Equipment Mechanic III

City of Costa Mesa; California; On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in California seeks a skilled mechanic to maintain and repair a diverse fleet of vehicles, including heavy-duty fire apparatus. This role demands expertise in automotive repair, particularly in diesel-powered equipment, and the ability to diagnose complex electrical issues. The position offers the opportunity to work independently while contributing to a team that values integrity and innovation. Join a vibrant community that prides itself on exceptional employee benefits and a commitment to professional development. If you are passionate about mechanics and eager to make a difference, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Exceptional Employee Benefits

Training and Development Opportunities

Qualifications

• High proficiency in automotive repair and maintenance, especially for fire equipment.
• Experience with sophisticated diagnostic tools and electrical systems.

Responsibilities

• Perform skilled maintenance and repair on a variety of vehicles and equipment.
• Diagnose and repair complex operational and electrical issues.

Skills

Automotive Repair

Electrical Systems Diagnosis

Welding

Heavy Duty Equipment Maintenance

Diagnostic Equipment Proficiency

Supervisory Skills

Education

High School Graduation

Vocational Training in Automotive Repair

Tools

D.V.O.M.

Diagnostic Scan Tools

Welding Equipment

Job description

THE POSITION:

Under general supervision, an incumbent performs skilled and specialized work at the journeyman level in the maintenance and repair of automotive, construction, heavy truck, fire apparatus and a variety of equipment.

There is currently one (1) full-time vacancy.

WHY WORK FOR COSTA MESA:

The City of Costa Mesa, with the motto "City of the Arts", is one of California's most eclectic and vibrant cities. Located just one mile from the Pacific Ocean and in the heart of Orange County, Costa Mesa is a great place to live, work and play. The City offers exceptional employee benefits, opportunities for training and development, and prides itself on its Core Values of Integrity, Sustainability, Compassion, Innovation, Inclusion and Collaboration.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:

An employee in this class performs journey level work in a specialized field of automotive repair. The areas of specialization include the repair and maintenance of heavy duty fire equipment, with particular emphasis on diesel powered equipment, and the diagnosis and correction of particularly difficult operational and electrical problems. The required skill level exceeds that which would be expected of a journey person performing general automotive repair work. Assignments are normally received in the form of oral or written indications of problem symptoms. Work is performed with considerable independence under the general supervision of the Maintenance Supervisor (assigned to Fleet Maintenance) with review confined primarily to completed projects.

Work involves determining the cause and extent of operational problems in a wide variety of equipment powered by gasoline, diesel and alternative fuel. The work requires the performance of highly skilled work in repairing electrical malfunctions, installing various types of electrical components and accessories, repair work on automobiles, trucks, police motorcycles, street sweepers, fire apparatus, ambulances, emergency generators, construction vehicles, sewer vehicles and other mechanical equipment. The person in this position advises and assists other mechanics in diagnosing problems and taking corrective action, and may supervise subordinate personnel.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS AND SELECTION PROCESS:

Applications must be completed and submitted online. This recruitment will remain open until filled and may close without prior notice; therefore, prompt application is encouraged.

The first application review date will be Monday, February 10, 2025.

Candidates are requested to provide specific information regarding their education and experience as it relates to the position by completing all fields of the application. Do not include "see attached resume" in your responses, as they will not be accepted or reviewed in the application process. Applications may be rejected if incomplete. Additional documents will not be reviewed during the application evaluation process. If selected to proceed further in the recruitment process, an opportunity to provide work samples, letters of recommendation, etc., will be appropriate during the interview process. Based upon the information presented on the application, a limited number of candidates who possess qualifications most pertinent to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process. The selection process may include but is not limited to the following components: application review and evaluation, written examination or exercise, physical examination, practical exercise and interview evaluation. Please notify the Human Resources Division 72 hours in advance of the test date if you have a disability which requires accommodation for the testing process. The eligibility list will be in effect for one (1) year, unless exhausted sooner.

All employment offers made by the City are contingent upon establishing proof of a prospective candidate's legal authorization to work in the United States and successfully passing all components of the pre-employment process which may include, but is not limited to: reference check, criminal history check (Live Scan fingerprinting), and post-offer medical evaluation (may include drug screen). Based upon current and/or future assignments, an employee may be subject to pre-employment, random, reasonable and post-accident drug and alcohol testing pursuant to the Department of Transportation Regulations.

Note: The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provisions contained within may be modified or revoked without notice.

These functions may not be present in all positions in this class. When a position is to be filled, the essential functions will be noted in the announcement of position availability. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind work assignments as needed.

Inspects motorized, mechanical and hydraulic equipment, diagnoses trouble and determines the extent of necessary repairs.

Overhauls, repairs, installs and adjusts engines, pumps, transmissions, differentials, hydraulics, aerial ladders, air and hydraulic brake systems, steering, driveline, tires, cooling, air conditioning, exhaust and clutches on automobiles, trucks, fire apparatus, ambulances, emergency generators and other miscellaneous types of equipment.

Tunes up engines, (both major and minor), overhauls carburetors, diagnoses and repairs all ignition systems. Inspects, adjusts and replaces various vehicle and equipment parts, including valves, pistons, main and rod bearing assemblies, cooling, fuel and exhaust systems as required.

Diagnoses, repairs and reconditions electrical systems both DC and AC, including the testing, repair and replacement of starters, alternators, regulators, batteries, distributors, relays, circuit breakers, fuses, lights, emergency warning lights, strobes, light bars and switches by effectively using a D.V.O.M. and other types of electrical diagnostic equipment to perform these tasks.

Uses diagnostic scan tools and laptop diagnostic software on engines, transmissions, electrical and brake systems on light and heavy vehicles.

Performs basic machine shop work incidental to mechanical repairs.

Performs Biannual Inspection Terminal (BIT) safety inspections.

Uses oxygen/acetylene, electrical welding and cutting equipment to repair vehicles and equipment. Fabricates, modifies and repairs metal parts as required. Also uses drill presses, metal shears, metal brakes, grinders and a large assortment of other hand tools, power tools and measurement instruments required for metal fabrication work on steel, stainless steel and aluminum. Also uses mobile welding and cutting equipment in the field.

Assists in the design, specification and inspection of new vehicles and equipment.

Performs annual pump testing of fire apparatus. Assists with third party inspection of aerial ladders on fire apparatus.

Assists with the repair and maintenance of underground and aboveground fuel tanks and authorization system.

Orders and stocks parts, supplies, lubricants, oils and chemicals as necessary.

Prepares detailed records of servicing and repair work performed on each piece of equipment.

Performs vehicle and equipment repair work in the field.

May be required to assist in the development and implementation of annual servicing programs for fire equipment and apparatus, automotive and other mechanical equipment.

May be required to supervise the work of other mechanics and auxiliary personnel.

May be required to respond to calls for emergency service and repairs during non-scheduled work hours including evenings, weekends and holidays.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

High school graduation, or its equivalent, supplemented by a steady and current record of related vocational study. A high degree of proficiency in the area of specialization is desired. Progressively responsible experience as a full-time journey level mechanic in the repair of heavy and light automotive vehicles and equipment, with considerable experience in maintenance and repair of specialized fire equipment and the use of sophisticated diagnostic equipment. An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform essential functions may be considered.

LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATE:

Possession or the ability to obtain a valid Class C or higher California Driver's License. Possession of a valid Class A California Driver's License with air brake, tank and manual transmission endorsements within 6 months of hire. Current possession of a valid Class A California Driver's license with the required endorsements is highly desirable. Revocation of licenses during employment may result in disciplinary action or reassignment.

Desirable: Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications in automotive and heavy truck repair. California Fire Mechanic State certifications as a Mechanic I, II, or III. Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) certified.

REQUISITE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL LEVELS:

Considerable knowledge of the standard practices, methods, tools, materials and equipment of the automotive and heavy truck mechanics trade, including welding. Knowledge of the maintenance and operation of heavy duty fire fighting vehicles and equipment and sophisticated diagnostic equipment. Knowledge of the tools, equipment and procedures used in the overhaul, repair and adjustment of heavy and light power driven equipment. Knowledge of the theory of the operation of fuel, ignition, electrical and cooling systems, and the repair and adjustment procedures required to correct deficiencies. Knowledge of the operation and care of internal combustion engines and compression ignition engines. Knowledge of the chassis and other components commonly found in motorized equipment. Knowledge of the operation, care and repair of hydraulic systems. Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the automotive mechanic's trade. Skill in the use and care of hand and machine tools and equipment employed in automotive and fire equipment repair and adjustment work.

REQUISITE ABILITIES:

Ability to properly utilize sophisticated diagnostic equipment. Ability to properly maintain and repair heavy duty fire fighting vehicles and equipment. Ability to properly maintain and repair a wide variety of equipment. Ability to use shop tools including hand and power tools, drills, presses, grinders and welding equipment safely and efficiently. Ability to supervise the work of others. Ability to understand and follow relatively complex oral and written instructions and directions. Ability to work cooperatively with others and independently.

PUBLIC EMPLOYEE DISASTER SERVICE WORKER:
In accordance with Government Code Section 3100 - all City of Costa Mesa employees are required to perform assigned disaster service worker duties in the event of an emergency or disaster.

PHYSICAL TASKS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
Please contact human resources for a summary of the essential tasks and environmental factors for this classification. Employee accommodations for physical or mental disabilities will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
The City of Costa Mesa is an Equal Opportunity Employer.