Mechanic I

Job Title

Under general supervision, this position maintains, inspects, diagnoses and repairs all gas, diesel, hydraulic and electrical automotive equipment and vehicles. Reports to Mechanic Supervisor.

Essential Job Functions

Inspects and performs preventive maintenance and services a variety of gas, diesel, hydraulic and electrical equipment and vehicles; uses a variety of testing procedures and equipment to diagnose problems; replaces, repairs and/or rebuilds defective or worn parts and systems to restore vehicle and equipment to good working condition.

Troubleshoots, diagnoses, repairs, and performs adjustments or replacements on a variety of components and systems such as major engine, transmission, cooling, suspension, hydraulic, air conditioning, power steering and electrical systems.

Performs routine minor maintenance such as changing tires, timing, adjusting and lubricating vehicles. Performs routine checks and preventive maintenance on equipment; identifies and reports equipment malfunctions; cleans equipment as needed.

Test drives vehicles to ensure proper working conditions; completes work orders and parts order forms.

Inspects, sets-up and otherwise prepares new vehicles and equipment to be placed in service.

Prepares documentation of maintenance activities such as repairs, parts used, cost and other required information.

Performs other related work as required. Individual assignments will be determined by supervisor based on current workload and department needs.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Has some knowledge of the tools, materials and supplies used in the repair and maintenance of a variety of gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles. Has some knowledge of the operation of motorized equipment. Has some knowledge of the methodologies and procedures of testing, diagnosing and repairing vehicles and equipment. Has some knowledge of the occupational hazards and proper safety precautions for the various types of assigned work. Has general knowledge of the principles of internal combustion and diesel engines and hydraulic systems. Is skilled in the use of a variety of hand and power tools. Is able to determine causes of faulty operations of gasoline and diesel-powered engines and to determine necessary corrective actions. Is able to understand and interpret oral and written instructions. Is able to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.

Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interacts within department and division, and with co- workers and the general public.

Maintains effective and efficient output of all duties and responsibilities as described under "Essential Job Functions."

Assumes responsibility for doing assigned work and meeting deadlines. Completes assigned work on or before deadlines in accordance with directives, city policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Accepts accountability for meeting assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.

Attends work regularly and adheres to city policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and time- off requests.

Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be done and initiates proper and acceptable direction for completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.

Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies problems or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice and research problems, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.

Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified, i.e., poor communications, variance with city policy or procedures, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation between all staff persons within the department.

Shares knowledge with supervisors and staff for mutual and departmental benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all department employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with department employees, staffers and managers in other departments, representatives from organizations, and the general public so as to maintain good will toward the department and project a good departmental image. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints from other departments and persons in order to maintain good will within the city. Interacts effectively with fellow employees, program clients, Director of Social Services, professionals and the general public.

Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of completion of elements of work and establish a personal schedule accordingly. Attends meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules. Maintains a calendar for meetings, deadlines and events.

Adheres to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the city and various regulatory agencies. Sees that the standards are not violated. Maintains a clean and orderly workplace.

Education, Experience & Special Requirements

Requires a high school diploma or the equivalent, supplemented with course work in automotive and equipment repair, and 1-2 years of responsible automotive repair experience. Graduation from a recognized automotive or related apprenticeship program may be substituted for up to 2 years of experience.

Requires a valid driver license with an acceptable driving record. A valid Commercial Driver's License or permit is preferred.

Must be able to complete the required National Incident Management System (NIMS) Incident Command System Certifications within one (1) year of employment. (Training provided by the City)

This position requires pre-employment medical evaluation and substance abuse testing, and is subject to random alcohol and controlled substance testing.

An acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check.

This job is considered "Essential Personnel"; and will require attendance and work during and following natural disasters and/or emergency situations.

Physical Demands

Must be physically able to operate a variety of vehicles, equipment and machinery including tractors, mowers, bush hogs, trucks, spreaders, and automobiles. Must be able to use mechanics tools and automobile diagnostic tools to service and repair vehicles and equipment. Must be able to exert in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 25 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are for Medium to Heavy Work.

Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.

Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving instructions, assignments and directions from superiors.

Requires the ability to read work orders, procedure manuals, mechanical and electrical diagrams, drawings and schematics, etc. requires the ability to prepare work orders using prescribed formats. Requires the ability to speak to people with poise, voice control and confidence.

Requires the ability to apply rational systems to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic form.

Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently using standard English, and mechanical, technical and electrical terminology.

Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas. Must be able to add, subtract, multiply, divide and use decimals and percentages.

Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape.

Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using a variety of motorized and diagnostic machinery and equipment.

Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, such as motorized equipment. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

Requires the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.

Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under minimal levels of stress.

Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear).

The City of Portsmouth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.