Lead Equipment Mechanic (CLOSED/PROMOTIONAL)

The Position

This recruitment is a closed/promotional opportunity for current City of Santee employees only. Under general supervision of the Fleet Supervisor, the Lead Equipment Mechanic leads and participates in a variety of routine to difficult technical and mechanic work involving the repair and maintenance of the City's fleet, including automobiles, trucks, graders and power driven, mechanical and diesel equipment, including fire vehicles and firefighting apparatus; and performs other related duties. This is an advanced journey-level class and incumbents are expected to perform the full range of assigned activities without detailed instructions as to specific procedures to be followed. ~This is a non-telecommuting position~

Representative Duties

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Plans, prioritizes, assigns, supervises, reviews and participates in the work of staff responsible for performing maintenance and repair work on City vehicles, automobiles, trucks, emergency response vehicles, and other light and heavy gasoline and diesel power-driven equipment;
• Inspects, adjusts and replaces necessary parts including wheel bearings, oil seals, shock absorbers, steering mechanisms, valves and pistons;
• Overhauls and repairs automobiles, light and heavy trucks, gasoline, diesel and small engines, firefighting apparatus, tractors, graders, backhoe/loader and other automotive and mechanical equipment;
• Performs the more advanced, technical, and complex tasks assigned, including troubleshooting and diagnosing complex vehicle problems and designing and fabricating special parts, tools and equipment;
• Establishes schedules and methods for providing fleet maintenance and repair services; identifies resource needs; reviews needs with appropriate management staff; allocates resources accordingly;
• Reads and interprets technical manuals, specifications, blueprints and schematic diagrams;
• Assumes responsibility for the purchase and control of parts and replacement equipment necessary to facilitate repairs and maintenance of vehicles; maintains an accurate inventory of parts and equipment;
• Monitors work performed by contractors to ensure it is performed according to specs and City standards;
• Trains and instructs less experienced employees in proper work methods, use of tools, and equipment and relevant safety precautions;
• Participates in the development of policies and procedures; monitors work activities to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures; makes recommendations for changes and improvements to existing standards and procedures; and
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of education and experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of this classification. An example would be:

EDUCATION: Graduation from high school or equivalent; and

EXPERIENCE: Four (4) years of recent journey-level experience in the overall repair of automotive, light and heavy power-driven equipment, including emergency response vehicles. Equipment repair experience with diesel and small engines is required.

*Recent experience working for a public agency is preferred.

A Level II or III Fire Mechanic certification from the Office of State Fire Marshal is highly desirable.

Applicants must possess a valid Level II Fire Mechanic certification through the Office of State Fire Marshal OR all of the following ASE certifications at time of application (copies must be attached): T1: Gasoline Engines T2: Diesel Engines T3: Drive Train T4: Brakes T5: Suspension and Steering T6: Electrical/Electronic Systems T7: A/C, Ventilation and Heat Systems T8: Preventive Maintenance Inspection Level II and III Fire Mechanic certification must be obtained by a date set at the Fleet Supervisor's discretion and maintained as a condition of employment.

*Recent is defined as relevant experience obtained within the last five years.

EVALUATION PROCESS: This recruitment is a closed/promotional opportunity for current City of Santee employees only. Interested applicants must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire by the closing deadline, which is Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Candidates whose qualifications most closely meet the needs of the City will be invited to participate in the recruitment process for this position. The City may change these testing and interview dates at its discretion due to departmental staffing and operational needs.

Special Requirements

The applicant selected will be subject to a criminal history investigation through the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and a thorough background check. A waiver for reference and background information must be completed.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Class B California driver's license at time of appointment. A Class A California driver's license is required within one year of hire and must be maintained for the period of employment. A safe driving record is required and must be maintained during period of employment. Mechanics must have available and use their own tools. Specialized tools will be supplied by the City.

Employees in this position are subject to mandatory drug and alcohol testing as required by the Department of Transportation. All prospective drivers must provide a copy of their current driving record at time of application. The applicant selected will have his or her DMV record signed, dated, and retained until receipt of his/her PNP record.

The applicant selected will be given a conditional offer of employment pending the outcome of a post-offer physical and drug test.

Additionally, applicants will be required to provide written authorization allowing the City to contact previous employers to determine if the applicant has previously tested positive for drugs or alcohol, or refused to submit for testing.

City of Santee employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.