Vehicle & Equipment Technician III (Public Works)

Public Works Vehicle & Equipment Technician III

The Public Works Vehicle & Equipment Technician III performs highly skilled, advanced, and complex technical work in the inspection, maintenance, and repair of diesel-powered heavy construction equipment, automotive equipment, City vehicles, school buses and/or other related equipment. Serves as a senior technician, mentoring lower-level technicians and providing instruction/advice. The work is performed under general supervision and reports to the Fleet Maintenance Supervisor.

The preferred hiring amount for this position is between $26.81 - $34.34 an hour ( $55,764.80 - $71,427.20 Annually). Starting offer is based on applicable education, experience, and internal equity. This full-time, non-exempt position that offers a comprehensive benefits package, including 13 paid holidays plus one floating holiday, vacation and sick leave, health insurance with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, gym membership reimbursement, tuition assistance, and professional development opportunities. This position is also eligible for the following benefits:

• Choice of retirement plan:
• Defined Benefit Pension Plan: Provides a monthly benefit upon retirement, calculated using a defined formula based on earnings history, years of service, and age. The plan includes a 5-year vesting period and requires an employee contribution of 5% of salary.
• Defined Contribution 401a Plan: Employer makes fixed contributions to an individual account, which are invested, and returns are credited to the account. The account balance is used to provide retirement benefits. Vesting occurs at 33% after one year, 67% after two years, and 100% after three years of service. No salary contribution is required.
• Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Eligibility to purchase prior service credit under the Defined Benefit Plan

The City of Charlottesville manages its own retirement system and does not participate in VRS; however, a Portability Agreement is available for eligible employees. For additional details, please refer to the "Benefits" tab within this posting or visit the City's Employee Benefits webpage.

As of March 28, 2024, this position is part of the Labor and Trades bargaining unit, as defined by the City's Collective Bargaining Ordinance (Ordinance No. 22-128). in accordance with the Labor and Trades Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) effective July 1, 2025. Future wage adjustments are subject to terms and conditions of the collective bargaining agreement between the City and the exclusive bargaining representative.

Note: This job opportunity is advertised with a closing date of "Continuous." If interested in being considered, an application should be submitted as soon as possible. Applications may no longer be considered once a reasonable number of applications has been received or once a candidate to fill the position is identified. Applications may be evaluated on a continuous basis and interviews may be conducted as soon as possible during the recruitment with candidates who are best qualified. This job announcement may close at any time after 7 calendar days.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The essential functions of the job are not limited to those listed in the job description. The City retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

• Performs difficult diagnoses, complex adjustments, and advanced repairs, overhauls, and services on heavy diesel-powered construction equipment, automotive equipment, City vehicles, school buses (public works), and/or related machinery.
• Removes, breaks down, and rebuilds components and assemblies, such as engines, multi-speed transmissions, electrical systems, air conditioning systems, hydraulic systems, and power trains.
• Performs repairs and scheduled preventative maintenance, including changing oil, checking fluid levels, cleaning and lubricating parts, and rotating tires.
• Operates shop equipment, machinery, precision instruments, specialized tools, and devices.
• Operates a City vehicle in the performance of the job duties, including test driving vehicles.
• Inspects vehicles for compliance with safety and emission control standards.
• Reads and interprets diagnostic test results to identify mechanical problems.
• Reviews appropriate checklists to ensure that all critical parts are examined.
• Identifies parts and develops procedures for corrective procedures.
• Meets with manufacturer and service representatives to discuss technical vehicle and equipment problems and ensures vehicles and systems are in accordance with contract specifications.
• Collaborates and/or recommends maintenance or repair processes and procedures for vehicles and equipment.
• Recommends when a major component or assembly is to be repaired, rebuilt, or discarded.
• Reads and interprets technical manuals and service/recall bulletins, investigates, and prepares service bulletins for fleet defect reports and may conduct associated training.
• Inspects and monitors work areas, examines tools and shop equipment and may assist in safety training to prevent, detect, and correct unsafe conditions or violations of procedures and safety rules.
• Maintains and follows appropriate procedures for recording data and notes within the department's work order system regarding inspections, test results, work performed, and parts used.
• Provides technical advice and assistance on difficult and complex work.
• May mentor, assist, and provide technical instruction to other technicians in diagnosing, tool use, and repair work.
• Follows safety instructions and attends appropriate safety training.
• Maintains the cleanliness and order of garage shop space, tire bay, and fuel stations.
• Inspects and maintains fuel stations including performing repairs and preventative maintenance as needed.
• Responds to road calls and emergency road repairs/tire repairs.
• May serve as lead in supervisor's absence.
• Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools, and other resources, including work time.
• Regular and reliable attendance.
• Subject to being called back to work to the City in emergencies, to include inclement weather and or special events, or as needed to provide necessary services to the public. Must have the ability to be contacted and respond based on Departmental guidelines.

Education, Experience and Skills

Education and Experience: Candidates may qualify by demonstrating the required knowledge and skills outline for the job through experience(s) other than formal education.

• Technical or trade school in automotive maintenance AND three (3) years of work experience in complex problem diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of a wide variety of light, medium, heavy, and automotive/specialized equipment.
• OR
• High school diploma or GED AND five (5) years of work experience in complex problem diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of a wide variety of light, medium, heavy, and automotive/specialized equipment.
• OR
• Seven (7) years of work experience in complex problem diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of a wide variety of light, medium, heavy, and automotive/specialized equipment.
• OR
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above.
• Preferred: ASE certification(s) in Medium/Heavy Truck and or School Bus preferred.
• Certifications/Licenses/Other Requirements:
• Required to successfully pass a pre-employment background check, pre-employment drug screen (Virginia Department of Transportation), pre-employment physical, and a pre-employment DMV driving record review.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and class B commercial driver's license (CDL) issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia or obtain one within six (6) months of employment start date; and maintain and acceptable driving record according to City criteria.
• Must be able to obtain a Virginia State Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection License from the MVIP (Motor Vehicle Inspection Program) within 6 months of hire.
• Subject to DOT drug and alcohol testing regulations.
• Required to provide basic tools to perform the job duties, as determined by the department.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics:
• Job Knowledge
• Thorough knowledge of laws and regulations governing the condition of vehicles and equipment, environmental laws governing refrigerant use.
• Advanced knowledge of the occupational hazards, safety requirements, methods, tools, and equipment, including electronic diagnostic equipment, used in the diagnoses and repair of complex mechanical issues of diesel-powered heavy construction equipment, automotive equipment, City vehicles, school buses (public works), and other related equipment.