Motor Equipment Mechanic I - County Administration, Central Services, Central Fleet Division

Motor Equipment Mechanic I

Howard County: Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community. Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2025, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 83 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) the highest number of annual NACo awards achieved in the history of the State of Maryland, and the highest number of awards out of any county in the State of Maryland which received a collective 136 awards. NACo is the leading organization representing county-level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policymaking. What are we looking for? We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations. What you'll like most about working at Howard County Government:

• We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.
• We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged!
• We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs.
• As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.

POSITION SUMMARY: Performs journeyman level work in the maintenance and repair of a wide variety of turf equipment, to include light to heavy duty automotive equipment in a County shop. Work under the supervision of a Motor Equipment Mechanic II or a technical superior. Current daily work hours are: 06:30am - 3:00pm. STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE: $26.05 - $26.71 $54,181 - $55,552 CLASS DESCRIPTION: Performs journeyman level work in the maintenance and repair of a wide variety of automotive equipment. Work is performed with general supervision from a trades superior. Assignments are stable in nature and are carried out in accordance with accepted trades standards and applicable regulations. An employee in this class performs vehicle and equipment repair and maintenance tasks and assists master mechanics in the most unusual or complex assignments. Contacts with others are on a routine basis, including contacts with vendors and other County employees.

***Please note that this position falls within a collective bargaining unit and is represented by AFSCME Local 3085, Local 3888, or Local 1810. ***

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Equipment Inspection, Diagnosis and Testing:

• Inspects malfunctioning automotive and heavy construction equipment to determine cause of malfunction.
• Performs complete engine tune-ups and wheel alignments using standard testing equipment.
• May be required to road test equipment.

Mechanical Repair and Maintenance:

• Adjusts, repairs, or replaces components such as brakes, steering systems, lamps, belts, hoses, fuel systems, pumps, and tires.
• Performs maintenance and repair on heavy and light equipment, trucks, and other vehicles.
• Replaces batteries, alternators, generators, air-conditioning units, motors, and related components.
• Performs routine mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic system repairs.

• May work on hydrostatic, direct drive, or drive-belt operated grounds maintenance equipment.
• May repair small and light equipment such as chainsaws, electric motors, lawn mowers, and weed eaters.

Shop operations and Tool Maintenance:

• Performs routine shop duties and maintains tools and shop equipment.

Recordkeeping and Administrative Tasks:

• Maintains records of time and materials used on each job, equipment conditions, and repairs performed.
• Enters job information into fleet management computer systems.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to completion of the twelfth school grade and completion of an approved apprenticeship in automotive maintenance OR four (4) years of experience as an automotive mechanic's helper. Possession or eligibility to obtain a Maryland Class B driver's license. May require possession of such licensure during tenure of employment as a Motor Equipment Mechanic I, if required by work assignment. PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the methods, materials, tools, and practices of the automotive mechanic trade and construction equipment.
• Knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions of the work.
• Knowledge of the use, operation, maintenance, and repair of heavy equipment and other vehicles.
• Skill in locating and determining the cause of automotive and construction equipment malfunctions.
• Skill in adjusting defects in motor equipment.
• Skill in the use and care of tools employed in the automotive mechanic trade.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions, to include reading and interpreting automotive maintenance manuals furnished by the manufacturer or online applications (Alldata or Shop pro).
• Ability to complete routine reports of work accomplished.
• Ability to learn theory and maintenance of diesel, hydraulic, air and water engines.
• Ability to learn and use computerized fleet management system.
• May require proficiency in welding as demonstrated by the successful passage of tests as appropriate.
• ASE or EVT certification preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. This position is designated as Emergency and Essential and may be subject to mandatory call-in during any emergency or inclement weather situation as determined by the Bureau Chief. The employee may be required to remain at the work-site for several consecutive days or longer under emergency conditions.

LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS, AND REASONING ABILITY: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization. Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

To apply: You must complete an employment application online to be considered for this recruitment. Resumes cannot be substituted for completion of the job application work history. No paper applications will be accepted.

Selected candidates may be subject to drug screening, background screening, and reference checks.

At time of application, please submit a copy of any college degree, coursework, licenses, or certifications that you have referenced on your application. Applicants who have education obtained outside of the U.S. may need to provide proof of the equivalent U.S. education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service, such as the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services ( or World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation (