Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Heavy Equipment Mechanic

If you are selected for interviews, they will take place in person on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, so please hold that date.

The successful candidate: The successful candidate for a Heavy Equipment Mechanic brings a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a team-first mindset. While technical skills are important, we're looking for someone who is dependable, easy to work with, and takes pride in doing quality work that supports the entire organization. This person communicates well, shows respect to coworkers, and is always willing to lend a hand or share knowledge. They have experience working on a wide range of vehicles, light and heavy equipment, including gasoline, diesel and electric powered systems. They're comfortable using diagnostic tools, fleet maintenance software, and are familiar with DOT and NFPA standards, but more importantly, they show up ready to work, learn, and contribute. The successful candidate is committed to safety, stays organized, and understands that maintaining fleet operations is a team effort. A California Class B driver's license with air brake and tanker endorsements (or willingness to obtain one within six months) is required. A Class A license and Fire Mechanic certifications are a plus. We're looking for someone who is interested in a career with the City, is committed, follows through, and cares about the people they work with just as much as the work itself.

Job Summary: Performs responsible preventative maintenance, skilled mechanical maintenance, and repair work related to a variety of heavy equipment such as the City's automotive fleet, heavy construction equipment, power-driven equipment and specialized fire apparatus vehicles and related equipment.

This job class functions at a journey level of classification.

Supervision Received and Exercised: Works under general supervision of the Fleet Maintenance Supervisor.

Examples of Duties: Performs maintenance needs and necessary repairs for all general fleet, heavy equipment, fire vehicles and related equipment. Performs heavy equipment and vehicle systems component failure analyses through use of scanner diagnostic software, tools and various power equipment to construct, repair, and modify parts and equipment. Completes and maintains vehicle and equipment service records, including time spent, materials used, and schedule of future work using a computerized system. Inspects, locates mechanical defects and performs general maintenance to all City fleet including fire apparatus vehicles, trucks, tractors, mowers, loaders, rollers, and other types of heavy mechanical equipment. Maintains operating efficiency of City fleet, fire apparatus vehicles and related equipment and heavy construction equipment. Performs specialized mechanical repair work on vacuum trucks, fuel island equipment, and other equipment as assigned. Performs safety inspections on City vehicles, golf carts, heavy trucks, cranes, electrical equipment, fire apparatus and related equipment. Performs inspection and conformity to required Department of Transportation standards for commercial vehicles. Responds to emergency callouts and performs emergency field repairs on City vehicles, fire apparatus, and related equipment. Fabricates, modifies and installs special equipment and replacement parts using mills, lathes, welders, torch set, plasma cutter and metal cutting saws. Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required.

Knowledge and Abilities: Knowledge of standard practice, methods, materials and tools used in the repair and maintenance of light and heavy duty gasoline and diesel equipment including the City's general fleet, fire vehicle apparatus, pumps, hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Basic record keeping and work order system procedures. Methods used in Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG), Metal Inert Gas (MIG), and arc welding. Working knowledge of diagnostic software as it relates to general automotive fleet, fire apparatus and heavy vehicle equipment. Department of Transportation and N.F.P.A. standards for commercial and fire vehicles. City-wide safety policy and practices and adheres to responsibilities concerning safety prevention, reporting and monitoring. Basic computer skills using Microsoft Windows Office Suite applications and computerized fleet work order systems. Ability to operate a variety of heavy construction equipment. Inspect light and heavy gasoline and diesel equipment to locate malfunctions and make proper repairs in a timely manner. Perform minor and major mechanical repairs on automotive, construction, power-driven equipment, fire apparatus and related equipment. Use mechanic tools and diagnostic equipment with skill and safety. Understand and diagnose modern automotive, heavy construction equipment, including computerized engine, transmission and brake systems. Establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance or required duties.

Typical Qualifications: Education and Experience: High school diploma or G.E.D.; and four years of experience as a mechanic diagnosing and repairing general automotive, heavy construction equipment, and/or fire apparatus vehicles and related equipment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Possession and Maintenance of: A valid California Class "B" driver's license with an air brake and tanker endorsement within six months of hire. A valid California Class "A" driver's license is desirable. California State Fire Marshal certified Fire Mechanic Level 1 and/or 2 is desirable. This position will be required to complete the following before a final offer is made: Pre-employment Physical, Pre-employment DOT Drug Screening, Livescan Fingerprinting - DOJ.

Equal Opportunity & Language Access Notice: The City of San Luis Obispo values diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are committed to fostering a community where all individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and inclusion, and where everyone can thrive. Our job posting site is compatible with tools such as Google Translate, which applicants may use to view postings in their preferred language. Please note that all application materials and responses must be submitted in English, as English is the working language of the City.