MECHANIC II (GSD)

City of Houston, TX; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Houston is seeking a skilled MECHANIC II to install, maintain, and repair engine-driven generator systems across City facilities. This role covers diesel and natural gas generators from 12kW to 750kW, with emphasis on preventive maintenance, diagnostics, and compliant repairs.

Responsibilities include documenting maintenance actions, supporting emergency services, and ensuring cost-effective management of assets.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Two years in automotive, diesel, or heavy equipment maintenance/repair.
• Valid Texas Class C driver's license on hire; Class A/B CDL within 6 months.
• Must achieve Texas State Vehicle Inspector certification within 6 months.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine service, hands-on repairs, diagnostics, and safety-compliant onsite and shop work under supervision.
• Perform preventive maintenance on diesel/natural gas engines (12kW–750kW), engines, compressors and related equipment.
• Respond to reports of operational issues; perform testing and diagnostics to determine repair action.
• Replace/repair components of generator systems; rebuild as needed.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Diagnostics

Data analysis

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Applications accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

Division: Operations

Report Location: Various

Workdays & Hours: Monday - Friday, 7am - 4pm Subject to change

The General Services Department’s mission is to provide City leadership in managing facilities, equipment, supplies, maintenance, and other support services to elected officials, departments, and residents in a safe, reliable, and efficient manner. The Property Management Division provides comprehensive facility HVAC-mechanical, electrical, plumbing support services that allow other city departments and elected officials to focus on their core missions.

The City of Houston is seeking a skilled professional responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of engine-driven generator systems. This technician/mechanic will work on various units that run on diesel or natural gas—from small residential backup generators to complex industrial systems powering various City owned facilities including City fire and police stations and community serving multi-service centers.

This role is responsible for tracking preventive and planned maintenance, unplanned and emergency maintenance/repair actions, troubleshooting and diagnostics, testing, documentation, on-call support, risks, and other key control metrics to ensure the timely and cost-effective management of City assets. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical knowledge, blueprint reading, physical stamina, data analysis, problem solving skills, and experience supporting diverse maintenance teams.

The mission is to provide the City of Houston with best value, property management services. To accomplish GSD’s mission and to meet the various needs of our clients, we are actively seeking a MECHANIC II who takes extreme pride in their technical skills, exhibits exemplary ethical behavior, and thrives in performing preventative maintenance, basic diagnostics, and routine repairs to City power generator assets.

The purpose of the Mechanic II (Mechanical) position is to perform routine service, hands-on repairs, diagnostics, and safety-compliant onsite and shop work under supervision. This position makes an immediate impact and adds value towards the achievement of the department's goals.

MECHANIC II Duties

• Perform preventative maintenance activities to natural gas and diesel engine power generators (ranging from 12kW to 750kW), engine driven compressors, and other small engine equipment, including but not limited to oil and filter changes, servicing of lubricant and fluid levels, component wear inspection, and systems testing.
• Respond to reports of operational/conditional issues with natural gas and diesel engine power generators. Performs system testing and diagnostics to determine cause and course of repair action.
• Replace failed natural gas and diesel engine power generator components of all complexity levels.
• Rebuild complex natural gas and diesel engine power generator components as needed.
• Service natural gas and diesel engine power generators as needed at site locations and at the maintenance hub/shop when applicable.
• Advise mechanical staff on complex repair issues as needed.
• Help estimate labor and materials, monitor job costs, and take ownership of maintenance and repair projects through completion according to standard operating procedures.
• Ability to support emergency service needs, including overtime and rotating on-call coverage when required.
• Use tools and equipment such as electronic and mechanical diagnostic equipment, torque wrenches, feeler gauges, flare nut wrenches, dial calipers, hoists, jacks, and a variety of hand and power tools.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment. Perform housekeeping duties. Observe environmental and hazardous material procedures. Work safely and follows all safety procedures.
• Stays abreast of current/new technology relevant to the position.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

There is routine exposure to significant levels of heat, cold moisture and air pollution. The position may involve periodic exposure to chemical substances and physical trauma of a minor nature such as cuts bruises and minor burns. The position involves considerable physical exertion, such as regular holding your arms above your head or out in front of you for long periods, kneeling and squatting, constant high-decibel roar and the vibration from a running industrial engine, and lifting of heavy objects (up to 80 pounds) on a highly frequent basis and/or assuming awkward positions for long periods of time.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

High school degree of GED equivalent.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

Driver's License Requirement: Valid Texas Class C upon hire.

Class A or B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) within 6-months of employment.

Must comply with the City of Houston's policy on driving.

Required Certifications: Must achieve certification as Texas State Vehicle Inspector within 6 months of employment.

May be required to achieve Emergency Vehicle Technician certification.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Two years’ experience of automotive, diesel and/or heavy-equipment maintenance/repair with at least one year as a skilled mechanic experience is required

OR

Two years of full-time, secondary vocational education in automotive, diesel, and/or heavy equipment (off road) technology.

May be required to achieve Generator Technician Certification (Apprentice).

**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6. **

SELECTION/SKILLS TEST REQUIRED

The selection process will involve application review and/or interview. The department may administer a skill assessment.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION

YES – This position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

SALARY INFORMATION

Pay Grade - 15

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.