Grounds Maintenance Equipment Technician - Airport

Job Title

This is an advanced journey-level position involving the maintenance, diagnosis, and repair of grounds maintenance equipment and related motorized equipment, including small gasoline- and diesel-engine-driven equipment, hydraulic systems, electrical systems, compressors, and other equipment.

Work involves inspecting, evaluating, and repairing the mechanical conditions of all types of motorized equipment and hydraulic systems. This includes final testing (when applicable) to ensure the accuracy of the work performed. Superior-quality work is expected, with the employee following instructions and factory manuals for proper repair techniques. Work is performed without close supervision but is reviewed while in progress and upon completion. The final inspection is evaluated based on the results achieved. Directions on the repair method may be provided after receiving the repair order.

Essential Functions

Completes diagnosis of failed components to find the reason for failure before ordering parts or tearing down equipment, reducing unnecessary parts purchases, repeat repairs, and excessive equipment downtime.

Inspects, diagnoses, and repairs mechanical defects/failures in various grounds and airport maintenance equipment, including diesel, electric, and gasoline-powered equipment, mowers, tractors, utility vehicles, and other mechanical equipment.

Trains in preventive maintenance, proper cleaning, and safe equipment operation.

Verifies equipment warranty status prior to performing repairs, when applicable.

Obtains supervisor authorization for major repairs and reviews equipment repair history before proceeding with repairs.

Performs repairs to brake systems (hydraulic and mechanical), electronic ignition systems, diesel and gas fuel injection systems, hydraulic systems, electrical systems, engines, transmissions, and other related items.

Inspects, adjusts, and replaces necessary units and related parts, including valves, pistons, piston rings, main bearing assembly, cooling, and fuel systems on motor-driven equipment.

Repairs and overhauls air compressors, power tools, and other specialized equipment.

Maintains a preventive maintenance program for assigned equipment in accordance with established schedules and manufacturer recommendations.

Maintains accurate records of equipment condition, preventive maintenance, repairs, parts and materials used, labor performed, and associated costs in the City's work order or equipment maintenance system.

Inspects equipment for performance and performs field or emergency repairs as necessary to minimize equipment downtime.

Installs and repairs irrigation systems, including sprinkler heads, valves, and both galvanized and PVC pipelines, and maintains automatic sprinkler systems.

May be required to work overtime or alternate hours as necessary for the efficient operation of the department.

May be required to participate in and/or facilitate training to support departmental or City initiatives and requirements.

Performs Storm Team support responsibilities in the event of an emergency.

Position is designated as Mission Critical.

Additional Functions

Properly uses and returns the City-owned tools and manuals to storage.

Reports missing or broken tools to the supervisor.

Follows all occupational safety, health, and environmental standards and helps maintain a safe, clean work environment.

Repairs, sharpens, services, and maintains mowers and related grounds maintenance equipment.

Performs oxyacetylene and electric welding and cutting as required.

Fabricates specialized equipment.

Qualifications (Education, Training and Experience)

High school diploma from an accredited school or a GED.

Two years of experience as a maintenance mechanic or small equipment operator at the journey level.

Special Requirements:

Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Must possess and maintain a valid telephone number.

May be required to pass an elevated background check provided by the City of Lakeland Police Department upon hire.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Knowledge:

Occupational hazards, safety, and environmental regulations related to the equipment repair trade.

Operation principles, maintenance and repair of gasoline and diesel engines, electrical, hydraulic systems, and related mechanical equipment.

Skills:

Use of tools and operation of machines and equipment commonly used in the mechanics' trade.

Abilities:

Inspect equipment for serviceability, diagnose problems, and organize repair sequences logically and efficiently.

Follow written and oral instructions.

Read and comprehend service and operation manuals written in English for various types of equipment and apply that knowledge effectively in completing maintenance and repair tasks.

Interpret and work from sketches and pencil diagrams.

Communicate effectively with co-workers and supervisors, work cooperatively with other mechanics, and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.

Working Environment/Physical Requirements:

Heavy manual labor, including walking or standing most of the time and exerting up to 100 pounds of force regularly.

Risks exposure to adverse weather conditions, toxic/caustic chemicals, variable temperatures, wet/humid conditions, dust, pollen, and traffic.

Normal visual acuity, field of vision, hearing, speaking, color perception, sense of smell, depth perception, and texture perception.

This job description outlines the general nature and level of work and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties or qualifications. Management reserves the right to modify or assign additional responsibilities as needed.

All City of Lakeland positions are subject to testing (e.g. written, oral, performance, computerized, interview, and/or any combination). Candidates selected for testing will be notified via email or telephone. Please check your e-mail and telephone messages regularly, including "junk" folders. Test times and locations to be announced.

The City of Lakeland is a drug free workplace. This position is considered a mandatory testing position, which is subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. All City of Lakeland positions are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing. As a condition of employment you will be required to pass the pre-employment drug test in accordance with Florida Statute 440.102.

THE CITY OF LAKELAND IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/EQUAL ACCESS EMPLOYER AND A DRUG FREE WORKPLACE

Benefits

City of Lakeland 2026 Summary Sheet

Annual Leave: Annual leave is accumulated bi-weekly and based upon years of service as follows: Annual leave may be taken as earned by employees hired after January 1, 1989. Employees hired prior to that date use annual leave within the calendar year following the year the leave is earned. All employees may carry over up to a maximum of twenty (20) days at the end of the calendar year. Regular part-time employees who work at least twenty (20) hours per week accrue annual leave at the rate of four (4) hours per month.

Sick Leave: Sick rate is accrued biweekly based upon years of service and standard hour classification. Eligible for use as soon as earned. Regular part-time employees who work at least twenty (20) hours per week accrue sick leave at the rate of four (4) hours per month.

Sick Leave Pool: Allows employees to receive sick leave benefits in cases involving catastrophic or long-term illnesses or injuries after all personal leave time has been depleted. Regular full-time employees contribute eight (8) hours and Regular part-time employees contribute four (4) hours on an annual basis. Employees must have completed one full year of service on or before December 31st of the calendar year enrollment; and have accumulated at least forty (40) hours of sick time (twenty (20) hours for Regular part-time employees). Participation in this program is voluntary. For more information contact Amanda Kaiser at 834-8768

Family & Medical Leave: Federal legislation guarantees up to twelve (12) weeks per year off work under certain circumstances outlined in the policy manual. The employees must have been employed by the City for at least twelve (12) months and have at least 1,250 hours of service during the 12-month period before the requested leave. The City will continue its group life and health insurance for an employee on leave at the same level and under the same conditions that existed while the employee was working. For more information contact Dawn Justice at 834-6038.

Pension Plan: Provision for retirement income requiring mandatory participation for full-time regular employees. Defined Benefit Plan: Plan C Employee 4.52% Employer 15.54% OR Defined Contribution Plan: Executives, New Hires aged 52 and older, and Fire/Police Recruits Employee 8.5% or 11% per election upon hire Employer 15.54