County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under close supervision of the Fire Department Fleet Services Manager, the Fire Department Mechanic I performs entry-level mechanical work and receives on-the-job training in the maintenance and repair shop, which includes inspecting, maintaining, and repairing Fire Department apparatus and equipment.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

The Fire Department Mechanic I is the entry-level classification in the Fire Mechanic series which is flexibly staffed to the class of Fire Mechanic II. Incumbents of this classification are found in the fleet division of the Fire Department. This class is distinguished from the next higher classification of the Fire Department Mechanic II in the latter independently performs mechanic work of inspecting, maintaining, repairing Fire Department apparatus as well as perform welding and fabrication, while those in this classification will receive on-the-job training in the full range of mechanic duties. After satisfactory completion of the probationary period of up to 36 months, employees are expected to qualify for appointment to the next higher class of Fire Mechanic II. During the probation period, by the completion of 12 months employees are expected to be able to perform all inspections; by the completion of 24 months employees are expected to be able to fix and repair a fire apparatus; and by the completion of 36 months employees are expect to be able to perform welding and fabrication.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Assists in performing a variety of servicing, maintenance and repair work involving all mechanical components, parts and accessories, including any overhaul and rebuilding of components, tire mounting and repair, rewiring and installation of specialized equipment.

2. Assists in performing annual inspections on fire apparatus, which will include driving the apparatus and checking the transmission, engine, and general drivability issues to ensure everything is in proper working condition and up to all safety standards.

3. Assists in conducting periodic inspections of equipment in the fire stations to ensure everything is in compliance with all safety standards; if equipment is not in compliance, then assists in fixing the equipment or reports issue to fleet manager.

4. Uses a variety of diagnostic equipment to determine sources of problems and to ensure proper adjustment and operation of vehicle systems.

5. Assists in operating welding equipment in making repairs and fabricating parts and tools.

6. Assists in road tests and checking vehicles for proper operation and for detecting the source of the problems.

7. Provides some guidance to departmental personnel in basic equipment maintenance tasks and in the proper use and operation of equipment from a maintenance standpoint.

8. Assists in provides input on vehicle specifications to Fire Department Fleet Services Manager and on the redesigning of existing equipment.

9. Attends training sessions and conferences to keep current with standard mechanic practices.

10. Assists in responding to emergency road service calls by assessing, repairing, and/or towing the fire apparatus and/or vehicles as assigned by the Fire Department General Services Manager or Fire Department Fleet Services Manager.

11. Maintains and repairs shop equipment and cleans shop area.

12. Performs other work as needed or directed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EITHER I

Education:

Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency certificate, such as the General Educational Development Certificate (State of California),

AND

Experience:

The equivalent of one year of experience as a mechanic, including the maintenance of gasoline or diesel engines and heavy trucks or fire apparatus.


OR

Education:

Completion of an Auto, Diesel, or Industrial Program from an Automotive Trade School.

License:

A valid California driver’s license with a minimum of class “C”

Special Requirement:

Must obtain class “B” endorsement within the first 12 months of the probationary period. Class “A” license is highly preferred.
Must possess own hand tools suitable for work performed.

Possession of a State Fire Mechanic certificate, level I and II is desirable, but not required.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Current methods, tools and equipment used in the maintenance of automobiles, medium and heavy trucks, and fire apparatus.
• Principles of gasoline and diesel engines, brakes (both air and hydraulic), transmissions (automatic and manual), drive train components, supervision and steering, diagnostic equipment and hydraulics.
• Mechanics of fire apparatus and equipment.
• Machine shop use, body repair, automotive painting, welding, and fabrication techniques using steel, aluminum, and stainless.
• Basic OSHA safety rules and procedures.


Ability to:


• Make accurate estimates of repair time.
• Work independently and understand and carry out verbal and written instructions.

• Perform moderate to heavy physical labor for extended periods.
• Respond promptly to call-backs.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Perform basic record keeping.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

Newspecs: 8177
GH:cs
CSC Date: 4/27/16

BENEFITS

*** For benefit information, please refer to the recruitment brochure.