Equipment Mechanic

TANK (Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky); Eureka (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

34-hour four-day workweek

Medical benefits–employee and depend.

Dental and vision coverage

PTO and holidays

Job summary

Humboldt Transit Authority is seeking an Equipment Mechanic to perform skilled maintenance and repair on its fleet of buses and support vehicles. The role includes diagnostics, preventive maintenance, and rebuilding components to manufacturer specifications.

The position features a 34-hour, four-day workweek with a robust benefits package, and training on advanced vehicle technologies. Candidates should have 2+ years of relevant experience and a valid CDL when required.

Qualifications

• Must have strong mechanical skills and ability to diagnose and repair complex vehicle systems.
• Must meet education/experience requirements for heavy-duty vehicle maintenance.
• Experience with diesel, gasoline, or hybrid transit vehicles preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform skilled maintenance and repair on buses, vans, and related equipment.
• Diagnose and repair mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and HVAC systems.
• Maintain safety, cleanliness, and compliance with regulations.

Skills

Strong mechanical skills

Manual dexterity

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Heavy-duty repair certificate/diploma

Tools

Diagnostic software

CAN bus systems

Job description

Planned Implementation Plan for a 4-Day Workweek With Full-Time Benefits

The Humboldt Transit Authority is the county’s largest transit system, and provides ridership through an integrated network of buses, paratransit, and micro transit, as well as a resource for those who carpool, vanpool, walk, or bike in the county. More information about the Humboldt Transit Authority (HTA) is on our website.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Equipment Mechanic

HTA is currently seeking Equipment Mechanic who is dedicated, career-oriented individuals with strong mechanical skills and who want to serve the public. Equipment Mechanics perform, diagnose, repair, and provide preventive maintenance on HTA buses, cars, cuttaway vans, and equipment. They also remanufacture and rebuild components to the manufactures’ specifications; fabricates/machines/designs parts as needed and provides welding and painting services. This position is eligible for benefits after 30 days.

Go Greener!

Leading the transit industry in the reduction of diesel exhaust emissions by utilizing alternative propulsion and fuel technologies. HTA operates clean diesel, diesel/electric hybrid, battery electric propulsion systems, and hydrogen fuel cell buses.

Advanced Vehicle Technology:

Today's modern buses are the most technologically advanced buses ever, equipped with multiplexing, J1939 CAN communications, and electric powered accessories. These advanced technologies require troubleshooting using computer based diagnostic software.

Excellent Facilities:

Bus maintenance facility amenities include vehicle ventilation, vehicle lifts/ hoists, and fall protection.

Comprehensive Training Program:

Employees are trained on all facets of bus maintenance processes, procedures, and technologies.

Examples of Duties

Basic Function and Responsibility

Under the direction of the General Manager and the Director of Maintenance, the Equipment Mechanic performs skilled maintenance and repair on Humboldt Transit Authority’s vehicles and mechanical equipment. This includes buses, vans, and support vehicles. The Equipment Mechanic ensures vehicle and equipment reliability, safety, and compliance through regular service, diagnostics, and both minor and major mechanical repairs.

Typical Duties

• Performs skilled maintenance and repair of buses, vans and support/staff vehicles or any other related equipment.
• Performs major and associated minor repairs on all of HTA’s rolling stock, including, but not limited to: air and hydraulic brake systems; manual and automatic transmissions; hydraulic pumps, cylinders, control valves, motors and related components; electrical systems, starters, generators; air conditioning units; steering systems; and other related equipment.
• Performs major and associated minor rebuilds and overhauls of gas and diesel engines and transmissions.
• Performs safety checks and operational tests on equipment and buses during PM services.
• Performs routine lubrication and other service-related duties as required.
• Creates work orders and posts parts as related to the repair work being performed, making sure all information is correctly entered onto work orders.
• Must conform with all regulations governing hazardous materials use and disposal.
• Repairs equipment at road-side, if necessary.
• Performs other miscellaneous related duties as required.
• Must maintain a valid Class B Driver’s License with a passenger endorsement.
• Cleans shop area as needed; cleans work area on a daily basis before end of shift.
• Follows and complies with all guidelines included in HTA’s Spill Pollution Prevention Plan and all regulations regarding the use of, disposal of, and cleanup of hazardous materials.

Typical Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications for Equipment Mechanic

Education & Experience (Required)

Candidates must meet the following combinations of education and/or experience specifically related to maintenance and repair of heavy-duty vehicles or mechanical transit-related equipment (such as buses, semi-trucks, fire equipment, or aircraft):

Experience Should Include One Or More Of The Following

• Must possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Must possess a minimum of two (2) years of verifiable work experience in automotive, truck, or bus repair and maintenance, or a combination of education and experience relating to this position. Possession of a certificate/diploma in medium/heavy duty or diesel engine vehicle repair from an accredited trade/vocational school or college will count as verifiable experience. Light Duty/Automotive experience will also be considered.
• Must be willing to accept the job‑related responsibility and accountability that this position requires.
• Experience performing maintenance and repairs on diesel, gasoline, and/or hybrid vehicles.
• Experience in maintaining and repairing transit vehicles and/or heavy‑duty fleet equipment, including buses and trucks.
• Experience diagnosing, maintaining, and repairing mechanical systems, including hydraulics, pneumatics, HVAC, and electrical systems.
• Experience rebuilding and repairing engines, transmissions, and other powertrain systems.

Licensing Requirements

• Possession of a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
• Must pass a DOT physical and meet ongoing physical qualification standards.
• Ability to obtain a Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with passenger endorsement within six (6) months of hire (training provided after hire).
• A written permit must be obtained within 30 working days.
• HTA will provide CDL training and testing after permit completion.
• Two attempts will be provided through HTA; if unsuccessful, additional attempts are at your own expense.
• Forklift certification (provided during onboarding and training after hire).

Desired Qualifications (Not Required but Preferred)

• Two (2) years of professional, full-time vehicle troubleshooting and repair experience within the last 10 years.
• Experience driving and maneuvering buses, semi‑trucks, or other heavy‑duty equipment.
• EPA 608 Certification in refrigerant handling and recycling is a plus.
• ASE Transit Bus or Medium/Heavy Truck Certifications are a plus.

Benefits

We are proud to offer an attractive benefits package:

• 34-hour, four-day full-time workweek supporting work-life balance.
• 100% PAID Medical - HTA pays 100% Medical to employees and eligible dependents, of the monthly premium for medical insurance of the least expensive plan offered by PERS in Humboldt County.
• Paid Dental Coverage- HTA pays 100% Dental Coverage to employees and eligible dependents.
• Vision Coverage: HTA will reimburse up to $300 of vision costs for employee and $150 per dependent per calendar year, annually.
• Life Insurance: HTA pays 100% of the cost of a $10,000 life insurance policy for each employee under 65, and a $6,500 life insurance policy for those over 65.
• Retirement Programs: As defined by the California Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) members retirement formula is 2%@62. New members are required to pay 7.75% of their gross wages per pay period towards PEPRA (CalPERS Retirement). HTA also contributes to the cost for retiree medical benefits for all eligible qualified retired HTA employees and their dependents. For more detailed information regarding CalPERS retirement benefits, visit the CalPERS webpage; calpers.ca.gov
• Voluntary Investment 457 Supplemental Plan: The purpose of the Deferred Compensation Plan is to help you establish an investment savings program that grows over time and from which you can withdraw money that will supplement your retirement. Deferred Compensation contributions are automatically withdrawn from your paycheck which provides a convenient way to save for retirement. The amount you defer does not reduce the earnings upon which your pension is calculated. Any HTA employee is qualified to enroll in this plan.
• Opt-Out in lieu of Health Insurance: A qualifying employee opting-out of employer sponsored health insurance who provides written proof will receive an opt-out incentive equal to 100% of the employee-only premium for the least expensive plan offered by PERS in Humboldt County.
• Paid Time Off (PTO); Vacation is accrued based on the number of hours in paid status, after the first hour worked at .073 (averages to 3.5 weeks of PTO), for the first 2 years after the employee gains full-time status. Three (3) PTO buyout options per fiscal year.
• Sick Leave: Sick leave accrues at the rate of .0385 beginning on the first hour worked.
• Rate Increases: One-step increase per calendar year until reaching Step E. Employees advance to Step F after 10 years of service, Step G after 15 years of service, and Step H after 20 years of service.
• Social Security: Employees do not contribute to Social Security.
• 10 Paid Holidays Per Calendar Year: Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day, the day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Eve, HTA operates on a Saturday schedule and employees are subject to work. Guaranteed Holiday’s Day off: 4th of July, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and any other holiday declared as such by the HTA Governing Board.
• AFSCME Bargaining Unit: HTA is formally represented by a union for employees classified in the bargaining unit which consist of the coach operators, mechanics, and shop supervisors. The bargaining unit is known as the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees. Union Dues: 1.3% of gross wages per pay period; not to exceed $29.00 per pay period.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): The Employee Assistance Program offers guidance on emotional, family, and other personal problems.
• Transit Passes: All active full-time employees and their eligible dependents are eligible for transit passes for use over HTA bus lines. Dependents of employees are only eligible up to age 26. Not eligible after 26. All retirees are eligible for transit passes.