Lead Mechanic

Salary: $28.92 - $31.40 Hourly
Location : City of Sioux Falls, SD
Job Type: General AFSCME
Job Number: 202600152
Department: Public Works
Division: Fleet
Opening Date: 09/22/2026
Closing Date: 10/7/2026 5:00 PM Central


Job Summary
Under general supervision, perform as a working lead mechanic in coordinating, repairing, maintaining, and overhauling gasoline- and/or diesel-powered automotive and heavy equipment. Schedule, assign, and direct equipment repair work to mechanic staff. Perform and provide technical assistance for skilled mechanical duties, including the repair, maintenance, and inspection of both gasoline and diesel automotive and heavy equipment used by City departments. .

Job Responsibilities
1. Schedule and assign equipment repair work to mechanic staff based on current workloads and provide assistance and guidance to mechanic staff to ensure repair work is completed in a timely and efficient manner. Evaluate, analyze, and test automotive systems to determine nature and extent of needed repairs; estimate and/or document time and labor hours necessary to complete repairs; initiate vehicle DOT safety check; and assist in repairs and overhauls of all systems found in trucks, automobiles, and construction equipment. Assist in repairs of the following equipment: electrical, compressed air, heating/cooling, hydraulic, and transmission.

2. Maintain daily records of parts and materials used in, and repairs made to, vehicles and equipment. Maintain tools and equipment in a safe, clean, and usable condition.

3. Perform and direct scheduled and unscheduled repairs, inspections, tune-ups, and overhauls on automotive and heavy gasoline and diesel equipment, including automobiles, trucks, tractors, rollers, sweepers, snowblowers, loaders, blades, bulldozers, scrapers, seeders, mowers, and other light and heavy construction equipment. This may include adjusting, repairing, and/or replacing hydraulics, fuel systems, brakes, drivetrains and transmissions, cooling and heating systems, body and chassis, steering systems, electrical systems, exhaust systems, conveyors, wheels, axles, tires, suspension systems, computer and sensor systems, etc.

4. Perform routine preventive maintenance and repair on City vehicles and equipment, including repair and replacement of brooms, skids, cutting edges, brakes, drive chains, conveyors, lights, batteries, safety equipment, etc.

5. Direct and/or design, weld, adapt, fabricate, and rebuild specialized equipment and tools; modify and redesign existing equipment; and repair and maintain stationary mechanical equipment.

6. Assist in purchasing parts and materials; collect data and organize material for budget requests and maintain detailed computerized maintenance records. May assist in the development of specifications for new vehicles and maintenance equipment.

7. Assist in the training and direction of permanent or temporary employees. Coordinate shop activities as required by, or in the absence of, the Fleet Supervisor or Fleet Manager.

8. Perform snow and ice control and removal procedures, including plowing, sanding, spreading deicing chemicals, loading trucks, hauling snow, shoveling sidewalks, or assisting mechanics in the maintenance of snow removal equipment.

9. Perform other such duties and functions as are necessary or incidental to the proper performance of this position.

Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from high school or GED certification supplemented by two (2) years' related specialized education or vocational equipment training and six (6) years' experience in the automotive/truck maintenance industry, with at least three (3) of the six (6) years' experience at the journeyman level; or any such combination of education, experience, and training as may be acceptable to the hiring authority.

Willing to work varied schedules to accommodate a 24-hour-per-day, 7-day-per-week operation.

Must possess or be able to obtain within 90 days of hire a valid Class B commercial driver's license with tanker endorsement.

Must obtain within 18 months of hire a Master Certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), either in Automobile/Light Truck or Medium/Heavy Truck (Class 4 or above).

Must possess or be able to obtain, prior to hire, a CFC-12, Refrigerant Recycling and Service (MACS) certification (or equal) for the purpose of handling Freon gases.

Must maintain required certifications throughout employment.

Supplemental Information

• Knowledge of the methods, techniques, equipment, hand and power tools, plus materials used in the maintenance and repair of light- and heavy-duty vehicles. A working knowledge of preventive maintenance.
• Knowledge of supervision at the lead level to include computerized record keeping procedures.
• Knowledge of the standard practices, methods, tools, and materials of mechanical trades.
• Knowledge and ability in the use of bench and hand tools, machines, and equipment of the mechanical trades.
• Knowledge of metal working, welding, machinist, and related mechanical trade operations.
• Knowledge and ability in the operation of some types of light and heavy equipment.
• Knowledge of electrical equipment and instrumentation.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards connected with hazardous materials and general maintenance operations.
• Knowledge of the safe and efficient use and care of tools and equipment used in testing, diagnosing, measuring, aligning, maintaining, and repairing automotive, mechanical, and electrical equipment, including electronic control systems.
• Ability to establish work priorities and plan and schedule projects.
• Ability to perform work in accordance with established time and safety standards; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers.
• Skill in the construction, assembly, installation, and repair of machinery and equipment.
• Ability to work from sketches, blueprints, manuals, and drawings and to understand and carry out effectively oral and written instructions.
• Knowledge of computers and various Microsoft software programs.

The City of Sioux Falls takes pride in being an Employer of Choice including our Culture, Values, and Compensation and Benefits. Apply today to become part of ONE Team and help us take care of today for a better tomorrow!

• Competitive salary with other public and industry positions, including step advancements.
• The City participates in the South Dakota Retirement System . Employees receive a 6% match . Additionally, employees may choose to enroll in a Deferred Compensation Plan.
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Competitive rates for single, 2-party, and family.
• 11 paid holidays and 2 personal leave days each calendar year.
• New employees are granted 40 hours of vacation at time of hire and accrue an additional 2 weeks in their first year.
• Sick leave accrues over 96 hours per year.
• The City of Sioux Falls is an eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.