Mechanic

Job Description

The Fire District Mechanic ensures the safe, reliable, and cost-effective operation of all Elko County Fire Protection District vehicles, apparatus, and mechanical equipment. This role provides skilled maintenance, repair, and preventative service to a diverse fleet that includes fire engines, brush trucks, water tenders, ambulances, command vehicles, and heavy equipment such as dozers and masticators. The position supports frontline emergency response by minimizing downtime, extending equipment life, and ensuring compliance with manufacturer standards, safety regulations, and fire service operational requirements. Duties include diagnosing failures in the shop and field, developing maintenance schedules, managing parts and supply inventories, and advising command staff on fleet readiness and replacement planning. By maintaining critical response equipment in peak condition, the Fire District Mechanic directly contributes to firefighter safety, operational efficiency, and the District's ability to protect life, property, and natural resources across Elko County. Supervision receives direct supervision from the Lead Mechanic and general supervision from the Fire Chief or Deputy Chief. Essential functions incumbents may not perform all duties listed and may be assigned additional or different duties as business needs change.

• Diagnose, repair, and perform preventive maintenance on fire apparatus, ambulances, command vehicles, tenders, brush trucks, and heavy equipment
• Maintain and repair engines, transmissions, brakes, suspensions, hydraulics, electrical/electronic systems, and pumps
• Conduct routine inspections and safety checks to ensure compliance with Public Safety Standards, DOT, OSHA, and manufacturer standards
• Develop and maintain preventive maintenance schedules, service logs, and fleet records
• Respond to emergency call-backs for field repairs and support operational readiness during incidents
• Operate diagnostic software, power tools, welding/fabrication equipment, and specialized testing instruments
• Manage shop tools, parts inventory, and ordering to support timely, cost-effective repairs
• Assist with equipment acceptance testing, new apparatus upfitting, and decommissioning of retired units
• Train District staff in vehicle inspections, operator care, and minor maintenance
• Maintain compliance with District, County, State, and Federal safety requirements

Education and Experience

Experience successful completion of an accredited program in vehicle repair and maintenance; and two (2) years of experience in the repair of vehicles and heavy equipment; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Certifications/Qualifications Required at Time of Application:

• Valid Nevada Driver's License

• Nevada Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with appropriate endorsements

• Must provide own hand tools
• Continued employment is contingent upon maintaining all required licenses and certificates in active status without suspension or revocation

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The Fire District Mechanic must possess technical knowledge, practical skills, and professional abilities that ensure safe and efficient fleet maintenance, effective communication, and support of government operations. Knowledge of:

• Methods, tools, and equipment used in repair of gasoline/diesel engines, hydraulics, and electrical systems
• Fire industry, OSHA, DOT, and manufacturer standards for emergency vehicles
• Preventive maintenance practices and fleet recordkeeping systems
• Safe work practices, PPE use, and hazardous material handling
• Welding, fabrication, and machining techniques
• Diagnostic software, ECM systems, and technical service manuals
• Budgeting basics, parts inventory, and cost control

• Diagnose and repair mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical issues under time-sensitive conditions
• Operate and maintain diagnostic tools, shop equipment, and fabrication equipment
• Read and apply technical manuals, diagrams, and schematics
• Maintain accurate maintenance records (paper and electronic)
• Plan, prioritize, and complete multiple assignments independently
• Work effectively in shop and field environments, including extreme weather
• Communicate clearly with staff, vendors, and partner agencies
• Train personnel in inspections and minor maintenance
• Establish and maintain professional working relationships
• Respond promptly to call-backs and support operational readiness

Physical Demands and Working Environment

• Work performed in shop and field settings; exposure to noise, fumes, oils, lubricants, and power equipment
• Frequent standing, bending, lifting, kneeling, climbing, and confined-space work
• Must lift and carry tools/parts up to 65 pounds
• Fieldwork in extreme heat, cold, wind, snow, and dust
• Extended walking, hiking, or carrying loads in mountainous terrain (slopes 30–90%) may be required
• PPE required: eye, hearing, respiratory, and protective gear as appropriate
• Travel throughout Elko County; occasional overnight stays required

• Vision sufficient to operate vehicles, read manuals, keep records, and perform repairs
• Hearing sufficient to receive instructions, monitor radio traffic, alarms, and warning devices

Benefits

Elko County offers a complete benefits package for all regular, full-time employees including a minimal fee for health care, dental and vision, flex spending accounts, and life insurance, 100% County paid PERS retirement (Public Employee Retirement System), and deferred compensation plans. We offer 13 paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, Family Medical Leave, Military Leave, Educational Assistance, and an Employee Assistance Program, in addition to no state income tax.