Automotive Equipment Mechanic I (Transit)

City of Cedar Rapids; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical co-insurance 90/10

IPERS retirement

Educational assistance up to $3,000

Paid parental leave

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

The City of Cedar Rapids is looking for an Automotive Equipment Mechanic I to service the transit fleet. This role emphasizes safety, reliability, and hands-on repair work in a 3rd shift environment (11:30pm–7:30am).

The position starts with AFSCME union pay at $28.46 per hour and includes scheduled step increases over time. Experienced mechanics will handle engines, transmissions, hydraulics, and electrical systems, with a focus on quality workmanship, attendance, and adherence to city

Qualifications

• High School Diploma and 1 to 3 years' experience with class 4+ trucks or heavy equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work with diverse populations.

Responsibilities

• Rebuilds, repairs, and replaces engines, transmissions, differentials in vehicles and equipment.
• Diagnoses engine problems and performs complete engine overhauls.
• Repairs suspensions, hydraulic and electrical systems.
• Adheres to City policies, safety practices, and schedules.
• Maintains regular attendance and supports continuous process improvement.

Skills

Heavy equipment

Truck maintenance

Communication

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma and 1-3 years' experience with class 4+ trucks

Job description

The City is seeking a skilled and motivated Automotive Equipment Mechanic I to join our Transit Department team. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the safety, reliability, and performance of the City's transit fleet. If you are a self-starter who takes pride in quality work and thrive in a hands-on environment, we encourage you to apply.

Now Hiring For 3rd Shift

This position offers a consistent overnight schedule of 11:30pm to 7:30am (Sunday night through Friday morning)- ideal for candidates who prefer working overnight hours and contributing to operations that keep our community moving.

About Our Organization

At the City, we are committed to employing individuals who reflect our community’s diverse backgrounds. We appreciate and leverage the vast experience individuals bring beyond the technical requirements of a job. If you are an individual with similar experience listed here please consider applying. Experience and skills combined with commitment to our core values is key to building a greater community now and for the next generation; therefore, we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply to this position. Any person who anticipates needing accommodations for any part of the recruitment process please contact Troy Simmons ([e-mail] or 319-286-5127).

About Our Community

Nestled in the heart of Iowa, Cedar Rapids is our vibrant and diverse community known for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Our city has a strong sense of community which can be seen at any of our numerous parks, recreational opportunities, and family-friendly events year round. You can also explore our thriving downtown district, filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, or take a stroll along the Cedar River, which runs through the heart of the city. Cedar Rapids - Why you should live here!

About The Position

Provides technical mechanical services in the maintenance and repair of City vehicles and automotive equipment.

The City of Cedar Rapids does not offer sponsorship for employment authorization.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Rebuilds, repairs, and replaces engines, transmissions, differentials in cars, trucks, busses, sweepers and other equipment
• Rebuilds and repairs sweepers, salt spreaders, carburetors, generators, starters and other moving parts
• Diagnoses engine problems
• Performs complete engine overhauls
• Repairs suspension systems, hydraulic systems, hydraulic braking systems, complete electrical systems
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies, procedures, and safety practices
• Attends work regularly at the designated place and time
• Supports continuous process improvement initiatives
• Maintains regular and consistent attendance at work
• Performs related work as required

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• High School Diploma and 1 to 3 years' experience with class 4 and above trucks and/or heavy equipment;
• OR,
• An equivalent combination of education and/or experience (i.e., one year of relevant experience may substitute for one year of education)
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse populations

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Valid Commercial Driver’s License Class B with passenger and air brake endorsements and valid Medical Examiners Certificate within one year of hire
• AC EPA Section 609 Certification and EPA Section 608 Type II Certification within 6 months

Desired Qualifications

• Diesel experience

Supplemental Information

Work Schedule

• Sunday- Friday 11:30pm to 7:30am (New 3rd shift hours)

Hourly Rate

The Automotive Equipment Mechanic I Is Covered Under The AFSCME Bargaining Union, And All New Hires Begin Employment At $28.46 Per Hour, Regardless Of Years Of Experience. Employees In This Classification Receive a Step Increase On Their Anniversary. The Steps Effective 7/1/2026 Include

New Hire1 yearMech II 2 yearsMech II 3 years$28.46$31.51$35.90$37.98*Promoted to Mechanical II after two years. Rates above show the change in pay.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Statement

The City of Cedar Rapids is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All job applicants will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability and genetic information (including family medical history).

Applicants With Disabilities

We respect and value people with disabilities and are committed to providing a workplace culture of disability inclusion. People with disabilities are supported during the hiring process and are encouraged to apply for employment with the City of Cedar Rapids. In support of the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations will be provided to those in need of assistance with the application and interview process. To request an accommodation, contact the City's Human Resources department by phone at 319-286-5000 or by email at [e-mail].

We offer benefits and beyond for our employees and their families!

The City of Cedar Rapids provides outstanding pay, benefits, time off, including:

• Medical co-insurance for participating providers of 90% plan / 10% employee
• Competitive pay
• Iowa Public Employee’s Retirement Pension plans (IPERS) with a 9.44% City contribution and 6.29% employee contribution
• 457 deferred compensation employer match program (City will match up to 0.05% of your annual income each calendar year -learn more here.)
• Flexible Spending (Health Care and Dependent Care Accounts- learn more here)
• An average of 11 paid holidays per year
• Up to $3,000 per year in educational assistance
• 4 weeks of paid parental leave
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness - (The PSLF program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full-time for a qualifying employer. See more info here. )
• Annual pay increases
• Fiscal year pay increases as determined by bargaining contract
• Employees are eligible for longevity pay after 5 years of continuous service
• 100% City paid basic life insurance
• Dental, vision, long-term disability, and supplemental life insurance
• View our Bargaining Benefits Summaries
• Expansive job growth opportunities
• Commitment to professional development
• Private health & wellness coaching partnerships