator certification must be obtained within one year of hire and maintained throughout employment. Possession of a valid SMOG license is desirable.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed around moving objects, high voltage on electric vehicles, vibrations, noise, dirt, dust, chemicals, odors, oil, fuels including diesel, gasoline, and various natural gases (NG). Work requires exposure to various seasonal weather conditions, slippery surfaces, unsanitary conditions, biohazards, high elevations, confined spaces, and working in cramped positions. Work involves changing work priorities and the ability to meet deadlines. Physical demands include bending, lifting of heavy objects, reaching, kneeling, climbing and standing. Must be available to work nights, weekends, holidays, overtime and graveyard shifts.

Additional Information

How to Apply:
Applicants must submit a clear, concise, completed on-line City Application along with any required supplemental application materials with the Human Resources Department by the filing deadline. If you do not submit your on-line application by the filing deadline, you will not be considered for this position. Please note, applications may be rejected if incomplete. Resumes, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process.

Selection Process:
All applicants must submit clear, concise and complete information regarding your work history and qualifications for the position. All applicants will be reviewed and only those applicants determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process.

Testing may consist of the following and is subject to change as needs dictate:

• Training and Experience Evaluation (100%)

If three or more qualified City employees apply and pass the examination, a promotional list will be established in addition to an open-competitive list. If fewer than three qualified City employees pass the examination, the appointing authority, in accordance with the City's civil service rules and regulations, can decline to use a promotional list, in which case a promotional list will not be established for this position.


Background Investigation:
Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to a thorough background investigation.


Inclusion & Diversity Statement:
The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally rich community. As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a highly talented workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our employees. Join us!

Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call (310) 458-8246, TDD (310) 458-8696 (Hearing Impaired Only).

Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three workdays prior to the examination.