Grounds Maintenance Equipment Technician - Airport

City of Lakeland; Lakeland (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Retirement Benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

The City of Lakeland is seeking an experienced journey-level Maintenance Mechanic to diagnose, repair, and maintain grounds and airport maintenance equipment. You will work on diesel, electric, and gasoline-powered machines, mowers, and utility vehicles, following factory manuals and safety procedures.

Responsibilities include diagnosing failures, performing major repairs, maintaining records, and supporting emergency Storm Team duties as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Two years of journey-level maintenance mechanic or small equipment operator experience.

Responsibilities

• Completes diagnosis of failed components to find the reason for failure before ordering parts or tearing down equipment, reducing unnecessary parts purchases, repeat repairs, and excessive equipment downtime.
• Inspects, diagnoses, and repairs mechanical defects/failures in various grounds and airport maintenance equipment, including diesel, electric, and gasoline-powered equipment, mowers, tractors, utility vehicles, and other mechanical equipment.
• Trains in preventive maintenance, proper cleaning, and safe equipment operation.
• Verifies equipment warranty status prior to performing repairs, when applicable.
• Obtains supervisor authorization for major repairs and reviews equipment repair history before proceeding with repairs.
• Performs repairs to brake systems (hydraulic and mechanical), electronic ignition systems, diesel and gas fuel injection systems, hydraulic systems, electrical systems, engines, transmissions, and other related items.
• Inspects, adjusts, and replaces necessary units and related parts, including valves, pistons, piston rings, main bearing assembly, cooling, and fuel systems on motor-driven equipment.
• Repairs and overhauls air compressors, power tools, and other specialized equipment.
• Maintains a preventive maintenance program for assigned equipment in accordance with established schedules and manufacturer recommendations.
• Maintains accurate records of equipment condition, preventive maintenance, repairs, parts and materials used, labor performed, and associated costs in the City’s work order or equipment maintenance system.
• Inspects equipment for performance and performs field or emergency repairs as necessary to minimize equipment downtime.
• Installs and repairs irrigation systems, including sprinkler heads, valves, and both galvanized and PVC pipelines, and maintains automatic sprinkler systems.
• May be required to work overtime or alternate hours as necessary for the efficient operation of the department.
• May be required to participate in and/or facilitate training to support departmental or City initiatives and requirements.
• Performs Storm Team support responsibilities in the event of an emergency.
• Position is designated as Mission Critical.

Education

High school diploma

GED

Tools

Basic hand tools

Job description

General Description Of Class

This is an advanced journey-level position involving the maintenance, diagnosis, and repair of grounds maintenance equipment and related motorized equipment, including small gasoline- and diesel-engine-driven equipment, hydraulic systems, electrical systems, compressors, and other equipment. Work involves inspecting, evaluating, and repairing the mechanical conditions of all types of motorized equipment and hydraulic systems. This includes final testing (when applicable) to ensure the accuracy of the work performed. Superior-quality work is expected, with the employee following instructions and factory manuals for proper repair techniques. Work is performed without close supervision but is reviewed while in progress and upon completion. The final inspection is evaluated based on the results achieved. Directions on the repair method may be provided after receiving the repair order.

Note: The content repeated twice is omitted.

Essential Functions

• Completes diagnosis of failed components to find the reason for failure before ordering parts or tearing down equipment, reducing unnecessary parts purchases, repeat repairs, and excessive equipment downtime.


• Inspects, diagnoses, and repairs mechanical defects/failures in various grounds and airport maintenance equipment, including diesel, electric, and gasoline-powered equipment, mowers, tractors, utility vehicles, and other mechanical equipment.


• Trains in preventive maintenance, proper cleaning, and safe equipment operation.


• Verifies equipment warranty status prior to performing repairs, when applicable.


• Obtains supervisor authorization for major repairs and reviews equipment repair history before proceeding with repairs.


• Performs repairs to brake systems (hydraulic and mechanical), electronic ignition systems, diesel and gas fuel injection systems, hydraulic systems, electrical systems, engines, transmissions, and other related items.


• Inspects, adjusts, and replaces necessary units and related parts, including valves, pistons, piston rings, main bearing assembly, cooling, and fuel systems on motor-driven equipment.


• Repairs and overhauls air compressors, power tools, and other specialized equipment.


• Maintains a preventive maintenance program for assigned equipment in accordance with established schedules and manufacturer recommendations.


• Maintains accurate records of equipment condition, preventive maintenance, repairs, parts and materials used, labor performed, and associated costs in the City’s work order or equipment maintenance system.


• Inspects equipment for performance and performs field or emergency repairs as necessary to minimize equipment downtime.


• Installs and repairs irrigation systems, including sprinkler heads, valves, and both galvanized and PVC pipelines, and maintains automatic sprinkler systems.


• May be required to work overtime or alternate hours as necessary for the efficient operation of the department.


• May be required to participate in and/or facilitate training to support departmental or City initiatives and requirements.


• Performs Storm Team support responsibilities in the event of an emergency.


• Position is designated as Mission Critical.

Additional Functions

• Properly uses and returns the City-owned tools and manuals to storage.


• Reports missing or broken tools to the supervisor.


• Follows all occupational safety, health, and environmental standards and helps maintain a safe, clean work environment.


• Repairs, sharpens, services, and maintains mowers and related grounds maintenance equipment.


• Performs oxyacetylene and electric welding and cutting as required.


• Fabricates specialized equipment.

Qualifications (education, Training And Experience)

• High school diploma from an accredited school or a GED.


• Two years of experience as a maintenance mechanic or small equipment operator at the journey level.

Special Requirements

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.


• Must possess and maintain a valid telephone number.


• May be required to pass an elevated background check provided by the City of Lakeland Police Department upon hire.

Knowledge, SKILLS, ABILITIES

• Occupational hazards, safety, and environmental regulations related to the equipment repair trade.


• Operation principles, maintenance and repair of gasoline and diesel engines, electrical, hydraulic systems, and related mechanical equipment.

Skills

• Use of tools and operation of machines and equipment commonly used in the mechanics’ trade.

Abilities

• Inspect equipment for serviceability, diagnose problems, and organize repair sequences logically and efficiently.


• Follow written and oral instructions.


• Read and comprehend service and operation manuals written in English for various types of equipment and apply that knowledge effectively in completing maintenance and repair tasks.


• Interpret and work from sketches and pencil diagrams.


• Communicate effectively with co-workers and supervisors, work cooperatively with other mechanics, and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.

Working Environment/Physical Requirements

• Heavy manual labor, including walking or standing most of the time and exerting up to 100 pounds of force regularly.


• Risks exposure to adverse weather conditions, toxic/caustic chemicals, variable temperatures, wet/humid conditions, dust, pollen, and traffic.


• Normal visual acuity, field of vision, hearing, speaking, color perception, sense of smell, depth perception, and texture perception.

This job description outlines the general nature and level of work and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties or qualifications. Management reserves the right to modify or assign additional responsibilities as needed.

All City of Lakeland positions are subject to testing (e.g. written, oral, performance, computerized, interview, and/or any combination). Candidates selected for testing will be notified via email or telephone. Please check your e-mail and telephone messages regularly, including “junk” folders. Test times and locations to be announced.

The City of Lakeland is a drug free workplace. This position is considered a mandatory testing position, which is subject to pre‑employment and random drug testing. All City of Lakeland positions are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing. As a condition of employment you will be required to pass the pre‑employment drug test in accordance with Florida Statute 440.102.

THE CITY OF LAKELAND IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/EQUAL ACCESS EMPLOYER AND A DRUG FREE WORKPLACE

City of Lakeland

2026 Summary Sheet

Annual Leave

Annual leave is accumulated bi-weekly and based upon years of service as follows:

• Annual leave may be taken as earned by employees hired after January 1, 1989. Employees hired prior to that date use annual leave within the calendar year following the year the leave is earned.


• All employees may carry over up to a maximum of twenty (20) days at the end of the calendar year.


• Regular part-time employees who work at least twenty (20) hours per week accrue annual leave at the rate of four (4) hours per month.*

Sick Leave

Sick rate is accrued biweekly based upon years of service and standard hour classification. Eligible for use as soon as earned. Regular part-time employees who work at least twenty (20) hours per week accrue sick leave at the rate of four (4) hours per month.

• NOTE: REGULAR employees with a working day other than eight (8) hours, please contact your supervisor regarding these policies.

Sick Leave Pool

Allows employees to receive sick leave benefits in cases involving catastrophic or long‑term illnesses or injuries after all personal leave time has been depleted. Regular full‑time employees contribute eight (8) hours and Regular part‑time employees contribute four (4) hours on an annual basis. Employees must have completed one full year of service on or before December 31st of the calendar year enrollment; and have accumulated at least forty (40) hours of sick time (twenty (20) hours for Regular part‑time employees). Participation in this program is voluntary.

For more information contact Amanda Kaiser at 834-8768

Family & Medical Leave

Federal legislation guarantees up to twelve (12) weeks per year off work under certain circumstances outlined in the policy manual. The employees must have been employed by the City for at least twelve (12) months and have at least 1,250 hours of service during the 12-month period before the requested leave. The City will continue its group life and health insurance for an employee on leave at the same level and under the same conditions that existed while the employee was working.

For more information contact Dawn Justice at 834-6038.

Pension Plan

Provision for retirement income requiring mandatory participation for full-time regular employees.

Defined Benefit Plan

Plan C Employee 4.52%

Employer 15.54%

Defined Contribution Plan

Executives, New Hires aged 52 and older, and Fire/Police Recruits

Employee 8.5% or 11% per election upon hire

Employer 15.54%

Deferred Compensation 457 Plan

A voluntary plan that is invested in mutual funds. The Employees' Pension Board performs the due diligence on the mutual funds. Employees may reallocate their account at any time.

Maximum contribution for 2026 is $24,500; employees age 50 or older can also add a "catch‑up" amount of $8,000; employees age 60-63 can also add a "catch‑up" amount of $11,250.

Additionally, a match of up to 5% of salary is offered by the City in Plan C.

Holidays

Twelve (12) holidays, includes one (1) personal floating holiday to be used at any time after three (3) months of employment and prior to the end of the calendar year.

Funeral Leave

Up to three (3) days off with pay due to death of an immediate family member (as defined in the policy manual). Up to four (4) hours off with pay may be obtained through supervisor approval to attend local funeral services of persons other than immediate family.

Jury/Witness Duty

Employees required to serve on jury duty will be relieved of responsibility for their regular work shift or portion thereof and receive full pay while serving. All fees received for such service may be retained by the employee. Employees subpoenaed to any civil or criminal court proceeding, which employee is not personally or monetarily interested, shall be paid as if engaged in regular work activities.

Military Leave

Allows for up to 240 hours in any one calendar year for annual military training without loss of pay or benefits for any employee in some type of reserve status for the United States Armed Forces. (see policy manual for additional information).

Maternity Leave

Refer to Family & Medical Leave for those employees who qualify. Others may take up to three (3) months leave of absence available upon approval of the Department Head. Employees may opt to utilize any combination of paid (sick or annual leave) or unpaid leave.

Leave of Absence Without Pay

Written requests are subject to approval by Department Head and City Manager or designee for less than ninety (90) days. Requests for more than ninety (90) days also require Civil Service Board approval for employees in a Civil Service classification.

Longevity Pay

Tuition Reimbursement

Program provides employees up to $2,500 per fiscal year (October 1 through September 30) for reimbursement of tuition of approved college, university, vocational, or correspondence classes upon completion with a grade of "C" or better in credit courses only. Full reimbursement is given for courses and fees, upon approval. The program does not include reimbursement for cost of books, supplies or other related expenses.

For more information, contact Melissa Yelnick at 834-6844.

Suggestion Awards

A program designed to provide a consistent and organized method for employees to submit and be rewarded for constructive ideas for improvement. Maximum award is $1000.

For additional information, contact Employee Engagement and Development at 834-6837.

Direct Deposit of Paycheck

(refer to handout in new employee folder)

An account must be established with the institution of your choice prior to signing up for direct deposit.

Uniforms/Equipment

Uniforms issued at no cost to employees for those job classifications which require them. Equipment is issued to employees at either no cost or discounted cost depending upon job classification.

Parking

Free while at work.

Break Periods

Employees may be permitted two (2), fifteen (15) minute breaks during the workday. The time shall be at the discretion of the supervisor.

Health Insurance, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance

Please contact Benefits at 834-6797.

Retirement Benefits

Please contact Retirement Services at 834-8765 or 834-8797.

Firefighter and Police Officer Retirement Benefits

Please contact Foster & Foster at 239-333-4872.

01

Do you possess a high school diploma or GED from an accredited school?

• Yes


• No

02

Do you have two years of experience as a maintenance mechanic or small equipment operator at the journey level?

• Yes


• No

03

Please provide a narrative supporting your answer to the above question. Be sure to include specific job title(s), job duties, organization(s) and the dates where the work was performed. Note: The employers and dates of employment you list here must also be included in the "Work Experience" section of this job application.

04

By clicking "Yes" below, I understand that all relevant work experience MUST be entered in the "Work Experience" section on my application. In addition, all current City of Lakeland employees must list all previous City of Lakeland work experience in the "Work Experience" section of the application. Failure to complete the "Work Experience" section will disqualify you from the application process.

• Yes


• No


• Required Question