Job Summary
The fire department mechanic is responsible for maintaining, inspecting, diagnosing, repairing, and servicing fire department apparatus, emergency vehicles, and specialized equipment to ensure operational readiness and compliance with applicable safety standards and regulations. This position works closely with fire department personnel and vendors to identify equipment issues, coordinate repairs, and ensure emergency response vehicles and equipment remain safe, reliable, and available for service.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Diagnose mechanical and other operational issues on fire department apparatus, emergency vehicles, and equipment by examining and consulting vehicle operators, officers, or equipment users.
- Prepare work orders, and assigns, and directs work of mechanics according to the schedule of repairs.
- Assist and advise mechanics on technical points when needed.
- Perform mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic repairs on vehicles or equipment when necessary.
- Communicate repair needs, work orders, and equipment concerns mechanics and vendors, to ensure timely and effective repairs.
- Coordinate and conducts hose and ladder test in accordance with regulations.
- Test and maintain pumping capacity on all pumper trucks according to N.F.P.A. regulations.
- Schedule appointments for necessary repairs under contractual agreements when work cannot be performed by the fire department.
- Prepare requisitions and obtain purchase orders as needed.
- Maintain records of repairs on all fire department vehicles and equipment.
- Ensure all equipment is returned at shift end.
- Provide regular updates to supervisor regarding maintenance and equipment status.
- Perform other duties as assigned and assists other employees as required.
Skills, Abilities and Knowledge
- Must possess a thorough knowledge of diesel repair and maintenance as well as automobile and truck maintenance, or repair through work experience or formal training.
- Must have practical knowledge of machine room equipment, welders, and other tools and equipment necessary to maintain fire department vehicles and equipment.
Education and Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- An associate degree in diesel mechanics is preferred. In lieu of a degree, a minimum of three (3) years of diesel mechanic experience references may be considered.
- Certification in automotive maintenance is preferred.
Other Requirements
- Must obtain and maintain a valid Indiana Class A or B commercial driver’s license with proper endorsements, including air brakes.
- Must be available to work varied shifts, including overtime, weekends, and holidays as required.
Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) Requirements - Must obtain and maintain EVT certification with the following timeframes: Within 18 months of employment – EVT level I
- EVTCC Examinations
- F1 – Maintenance, Inspection & Testing
- F2 – Design & Performance Standards
- ASE Examinations
- T4 – Truck Brakes
- T5 – Truck Suspension and Steering
Within 24 months of employment – EVT level II
- EVTCC Examinations
- F3 – Fire Pumps & Accessories
- F4 – Fire Apparatus Electrical Systems
- ASE Examinations
- T2 – Truck Diesel Engines
- T3 – Truck Drive Train;
- T6 – Truck Electrical/Electronic System
Within 36 months of employment - EVT level III (Master)
- EVTCC Examinations
- F5 – Aerial Fire Apparatus
- F6 – Allison Automatic Transmissions
- ASE Examinations
- T1 – Truck Gasoline Engines
- T7 – Truck HVAC
Work Environment and Physical Requirements
- Work requires attention to detail and a reasonable degree of accuracy in completing assigned tasks using personal hand tools and equipment.
- Performs physical tasks requiring intermittent effort, periods of exertion, moderate to heavy lifting (up to 60 pounds), pushing, pulling, reaching, and bending.
- May be required to work in cramped or confined positions while preforming assigned duties.
- Occasional exposure to hazardous working conditions, including noise, fumes, heights, slippery surfaces, and environmental elements.