Equipment Mechanic I/II (Open and Promotional)

Equipment Mechanic I/II

The Department of Public Works seeks well-qualified candidates for the position of Equipment Mechanic I/II. Equipment Mechanics work in the Vehicle and Equipment Services Section of the Public Works Department and perform various road construction equipment maintenance and repair tasks which include the full range of lubrication and basic repair services. Vehicles and equipment include heavy diesel and gasoline-powered trucks, tractors, bulldozers, graders, rollers, compressors, service trucks, and other off-road construction equipment. The current vacancy is located at Grant Yard in Redwood City, CA. The ideal candidate will possess experience in the repair and maintenance of heavy diesel-powered construction equipment and gasoline and alternative fuel vehicles and equipment. The ideal candidate can work independently and as part of a team, follow written and oral directions, provide excellent customer service, and communicate effectively with both customers and co-workers. Equipment Mechanic I is the entry-level class of the equipment mechanic series performing primarily less skilled heavy equipment service and repair related duties. As proficiency is gained more complex duties are assigned. This class is flexibly staffed with Equipment Mechanic II and incumbents are expected to advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating the required proficiency. Equipment Mechanic II is the journey level class performing a full range of work in the overhaul and repair of heavy diesel and gasoline-powered construction equipment. This involves the inspection and troubleshooting of equipment, diagnosis of mechanical problems, and the initiation and follow-through of required repairs. Employees also provide on-the-job training and instruction to Equipment Mechanics I. The salary range for Equipment Mechanic I is $86,465.60 - $108,076.80 annually. The salary range for Equipment Mechanic II is $103,396.80 - $129,230.40 annually.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Overhaul smaller gasoline and diesel engines.
• Replace bearings, adjust and repair electrical and fuel systems.
• Replace wheel cylinders, reline and adjust brakes.
• Inspect and replace shock absorbers, tie rods, ball joints, king pins, idler arms, and steering arms.
• Inspect, repair and replace master cylinders, wheel cylinders, pads, linings, calipers, drums, shoes and brake drum rotors.
• Clean and pack wheel bearings, and U-joints.
• Install, inspect, repair and replace electrical and ignition systems, including generators, alternators, voltage regulators, batteries and emergency equipment.
• Install, inspect, repair and replace fuel systems including pumps, filters, and carburetors.
• Perform routine tune-ups of vehicles, which include replacing air cleaner, spark plugs, points, and condenser; inspect, repair or replace wires, belts, distributors; clean and adjust the carburetor and set the timing.
• Adjust and repair grader blade and loader bucket assemblies.
• Remove and replace tracks, engines, motors, bearings and other component parts.
• Inspect, operate and repair all hydraulic equipment.
• Fabricate parts, brackets, tools and other equipment.
• Cut and weld using oxy-acetylene and electric arc equipment.
• Make repairs of equipment in field when necessary.
• Drive transport vehicles to move equipment.
• Lube chassis, door and hood hinges, door locks and padlocks check and maintain fluid levels, change oil and oil filters.
• Inspect, clean and service air cleaners.
• Repair, mount and balance tubes and tires and rotate tires as needed.
• Inspect, test and replace batteries, cables and terminals.
• Steam clean vehicle exterior, engine compartment and other components.
• Inspect, replace and repair cooling system, radiator, pump, thermostats, belts and hoses.
• Inspect, repair and replace exhaust system muffler and exhaust pipes.
• Inspect engine, transmission and differential for leaks and cracks; refer to supervisor if found and complete a repair sheet.
• Inspect and adjust clutch for free play.
• Install seat belts and inspect for wear.
• Perform minor repairs to parts of engine and/or replace them.
• Inspect and adjust or replace door, hood, trunk latches.
• Replace minor parts such as gauges, warning light bulbs, fuses, windshield wiper blades, radiator and gas tank caps; replace and adjust headlights and taillights.
• Complete repair sheets noting parts and labor hours used.
• Prepare records and reports.
• Perform emissions inspections and certifications.
• Observe safety regulations, work in such a manner to avoid hazardous situations, and bring potential hazards to supervisor's attention.
• Make service calls using shop vehicle lubrication truck.
• Drive and operate forklift.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Mechanical maintenance and repair of diesel, gasoline and electric powered road maintenance and construction equipment.
• Methods, tools, materials and equipment used in servicing and repairing diesel, gasoline and electric powered road and maintenance and construction equipment.
• Tools and modern testing equipment required for repair and maintenance of equipment.
• Capabilities and operation of road maintenance and construction equipment.
• Proper condition of various automotive and equipment parts, and procedures for ensuring proper condition and operation.
• Safety rules, procedures and practices pertaining to the use and repair of heavy equipment and in the operation of a repair shop.

Skill/Ability to:

• Perform complex service and repair work on diesel, gasoline and electric powered road maintenance and construction equipment.
• Use heavy equipment repair tools, including mechanic's hand tools, air wrenches, cooling system tester, volt-ohm meter, grease gun, tire balancer, tire changer and floor jack.
• Use specialized diagnostic equipment.
• Use oxy-acetylene and stick-welding equipment.
• Use drill press, grinding machine and metal lathe.
• Use chassis lubrication equipment
• Perform heavy manual labor.
• Read and interpret shop manuals to perform mechanical repair.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Follow safety rules, procedures and practices.
• Work courteously and effectively with the public and with co-workers.
• Bend, stand and walk for extended periods of time and lift and carry equipment and supplies used in the course of the work, such as cylinder heads, one-ton truck tires, and air impact wrenches.
• Meet U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) drug and alcohol testing requirements and standards for holder of commercial driver's license.

Education and Experience: Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:

Equipment Mechanic I: Two years of experience performing heavy construction equipment maintenance, repair, and service.

Equipment Mechanic II: Three years of experience as a journey-level equipment mechanic and demonstrated proficiency in the repair and maintenance of a wide variety of heavy equipment.

Licensure/Certification: Possession and maintenance of a valid California Commercial Learner's Permit at the time of appointment is required if a California Class A Commercial Driver's License with tank vehicle and hazardous materials endorsements is not held; and must obtain and maintain a valid California Class A Commercial Driver's License with tank vehicle and hazardous materials endorsement within six months of hire.

Open & Promotional. Anyone may apply. Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, or extra-help/limited term position prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination.

The examination process will consist of an application screening (weight: Pass/Fail) based on the candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a Performance Exam (weight: 100%). Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination.

All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California and applicants must participate at their own expense. IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply" button. If you are not on the County's website, please go to to apply. Responses to the