Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Inspects, locates, and diagnoses mechanical and/or electrical defects on County trucks, and variety of light and heavy maintenance and construction equipment; determines extent of necessary repairs; overhauls, repairs, and adjusts transmissions, differentials, air brakes, air conditioning, hydraulic systems, clutches, and engines; tunes-up engines, replacing ignition parts and cleaning and adjusting carburetors and fuel injection systems; replaces and repairs  faulty parts, including wheel bearings, oil seals, shock absorbers, exhaust systems, steering mechanisms and other components; works on generators, distributors, relays, lights, and switches; changes and installs belts and hoses; maintains time and materials records for work orders; changes tires; fits chains according to seasonal requirements; orders and maintains inventory of requisite parts and supplies; carries out preventive maintenance programs; may weld and fabricate parts and equipment; may make field and emergency repairs; installs emergency warning equipment; may road test repaired equipment; operates a computerized inventory and vehicle maintenance information system; may provide guidance for "work experience" assistants; may operate road maintenance equipment as required.

Knowledge of: 

• Practices, tools, equipment, and materials used in skilled gas, propane and diesel-powered equipment maintenance and repair work.
• Operation and care of internal combustion engines and components.
• Principles and methods of preventive maintenance.
• Safe work practices and procedures.
• Hydraulic valves and controls, hydraulic and air brake systems, and electronic ignition systems.
• Principles and methods of gas and electrical welding.

• Inspect gas, propane, and diesel-powered equipment and accurately diagnose electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical defects.
• Skillfully use a variety of hand and power tools in the maintenance and repair of automotive equipment, heavy equipment, and busses.
• Performed skilled testing, adjustment, repair, and overhaul work on automotive equipment, heavy equipment, and busses.
• Read and interpret shop and repair manuals.
• Apply technical knowledge of mechanical and electrical  trades work.
• Estimate time and materials for repair jobs.
• Maintain accurate records and reports.
• Operate light and heavy road maintenance equipment in a safe manner.
• Use computerized inventory and information systems.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.

Desirable Qualifications: 
Any combination of training or experience that would provide the knowledge and skills to successfully perform the listed duties is qualifying.  
 
A typical way, but not required, to obtain the required knowledge and skills would be:
 
- Two years of responsible work experience as a journey level automotive mechanic, preferably including substantial experience in working on heavy construction equipment and/or buses.
- Possession of EPA 609 AC certification.
- Possession of air brake certification.

 Special Requirements:
-Applicants will be required to submit to a pre-employment physical examination. 
-Must have a valid driver's license.

Public Works Department:  Employees must obtain and maintain a valid Class A driver’s license within the first six (6) months of employment with applicable endorsements and certification.
 
General Services: Employees must obtain and maintain a valid Class B driver’s license within the first six (6) months of employment with applicable endorsements and certification.
  
  
 NOTE: This job classification is required to participate in the County of Siskiyou Drug and Alcohol Testing program as mandated by the Department of Transportation.  Applicants will be required to submit to a pre-employment/pre-duty drug test.  This position will also be subject to random drug and alcohol tests once employed by the County.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Occasionally sits; frequently stand, walk, stoop, kneel, and crouch; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 50 lbs.; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use a variety of hand and power equipment, electrical testing equipment used in the mechanical trades; use a computer and telephone; operate a variety of road maintenance equipment.
 
TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in a shop environment; occasionally works outdoors in varying temperatures; exposure to hazardous materials, smoke, gasses, and fumes; exposure to hazards such as moving machine parts and electrical current;  continuous contact with other staff.