County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under direction, assists in the inspection, servicing, maintenance and repair of passenger vehicles, gasoline and diesel-powered heavy equipment, trucks and buses; and, performs related work as required.


DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is the entry-level class in the Heavy Equipment Mechanic series. This class is distinguished from the Heavy Equipment Mechanic position in that the higher-level class is a journey-level position that works independently and under general supervision. Heavy Equipment Mechanic Helpers normally work under close supervision when assisting Heavy Equipment Mechanics in the servicing, maintenance and repair of passenger vehicles, trucks and heavy equipment such as street sweepers, motor graders, tractors, mowers, backhoes, generators, pumps, trailers and paving equipment. Incumbents in this classification may work independently when performing semi-skilled tasks such as servicing and lubricating equipment and vehicles. Incumbents of this class are not normally required to perform diagnostic work, or to perform mechanical repair work independently. Although repair work may occasionally be performed without close supervision, it will usually consist of parts replacement, or some other phase of total repair process, and will be undertaken only after receiving specific instructions as to the nature of the work required.

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 Heavy Equipment Mechanics in the repair of light and heavy vehicles and equipment.

2. Assists Heavy Equipment Mechanics in removing, replacing and repairing major and minor components on light and heavy vehicles and equipment.

3. Removes, repairs and replaces minor and major components on light and heavy vehicles and equipment.

4. Assists in welding, and metal fabrication projects.

5. Performs general servicing and lubrication of all types of vehicles and equipment. Assists in the performance of preventive maintenance inspections.

6. Repairs and replaces tires on light and heavy vehicles and equipment.

7. Picks up and delivers vehicles and equipment to/from County and vendor facilities. Transports vehicles and equipment using a “low-boy” trailer or tow truck. Picks up parts and supplies.

8. Maintains the cleanliness and safety of the shop facility. Cleans vehicle and equipment engines, chassis and exterior using high-pressure spray wash equipment.

9. Operates field service truck; may make temporary or permanent repairs to equipment in the field. May fuel equipment on site.

10. Utilizes a fleet management software application to enter labor hours and work order comments, and to review vehicle and equipment repair histories.

11. Utilizes service manuals as well as on-line technical resources and service literature.

12. Observes and complies with hazardous waste and material handling and disposal procedures and regulations as set forth by local, state and federal environmental and health agencies.

13. Keeps computerized and paper records relative to work assignments, such as work orders, time cards, and parts requisitions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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 (1) year of recent full-time, paid experience in automotive or heavy equipment maintenance, repair or servicing.

OR
Experience:

Completion of a one (1) year accredited vocational training program in automotive mechanics (certificate required).

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid State of California Class “A” Commercial Driver’s permit with no moving violations for the past eighteen (18) months.
• Acquisition and maintenance of a valid State of California Class “A” Commercial Driver’s License with all endorsements (except Hazardous Materials) within 120 days of employment.
• Candidate must submit evidence from the DMV showing either their State of California Class “A” Commercial Driver’s permit, or the current status of their State of California Class “A” Commercial Driver’s License with all endorsements (except Hazardous Materials), at the time of application.
• Acquisition of an OSHA-recognized Forklift Operator Certificate within 180 days of employment.
• National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification is highly desirable.

Special Requirements:

Federal law and County policy requires that positions in the class of Heavy Equipment Mechanic Helper are subject to post-offer/pre-placement/pre-duty, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, random, return-to-duty and follow-up drug and alcohol testing.

Possession of a set of common automotive hand tools typically used in the maintenance and repair of automotive and heavy equipment. This will include, but not be limited to: screwdrivers, “Torx” drivers, hex keys, various types of pliers, wire cutter/stripper, standard and metric combination wrenches from 5/16” – 1” (8mm – 25mm), ¼”, 3/8” and ½” drive standard and metric socket sets, file set, air blow gun, inspection mirror, magnetic pickup tool, hacksaw, hammers, scrapers, punches, chisels and pry bars. Incumbents will provide their own tool storage in the form of a lockable “roll-around” tool cabinet.

Working Conditions:

• Incumbents are subject to 24-hour call out and must actively participate in the program.
• Work is performed primarily indoors in a shop environment. Incumbents may occasionally be required to work outdoors, in all weather conditions
• Work involves exposure to machinery and equipment, traffic hazards, fumes, dusts, grease, allergens, chemical irritants, toxic or caustic substances, high temperatures, hot surfaces, electrical hazards, unpleasant odors, and high noise levels.
• Incumbents may be required to work on uneven surfaces, to climb ladders, and work from heights. The work requires standing for long periods, walking, bending, stooping, squatting, lifting and pushing heavy objects, and working overhead.

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:

• Automotive and heavy equipment nomenclature.
• Basic safety practices and procedures.
• The functions of the major component parts of gasoline and diesel powered vehicles and equipment.
• Tools, devices and equipment commonly used in repairing gasoline and diesel powered vehicles and equipment.

Ability to:

• Utilize the hand tools listed in the “Special Requirements” section above, as well as common power tools used in the maintenance and repair of automotive and heavy equipment. This will include, but not limited to: impact wrenches, air ratchets, power drills, grinders and sanders.
• Utilize personal computer systems.
• Maintain computerized and paper records, and to provide concise written descriptions of work performed.
• Read and interpret service manuals and other technical information.
• Work effectively with others.
• Lift and carry weights of up to 45 pounds.
• Stand for extended periods of time and operate assigned equipment and vehicles.
• Communicate with others, and to follow verbal and written directions.
• Make sound decisions.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

JD:laa Revised 4/7l
BL:bl Revised 7/78
DF:sw Updated 11/15/93
JH:jc Updated 6/95
TT:jc Revised 11/98
Old do: 0880h
New doc: 9455.doc
ys/11/01
CSC Date: 1/6/99
RC:pf Rev. 2/10/03
CSC Date: 4/2/03
MH:cs Revised 3/10/11
CSC Date: 4/6/11
GH:cs Revised 12/21/15
CSC Date: 1/20/16
IC:cs Revised 8/9/16
CSC Date: 8/31/16

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.