LIGHT VEHICLE MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN

City of Columbia; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Columbia is seeking a maintenance mechanic to learn and perform semi-skilled maintenance and mechanical repair work on city-owned automobiles and light-to-medium equipment. The role includes preventive maintenance, diagnostics, and repair of engines, electrical and brake systems, and routine welding and fabrication tasks.

The position emphasizes operating under general supervision, with the opportunity to develop work methods and sequences.

Qualifications

• General physical ability to perform tasks requiring standing, bending and lifting as needed.
• Communication with customers and team members to exchange information.
• Ability to read technical instructions, procedures and manuals to solve problems.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventive maintenance on City vehicles and equipment as scheduled.
• Assist in diagnosing and repairing engines, electrical systems, brakes and HVAC on automobiles, trucks and small engines.
• Repair emergency and standard vehicles and install/maintain equipment on emergency units as needed.
• Maintain tools and shop area, and keep records of work performed and parts used.

Skills

Manual dexterity

Attention to detail

Customer service

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Mechanic tool set

Job description

This position learns and performs semi-skilled maintenance and mechanical repair work on City-owned automobiles, trucks and other light-to-medium equipment, ensuring that repaired vehicles run properly and safely; performs preventive maintenance on such equipment as scheduled, and performs related work as required. The incumbent works within a general outline of work to be performed, and develops work methods and sequences under general supervision.

The work is considered medium-to-heavy in nature and involves walking, standing, stooping, lifting, digging, pushing or raising objects and also involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a recurring basis and 50 to 100 pounds of force on an occasional basis. The work requires the following physical abilities to perform the essential job functions: balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, feeling, fingering, grasping, handling, kneeling, lifting, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, standing, stooping, and visual acuity.

Work environment may involve exposure to bright/dim light, dusts and pollen, extreme heat and/or cold, wet or humid conditions, extreme noise levels, vibration, fumes and/or noxious odors, traffic, moving machinery, electrical shock, toxic/caustic chemicals, heights; and is relatively safe, secure, and stable.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Performs a variety of preventive maintenance duties as scheduled, including changing oil, lubricating, replacing hoses and belts, replacing brakes, checking lights, and tuning engines;
• Assists in diagnosing and performing mechanical repair work on automobiles, trucks and small engines, including repairing or replacing engines, fuel injection systems, electronic engine controls, electrical systems, brake systems, HVAC systems, computer systems, drivetrains, differentials, etc.;
• Repairs emergency services and law enforcement vehicles; installs and maintains specialized equipment on emergency vehicles as necessary;
• Performs welding and fabrication work as needed;
• Changes and repairs tires on vehicles;
• Checks tires for proper wear;
• Collects oil samples from vehicles as requested;
• Conducts road tests after repair work is completed to ensure that all vehicles are mechanically safe and function properly;
• Provides emergency field assistance to disabled vehicles;
• Picks up parts from vendors as necessary;
• Maintains records of work completed and parts used;
• Maintains assigned tools and equipment;
• Assists in maintaining a clean and orderly shop;
• Attends training, workshops, meetings, etc., as appropriate to maintain or enhance job knowledge and skills;and
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:

• High school diploma or GED;
• No prior experience;
• Valid South Carolina Class "D" Driver's License.
• Possess a mechanic's tool set

• Knowledge of basic addition and subtraction, such as making change or measuring;

• Ability to copy, transcribe, enter or post data or information;
• Ability to compare or inspect items against a standard;
• Ability to serve others such as customers, attending to their requests and exchanging information with them;
• Ability to speak or signal to people to convey or exchange information of a general nature;
• Ability to lead, operate or repair complex machinery or equipment that requires extended training and experience, such as vehicles, trucks, emergency vehicles and other mechanical equipment; may involve installation and testing. Involves operations of limited scope;
• Ability to perform skilled work involving rules/systems with almost constant problem-solving;
• Ability to read technical instructions, procedures, manuals and charts to solve practical problems; composing routine reports and specialized reports, forms and business letters with proper format; speaking compound sentences using normal grammar and word form;
• Ability to perform clerical, manual or technical tasks requiring a wide range of procedures and requiring intensive understanding of a restricted field or complete familiarity with the functions of a unit or small division of an operating agency; requires normal attention with short periods of concentration for accurate results or occasional exposure to unusual pressure; and
• Ability to guide others, requiring a few decisions affecting a few co-workers; works in a stable environment with clear and uncomplicated written/oral instructions but with some variations from the routine.