County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under the general direction of the Public Works Fleet Supervisor, Heavy Equipment Mechanics inspect, service, maintain and repair passenger vehicles, gasoline and diesel-powered heavy equipment, trucks, and buses; and, perform related work as required.


DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is the journey-level class in the Heavy Equipment Mechanics series. This class is distinguished from the next higher classification of Lead Heavy Equipment Mechanic in that the Lead Heavy Equipment Mechanic has the responsibility for assigning and reviewing the work of Heavy Equipment Mechanics and Helpers. This class is distinguished from the next lower class of Heavy Equipment Mechanic Helper in that the lower-level class does not normally work independently, and is typically under close supervision; Heavy Equipment Mechanics do work independently and under general supervision.

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. Inspects, services, maintains, and repairs a variety of automobiles, trucks, and miscellaneous construction and support equipment. This includes, but is not limited to, street sweepers, graders, tractors, mowers, backhoes, generators, pumps, trailers, and paving equipment.

2. Inspects, services, maintains, and repairs gasoline, diesel and alternatively fueled engines and fuel system components; performs advanced diagnoses of electronic engine controls and emission control systems.

3. Inspects, maintains and repairs hybrid and battery electric vehicles, and related components such as electric motors, motor controllers and batteries.

4. Inspects, maintains and repairs aerial devices, personnel lifts and cranes.

5. Inspects, diagnoses, maintains and repairs power train components such as transmissions, transfer cases, transaxles, tracks, track drives and differentials.

6. Inspects, diagnoses, maintains and repairs hydraulic and pneumatic systems and related components.

7. Inspects, diagnoses, repairs and overhauls pneumatic and hydraulic brake systems and components; performs related machine work as required.

8. Inspects and repairs electrical circuits, diagnoses complex electrical problems, installs warning lighting and communications equipment.

9. Inspects, diagnoses, maintains and repairs steering and suspension systems and related components.

10. Undertakes welding and fabrication projects; makes minor and major modifications to vehicles and equipment to improve functionality. Fabricates and modifies parts using machine tools and/or welding equipment.

11. May repair or replace tires on light and heavy vehicles and equipment.

12. 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 as necessary.

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

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

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

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

17. Utilizes service manuals as well as online technical resources, service literature and diagnostic software.

18. 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.

19. Observes and complies with all applicable safety regulations, rules, policies and procedures.

20. Mentors and provides informal on-the-job training to Heavy Equipment Mechanic Helpers. This does not include the responsibility for assigning and reviewing their work; this is a primary responsibility of the Lead Heavy Equipment Mechanic.

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 Either I

The equivalent of two years of full-time experience in the class of Heavy Equipment Mechanic Helper in the Alameda County classified service.

Or II
Education and Training (one of the following):

1. Completion of a recognized apprenticeship in the Heavy Equipment/Truck repair trade, including but not limited to the programs offered by various union organizations such as the International Union of Operating Engineers, as well as by educational institutions and major heavy equipment and truck manufacturers. The program will include a minimum of 8,000 hours of classroom and on-the-job training. A certificate of completion is required.

2. Possession of an Associate of Arts Degree in Automotive, Diesel or Industrial Technology.

AND
Experience:

The equivalent of three years of full-time, paid, journey-level experience in the repair of heavy construction, farm, or similar equipment. (An additional two years of journey-level experience may be substituted for the education requirement.)

Welding and metal fabrication experience is highly desirable.

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 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, but not required.

Special Requirement:

• Federal law and County policy requires that positions in the class of Heavy Equipment Mechanic 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” – 1-1/4” (8mm – 32mm), ¼”, 3/8” and ½” drive standard and metric socket sets, ½” drive standard and metric impact socket sets, pneumatic tools (such as impact wrenches and air ratchets), brake service tools, file set, air blow gun, inspection mirror, magnetic pickup tool, hacksaw, hammers, scrapers, picks, 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:

• Methods, tools, equipment and materials commonly used in the maintenance and repair of heavy equipment, trucks and passenger vehicles.
• Safety and environmental practices and procedures used and observed in a heavy equipment repair facility.
• Hydraulic and compressed air brakes and controls, diesel and gasoline engines, transmissions, differentials, clutch assemblies, steering and suspension systems, ignition and electrical systems, hydraulic systems, fuel and cooling systems, air conditioning systems, and other components and systems found in modern vehicles and heavy equipment.
• Welding and metal fabrication methods and equipment.
• Automotive and heavy equipment nomenclature.

Ability to:

• Mentor and train Heavy Equipment Mechanic Helpers.
• Utilize the hand tools listed in the “Special Requirements” section above, as well as common power tools and specialty tools used in the maintenance and repair of automotive and heavy equipment. This will include, but not be limited to: impact wrenches, air ratchets, power drills, grinders and sanders, drill presses, tap and die sets, hydraulic and air brake service tools, torque wrenches, pullers, presses and bushing drivers.
• Operate shop equipment and machine tools such as pedestal grinders, power hacksaws, drill presses, brake lathes, battery and charging system testers, emission analyzers, welding equipment, and other common automotive shop equipment.
• Utilize personal computer (PC) systems.
• Utilize diagnostic tools and other equipment to quickly and accurately diagnose mechanical, electrical and electronic failures in vehicles and equipment. This will include, but not be limited to: battery testers, multi-meters, scan tools, and PC-based diagnostic applications.
• Maintain computerized and paper records, while providing 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.
• Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include standing for extended periods of time and operating assigned equipment and vehicles.
• Communicate with others, and follow verbal and written directions.
• Make sound decisions.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

Old document: 0882h
BW:lr 5/23/77
PR:lfm Revised 3/9/82
TAT:pb Retyped 6/16/86
Updated 2/4/88
DF:sw Updated 11/15/93
JH:jc Updated 6/26/95
New doc: Jobspecs/9465.doc
ys/3/01
HC:pf Rev. 12/10/01
CSC Date 4/2/03
MH:cs Revised 3/10/11
CSC Date: 4/6/11
MH:cs Revised 2/2/15
CSC Date: 5/27/15
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.