Mechanic I

City of Kirkland, WA; Kirkland (WA); On-site; USD 74,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking city as a Mechanic I in the Public Works Department! This entry-level position offers a chance to learn from experienced mechanics while contributing to the maintenance of a diverse fleet of vehicles. With a strong focus on community and innovation, the City of Kirkland provides a supportive work environment and competitive wages. Enjoy unmatched benefits, including childcare programs and career development opportunities. If you're passionate about mechanics and customer service, this is the perfect opportunity to grow your skills in a vibrant community.

Benefits

Competitive Wages

Awesome Benefits

Childcare Programs

Training and Career Development

Qualifications

• High school education or equivalent required.
• Previous mechanic experience desired, or relevant education.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventive maintenance on City vehicles and equipment.
• Assist with repairs and maintenance of City vehicles.
• Maintain accurate records of vehicle maintenance.

Skills

Mechanical Skills

Customer Service

Troubleshooting

Communication Skills

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Tools

Hand Tools

Power Tools

Job description

Employer

City of Kirkland

Salary

$74,674.50 - $87,856.08 Annually

Location

Kirkland WA 98033, WA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

202100610

Location

Public Works - Maint. Center Fleet Crew

Opening Date

04/15/2025

Closing Date

Continuous

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

TEAM

Job Summary

The City of Kirkland's Public Works Department is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our Fleet team as a Mechanic I. In this entry-level position, you will work under the guidance of experienced mechanics, learning how to troubleshoot and diagnose repairs and work on various types of equipment.

Why Work for Kirkland?
Ranked as one of the most livable cities in America, Kirkland is an attractive and inviting place to live, work, and visit. We have big city vision while maintaining a small-town, community feel. If you are a candidate with the desire to join an organization looking to innovate into the future, the City of Kirkland is the place for you!

If you ask our employees why they love where they work, they'll tell you about the great people, work environment, supportive management and City Council, and fearless innovation.

We also invest in you!
Competitive Wages: We strive to maintain competitive compensation packages and work to provide wages that meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities of our employees.

Awesome Benefits: The City offers benefits that are unmatched by most other employers. Please click on the benefits tab above to view more details.

Childcare Programs: To help address the challenge of finding reliable childcare, the City of Kirkland has reserved spots for City employees at local and regional service providers, available at a discount. New employees gain access to Kirkland's reserved spots as soon as they start employment. Learn more!

Training and Career Development: The City of Kirkland believes in developing its employees. You will have access to training opportunities designed for career development and advancement based on your position, skills, and interests.

Job Summary

The role of the Mechanic I is to provide safe, reliable, timely, and productive vehicles and work equipment to the staff of all City Departments. Contributes to the maintenance and operations of City vehicles. Performs labor under the supervision of other Mechanics as part of a coordinated Fleet Team of professionals to provide superior customer service to all customers.

Responsible for achieving a high level of mechanical operational readiness of a diverse fleet of vehicles and equipment through assisting other Mechanics with upfitting, maintenance, and repair of emergency response, construction-type, and staff vehicles Will be called upon to assist, back-up, or work with other departments in accordance with workload levels. Diverse fleet of vehicles and equipment includes, but is not limited to, fire, police patrol, prisoner transport, special response, motorcycles, dump trucks, street sweepers, educator trucks, man lift trucks, paving equipment, custom trucks, backhoes, excavators, hybrids, dedicated propane vans/trucks, scooters, wide-area mowers, riding mowers, snow removal equipment, and staff passenger vehicles.

Distinguishing Characteristics: The Mechanic I is the entry level position in the series. Upon obtaining the skills and knowledge of a Mechanic II and a Combination Driver's License, the incumbent will progress to the Mechanic II classification.

Essential Functions: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job descriptiondoesnotconstituteanemploymentagreementandissubjecttochangeatanytimebythe employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Performs preventive maintenance on City vehicles and equipment, including lube and oil, brakes, filters, hoses, batteries, emission testing, and other systems to protect the assets to ensure safety and reliability.
• Assists with minor repairs and maintenance of City vehicles.
• Repairs and change tires on city equipment.
• Assists with upfits on new and existing vehicles and associated equipment with such things as toolboxes, racks and emergency lighting, radio and mobile computer mounting to meet City needs.
• Assists with performing safety checks and inspections on City vehicles and equipment; adjusts, repairs, and replaces parts as necessary; ensures vehicles meet state and local standards for public transportation and safety compliance.
• Operates a variety of equipment and machinery.
• Maintains accurate records of maintenance, brake inspections, tires, oil changes, battery changes and tune-ups, and replaced parts.
• Assists with preparing vehicles for auction and salvage of surplus equipment.
• Maintains shop area, equipment, and tools in a safe, clean and orderly manner.
• Operates common software programs such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases and maintenance management systems.
• Assists in maintaining the shop parts inventory.
• Fosters a positive and supportive work environment; promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace, contributing to an environment of respectful living and working in a multicultural society.

Peripheral Duties:

• Performs functions as assigned in the City's emergency response plan in the event of an emergency. Be available for emergency response and after-hours responsibilities.
• Maintains excellent communications with customers across all departments and organizational levels to include e-mail, phone, and face-to-face contact.
• Utilizes a work order system to maintain accurate vehicle cost, and history by vehicle. Utilizes a computerized fleet equipment management system.
• All other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Obtain knowledge of gas and diesel-powered trucks and heavy equipment, electrical installation and charging, hydraulics, braking systems (including air brakes), lighting installation, transmissions, and pumps. This will be achieved by work closely with upper-level Mechanics and mentors.
• Obtain the ability to troubleshoot and accurately diagnose mechanical and electrical repairs, including the use of a variety of hand and fixed power tools and equipment.
• Good customer service and communications skills.
• Basic familiarity with PC-based applications and operating systems.
• Ability to lift 20-50 pounds.
• Ability to use a variety of hand and fixed power tools and equipment in making repairs.
• Ability to drive various types of equipment and vehicles.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: High school education or equivalent.
• Experience: Previous mechanic's experience desired.
• Or: In place of the above requirements, the incumbent may possess any combination of relevant education and experience which would demonstrate the individual's knowledge, skill, and ability to proficiently perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above.

Licenses and Other Requirements:

• Must have a valid Washington State Driver's license and ability to remain insurable under the City's insurance to operate motor vehicles.
• Once an incumbent meets the following criteria, they will move automatically to the Mechanic II position:
  • The proven skills and knowledge of a Mechanic II.
  • Possess a Combination Driver's License (Class A) with tanker endorsement.
• Upon hire, must provide own tool kit consisting of standard and metric, open-end and socket wrenches. Open-end wrenches must be standard size 1/4" through 1-1/4", metric size 6 mm through 22 mm. Socket sets 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" drive, standard size 1/4" through 1-1/4", metric size 6 mm through 22 mm. Various pliers, screwdrivers and other hand tools required to perform the essential function of the job must be part of the kit.

Other

Physical Demands and Working Environment:
Primarily performs repairs and maintenance in a service bay and performs other minor repairs in the field during inclement weather. Hazards might include exposure to combustible and poisonous fumes; burns from hot surfaces, welding arc and acid; high noise from tools and vehicles; high pressure hydraulic or water or lines and hoses; and slipping on oily surfaces.

Selection Process

Position requires a resume and cover letter for consideration of application. Please note how you meet minimum qualifications within the cover letter. Applicants who are selected for next steps in the hiring process will be invited by phone or e-mail. Candidates are encouraged to apply at the earliest possible date as screening, interviewing, and hiring decisions will be made through the recruitment period, until such time as the vacancy is filled.

The City of Kirkland is a welcoming community where every person can thrive and grow. We value diversity, inclusion, belonging, and work together to support our community. We do this by solving problems, focusing on the customer, and respecting all people who come into the City whether to visit, live, or work. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to creating a workforce that does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. We encourage qualified applicants of all backgrounds and identities to apply to our job postings. Persons with a disability who need reasonable accommodations in the application or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call 425-587-3210 or Telecommunications Device for the Deaf 711.