Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Tompkins County; New York (NY); On-site; USD 41,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

Tompkins County is seeking a skilled Heavy Equipment Mechanic for its Public Works shop in Ithaca, NY. The role involves diagnosing and repairing heavy equipment, performing engine work, hydraulic repairs, and troubleshooting, with potential to lead tasks and coordinate with a small team.

Starting wage is $29.67 per hour, rising to $31.24 per hour after nine months, with eligibility for career progression. Applicants must meet NYS licensing and safety requirements and are expected to obtain

Qualifications

• Associate degree or certificate in heavy equipment technology or mechanics with one year of repair experience.
• High school vocational program in automotive mechanics with three years of repair experience.
• Five years of repair experience in a heavy equipment shop.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and repair heavy equipment including motors, differentials, brakes, transaxles and hydraulic systems.
• Perform major engine overhauls and component replacements as required.
• Lead or assist other shop personnel in maintenance tasks and safety procedures.
• Submit repair orders and maintain detailed service records.

Skills

Heavy equipment repair

Public works equipment

Troubleshooting

Education

Associate's Degree or certificate in heavy equipment technology or mechanics

High school vocational automotive program

Five years experience in heavy equipment shop

Job description

TOMPKINS COUNTY CIVIL SERVICEVACANCY

Inclusion Through Diversity

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Tompkins County Department of Human Resources Office

125 E. Court Street Ithaca, NY 14850

[phone] Tompkins County is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply

SALARY: $29.67/hr

TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT: Full

ISSUE DATE: 08/13/26

THE FINAL DATE TO FILE APPLICATIONS: 09/14/26

DATE THAT THIS ANNOUNCEMENT SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM POSTING: 09/15/26

RESIDENCY: Candidates must have been legal residents of Tompkins County or one of the six adjoining counties (Cayuga, Chemung, Cortland, Schuyler, Seneca, Tioga) for at least one month immediately preceding the date of application and maintain residency. For Examinations: The eligible list resulting from the examination will be established in accordance with the final earned numerical ratings of passing candidates regardless of residence. A municipality or district may exercise its right under section 23-4-a. of Civil Service Law to request a certification of eligible candidates who have been residents of that municipality or district for at least one month prior to appointment. After the names of residents have been exhausted, Tompkins County must then certify the names of non-residents on the list.

Starting Hire Rate - $29.67/hour, going to Working Rate of $31.24/hour after 9 months.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• (a) Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered two year technical school or community college with an Associate's Degree or certificate in heavy equipment technology or mechanics AND one year of experience in heavy vehicle repair performing repair and maintenance;
• (b) Graduation from a high school technical or vocational program in automotive mechanics AND three years of experience in a heavy equipment repair shop performing repair and maintenance of heavy equipment;
• (c) Five years experience in a heavy equipment shop performing repair and maintenance of heavy equipment.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• 1. Must possess a NYS Department of Motor Vehicle Inspection Certification Group I and Group II within six (6) months of appointment and maintain such license for the duration of employment.
• 2. At the time of application, the successful candidate must have completed an air brake service/inspection apprenticeship program, OR a vehicle or brake manufacturer training program designed to train students in air brake inspection and maintenance OR demonstrate in your application work history at least one year of experience in the inspection and repair of air brake systems.
• 3. Must furnish own hand tools and toolbox as required (except at the Town of Ithaca).
• 4. Must obtain a New York State Class A or B driver’s license with an air brake endorsement within one (1) year of appointment and maintain such license for the duration of employment. Employees operating Motor Equipment or Heavy Equipment on streets or roadways must possess a class A or B commercial drivers license and must be enrolled in the Tompkins County Drug and Alcohol Testing Consortium.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

This is skilled work primarily responsible for the efficient performance of a variety of public works equipment repair, heavy equipment repair, machinist tasks and/or heavy equipment operation as needed. This class is distinguished from other public works employees by the ability to perform repairs at the journey level (i.e. complete rebuild of gas and diesel motors, transmissions, differentials, air brake systems, advanced hydraulic and electrical systems). General instructions are received from a higher-level employee regarding what tasks to perform. Considerable autonomy and independent judgment is required to plan and carry out the details of the work assigned. May lead the work of other shop personnel as assigned. The incumbent will perform all related duties as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

• Diagnose and trouble shoot for preventative maintenance and/or equipment failure; Performs skilled operations in making general repairs on motor equipment such as automobiles, trucks, tractors, sweepers, bulldozers, graders, rollers, backhoes, power saws and other public works equipment;
• May perform major engine overhauls on gasoline and diesel engines such as installing connecting rods and bearings, sleeve kits, pistons and rings, grinding valves, etc.;
• Repairs or overhauls brake systems, differentials, transmissions, front and rear axles, suspension systems, steering systems, hydraulic systems and electrical systems;
• Performs welding and fabrication work on heavy equipment;
• Operates machine shop equipment, including lathes, grinders, torches, welders, electronic, and other diagnostic test equipment and such other machines and equipment used in the department;
• Submits daily written reports and shop repair orders;
• In the Towns and Villages, an incumbent may be required to operate motor equipment, heavy equipment or serve as general labor in support of departmental operations as the needs of the service require.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Thorough knowledge of standard automotive repair methods and. of the terminology and tools of the trade;
• Skill in the use and care of automotive and public works equipment servicing tools and equipment;
• Ability to make journey level repairs to automotive and other mechanical equipment;
• Ability to work from plans, specifications, electrical and hydraulic schematics, rough sketches and oral instructions;
• Ability to lift heavy objects;
• Ability to layout and supervise the work of others;
• Ability to get along with others;
• Ability to perform activities involving considerable strenuous effort;
• Ability to operate a wide variety of motor equipment and heavy equipment;
• Willingness to use and operate equipment, tools and machines;
• Willingness to tolerate odors, dirt, exposure to solvents, oils, work in all kinds of weather conditions, and make repairs on job sites and roadways;
• The employee’s physical and mental condition shall be commensurate with the demands of the position; and Must be willing and able to work overtime and respond to emergency work as needed.
• Town of Ithaca - Assigned to be a Class C petroleum bulk storage (PBS) operator and responds to emergency fuel spills as directed by the facilities Class A or B operator.

Physical

Physical: The employee is routinely required to stand, walk, kneel, stoop, crouch, bend, reach and twist multiple times during an eight-hour, or occasionally longer, work day. He or she must push or pull up to 700 pounds (with mechanical or human assistance), lift, carry and/or hoist overhead as much as 60 pounds. An individual in this role is required to have sufficient visual and auditory acuity to be able to perform acceptably and avoid risks and dangers to him or herself and co-workers. He or she is required to speak and communicate sufficiently to avoid risks and dangers to him or herself and co-workers. The employee must be able to firmly grasp tools, equipment and machinery parts. He or she is required to have fine motor skills and sufficient hand/eye coordination necessary to manipulate, repair and install large and small parts. Head, hands, arms, legs and feet must all work together in coordination in order to enable an individual to perform the essential functions of this job.

Environmental

Environmental: The employee must possess a psychological makeup and the interpersonal skills necessary for him or her to work cooperatively with others. He or she must be able to walk on slippery or uneven surfaces, have the ability to work alone, both inside and outside, and may be exposed to dust, dirt, grease, humidity, excessive heat (occasionally above 100°) and excessive cold (often below 32°). He or she must have the full physical ability to operate and drive all kinds of heavy and light equipment as well as trucks, most with a clutch and standard transmission configuration, some with many gear options.

ACTIVE MILITARY PERSONNEL, VETERANS OR DISABLED VETERANS desiring to claim additional credit will request the Veterans Credits application form, at any time between the date of application for examination(s) and the date of the establishment of the resulting eligible list. You must meet the requirements set by NYS for these credits and they may be used only once. YOU MAY NOT CLAIM ADDITIONAL CREDITS AFTER THE ELIGIBLE LIST HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED. IT IS THE CANDIDATE'S RESPONSIBILITY TO REQUEST THE VETERANS CREDIT ESTABLISHED. Tompkins County's written examinations are prepared and rated by the New York State Department of Civil Service in accordance with Section 23-2 of Civil Service Law. The provisions of the New York State Civil Service Rules and Regulations, which deal with the rating and review of the examinations apply. The duration of the eligible lists may be fixed for a minimum of one and a maximum of four years and may be extended beyond four years if there has been a restriction against the filling of vacancies in that title. The candidates must complete a separate "Application for Employment" for each open-competitive and/or promotional examination that the candidate is eligible to take. All experience required meeting the acceptable training and experience is full-time experience. (Part-time experience will be credited on a prorated basis). Appointment from an eligible list must be made from the top three candidates willing to accept the appointment. Tompkins County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As part of its efforts to provide employment opportunities to the physically handicapped, Tompkins County Civil Service has adopted a rule permitting the employment of qualified physically handicapped persons without competitive examination (pursuant to Section 55 of Civil Service Law). If you meet the minimum qualifications for this position and wish to know more about this rule, please contact the Tompkins County Department of Human Resources Office. ALL CANDIDATES FOR EMPLOYMENT FOR POSITIONS IN SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND BOCES GOVERNED BY TOMPKINS COUNTY CIVIL SERVICE MAY HAVE THE FOLLOWING SPECIAL REQUIREMENT. PER CHAPTER 180 OF THE LAWS OF 2000, AND BY REGULATIONS OF THE COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION, TO BE EMPLOYED IN A POSITION DESIGNATED BY A SCHOOL DISTRICT OR BOCES AS INVOLVING DIRECT CONTACT WITH STUDENTS, A CLEARANCE FOR EMPLOYMENT FROM THE STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS REQUIRED. BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: Applicants may be required to undergo a State and national criminal history background investigation, which will include a fingerprint check, to determine suitability for appointment. Failure to meet the standards for the background investigation may result in disqualification. TOMPKINS COUNTY PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT, 125 EAST COURT STREET, ITHACA, NY 14850.