Mechanic

Mechanic Position in Public Works Department

The City of Berkeley invites you to apply for the position of Mechanic in the Public Works Department! In this role, you will have the opportunity to work on a variety of equipment including heavy and light trucks, construction equipment, automobiles, other vehicles, and small gasoline engines. The City maintains over 550 vehicles. You will operate a variety of hand, power and shop tools in order to perform maintenance, repairs and overhauls. There are two Equipment Maintenance Shops one focusing on smaller light duty vehicles and the other focusing on heavy duty vehicles including refuse and recycling trucks.

The Department of Public Works has over 300 employees. In this role, you will work primarily with other Mechanics, Service Technicians, a Lead Mechanic, an Equipment Parts Technician, and administrative and management staff. The Equipment Maintenance Division launched a new asset management software system last year to better manage inventory and repairs.

See the full job class specification here:

Minimum Qualifications

A typical way of gaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position is:

Equivalent to graduation from high school and three (3) years experience at a journey level in the maintenance and repair of vehicles or heavy construction equipment. Course completion in appropriate trade school or technical coursework in electric, diesel, or gasoline powered mechanics leading to journey certification can be substituted for up to one (1) year of the required experience.

Other requirements include possession of a valid California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record. Must possess a valid class "B" California driver's license with no air brakes restriction, Smog Check Inspector license, and Smog Check Repair Technician license before completing probationary period. ASE Certifications are preferred. A class "A" driver's license is desirable.

Application Process

Applications must be received by Monday, December 21, 2026 at 5:00 PM PST and must include a completed application, required attachments, and responses to supplemental questions. Please note that resumes are not a substitute for a completed application.

Applications are available in alternative formats (audio-format, braille, large print, electronic text, etc.) upon request to View email address on click.appcast.io. Please allow 10 days for production of the material in an alternative format.

Exam Process

The exam process will include, but may not be limited to:

• Application review for minimum qualifications and required documents (qualifying experience will be calculated based on the administrative review date)
• Competitive review and assessment of applicants' education, training, and experience (Training & Experience)
• Performance Exams
  • Tentatively Scheduled for December 15 & 17, 2026 (For applications submitted by November 30, 2026)
  • Tentatively Scheduled for January 12 & 14, 2027 (For applications submitted by the closing date of December 21, 2026)

Tests may consist of any combination of written, oral or other exercises or assessment procedures that test content and may include, but are not necessarily limited to, typing, math, reading, writing and analytical skills; problem solving ability; computer and software proficiency, or any other job-related knowledge, skill, ability or qualification. The examination process and dates are subject to change. The City may, without notice, change or eliminate any assessment component as needs dictate. Applicants passing all examination phases will have their names placed on an employment eligible list that hiring departments will use to conduct final selection interviews slated for the week of December 28, 2026 and January 25, 2027.

Reasonable Accommodations: The City is committed to making reasonable accommodations in the examination process and in the work environment. Individuals requesting reasonable accommodations in the examination process must submit a request in writing to View email address on click.appcast.io at the time of application.

Pre-Employment Process

Candidates under final consideration for employment with the City will undergo an employment background check that may include, but is not limited to: confirmation of employment history, educational credentials and degrees, certificates, registrations, and licenses including driver's license; credit check; criminal history check; and Live Scan fingerprinting.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

The City of Berkeley is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All employment actions shall be administered regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, physical or mental disability or medical condition, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, political affiliation, veterans' status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

Disaster Service Worker

All City employees are required to provide services as Disaster Service Workers in the event of an emergency/disaster.

Benefits

Benefited employees receive a myriad of financial and other benefits, including CalPERS pension and other retirement plans, medical and dental coverage, tuition reimbursement, paid time off and more. Benefit-eligible employees include those with a regular work schedule of at least 20 hours per week. Employees working less than 30 hours per week may receive pro-rated benefits.

Retirement CalPERS City employees are included in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). The retirement formula is either 2% at age 62 (PEPRA members) or 2.7% at age 55 (Classic members).

Supplemental Retirement Income Plan (SRIP) The City contributes 6.7% of the first $32,400 of the employee's salary (up to $2,170.80 annually) into a 401(a) account. The City is not a member of Social Security, therefore only the Medicare portion is deducted from employees' salaries.

Deferred Compensation The City offers voluntary 457 deferred compensation plans with CalPERS or Empower. Employees may contribute up to the IRS maximum on a pre-tax basis.

Medical Plans Employees can choose coverage under Kaiser HMO or Sutter Health Plan HMO. The City contributes an amount equal to the cost of the Kaiser premium. Employees who have medical coverage under another group plan may choose to waive City-provided medical coverage and receive a monthly stipend.

Dental Plan The City provides group dental benefits through Delta Dental of California. The City contributes up to the family coverage for the plan, which covers 90% of the dental charges up to $2,000 annually per person. Orthodontic benefits are offered at a $2,000 lifetime maximum per person. Employees who have dental coverage under another group plan may choose to waive City-provided dental coverage and receive a monthly stipend.

Life Insurance The City provides employees with a Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment policy in the amount of $25,000. Employees have the option to purchase additional term life insurance up to a maximum of $300,000.

Sick Leave Employees earn one day of paid sick leave per month.

Vacation New employees accrue 80 hours of vacation annually. Vacation accrual rates increase at 4 years, 12 years, 18 years, and 25 years of service.

Holidays 15 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays annually

Uniform Allowance Employees in select classifications receive up to $1,400 annually (see MOUs )