Fire Apparatus Technician I

Fire Apparatus Technician I

The County of Riverside's Fire Department has an opportunity for a Fire Apparatus Technician I who will be assigned to the Fleet Division in Perris.

The Fire Apparatus Technician I is assigned to maintain, diagnose and make necessary repairs on fire apparatus and related equipment in the field, often under adverse conditions, or in a repair shop under the supervision of a shop supervisor. While on field assignment, the Fire Apparatus Technician I, must determine whether the equipment can be repaired in the field or must be sent to the garage for repairs.

Competitive candidates will possess demonstrated experience in the maintenance, diagnosis, and repair of 1500 GPM fire-service water pumps on fire apparatus. Additionally, experience and comprehensive knowledge in the maintenance, repair, diagnosis, and troubleshooting of gasoline- and diesel-powered trucks, air brake systems, and heavy-duty vehicles is highly desired.

The Fire Apparatus Technician I is distinguished from the Fire Apparatus Technician II in that the former is the first working level in which assigned incumbents may undergo the process of meeting and maintaining the educational and certification requirements set forth in the California State Fire Training Procedures Manual for Emergency Vehicle Technician I (Fire Pumps and Accessories), whereas incumbents assigned to the latter class have met these requirements and may undergo certification at the Emergency Vehicle Technician II level. Incumbents are required to fulfill and maintain the educational and certification requirements of California Emergency Vehicle Technician I within two years from date of hire. The Fire Apparatus Technician I is a natural progression underfill for the class of Fire Apparatus Technician II.

Meet the Team! The Riverside County Fire Department is one of California's largest integrated, cooperative, regional fire protection organizations. The Department, a unique partnership between State of California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and the County of Riverside, serves 19 partner agencies and 1 community service district. The Department has five core values: Leadership, Competence, Integrity, Safety, and Customer Service.

Examples Of Essential Duties

• Inspect, diagnose and repair mechanical failures and defects in fire apparatus and other equipment.
• Adjust, repair, replace, or overhaul a variety of diesel and automotive engines, transmissions, clutches, rear ends, differentials, transfer cases, hydraulic brake systems, axles, pumps, injectors, carburetors, final drives, sprockets, rollers, and truck and steering systems.
• Maintain, diagnose and repair electrical defects, repairing or replacing starting motors, generators, and ignition systems; repair and overhaul fire suppression components and related equipment.
• Perform complete fabricating and repairing to repair, alter, or maintain Fire Department equipment and trucks; perform complete routine maintenance including oil changes and lubrication services; perform California Highway Patrol (CHP) 90-day compliance inspections and fire pump tests.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience: Completion of an accredited heavy equipment mechanic apprenticeship-training program or successful completion of the California Fire Mechanics Academy, Inc. Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) I course of instruction. One year of successful experience as a Heavy Equipment Mechanic or Senior Heavy Equipment Mechanic with Riverside County, or an equivalent class in another jurisdiction may substitute for mechanic apprenticeship or Fire Mechanic I certification.

License: The department will permit the selected candidate to obtain the required licensure within six months of hire. Candidates must possess or be able to obtain within six months of hire, a valid California Class A or Class B Commercial Driver's License, depending on the area of assignment.

This position has been designated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) as safety-sensitive, applicants are required to complete a DOT mandated alcohol and drug-screening. (A positive test or refusal to test during the past two years will disqualify an applicant from consideration for County employment). Reference checks from former DOT regulated employers are also required. Employees in safety-sensitive positions are subject to DOT alcohol/drug testing in the following situations: random, reasonable suspicion/cause, return-to-duty, and post-accident.

Knowledge of: Principles of gasoline and diesel engines; heavy equipment maintenance and repair; methods, tools, equipment, and parts used in the repair and maintenance of construction equipment; operation and application of mechanical diagnostic equipment.

Ability to: Perform repair and maintenance work on heavy equipment; diagnose and repair mechanical defects in a variety of heavy-duty gasoline and diesel construction equipment in both the field and shop; operate equipment used in repairing or servicing construction equipment; read and understand shop manuals and mechanical diagrams; follow written and oral directions; perform work safely; work with minimal supervision.