HEAVY EQUIPMENT MECHANIC I (#MN3 )

$31.18-$39.36 hourly / $5,404.00-$6,822.00 monthly / $64,854.40-$81,868.80 yearly

HEAVY EQUIPMENT MECHANIC II (#MN7 )

$36.14-$45.61 hourly / $6,264.00-$7,906.00 monthly / $75,171.20-$94,868.80 yearly

Under direction, perform repair and modification work on diesel and gas powered construction equipment, heavy and light trucks, and automobiles; and perform other duties as required.

Heavy Equipment Mechanic I is the trainee level classification in the series. Incumbents assist Heavy Equipment Mechanic II's in overhauling and repairing construction equipment, heavy and light trucks and automobiles, and independently perform routine maintenance and minor repairs to equipment. Heavy Equipment Mechanic I's receive on-the-job training in diagnosing mechanical defects and performing major repair work. Incumbents are expected to advance to the Heavy Equipment Mechanic II level after two years of service at the Heavy Equipment Mechanic I level.

Heavy Equipment Mechanic II is the journey level classification in the series. Incumbents perform skilled work in the repair and modification of diesel and gas-powered construction equipment, heavy and light trucks, and automobiles. Incumbents assist the supervisor in providing direction and on-the-job training to Heavy Equipment Mechanic I's. This classification is distinguished from the higher level classification of Supervising Heavy Equipment Mechanic in that the latter is responsible for assigning, supervising and inspecting the work of mechanics.

Diagnose mechanical defects in pickup trucks, automobiles, dump trucks, tractors, motor graders, cranes, mowers, street sweepers, fork lifts, rollers, compactors, bulldozers, backhoes, loaders, scrapers, excavators and other diesel and gas-powered construction equipment; determine extent of needed repair; inspect used parts to determine the cause of mechanical failure and evaluate whether parts are still usable or need to be replaced; overhaul, repair and adjust engines, standard and automatic transmissions, air and hydraulic brake systems, clutches, differentials, axles and suspension, ignition and electrical systems, computerized and electronic ignition systems, steering and control systems and generators; perform instrumentation repair; repair and replace tracks on bulldozers; grind, seat and adjust valves; rebuild hydraulic pumps; repair electronically controlled devices on power shovels and other heavy equipment; adjust and repair grader blades and loader bucket assemblies; perform welding; use a wide variety of test equipment and shop tools; overhaul exhaust systems; make emergency repairs in the field; perform routine maintenance and servicing of equipment and trucks; change and repair tires; and, provide vacation and other temporary relief for other classifications, as required.

Knowledge:

Heavy Equipment Mechanic I

Working knowledge of:

• The theory and operation of internal combustion engines and drive train components.
• All components of a motorized vehicle. 
• The methods, tools and equipment used to perform preventative maintenance and servicing of automobiles or heavy equipment. · Safety practices to be observed when maintaining and repairing mechanical equipment.

Some knowledge of:

• The methods used in the repair and overhauling of engines and other drive train components on motorized equipment.

Heavy Equipment Mechanic II

Thorough knowledge of the above, plus:

• The methods, tools and equipment used to perform preventative maintenance and servicing of construction equipment, light and heavy trucks and automobiles.

Working knowledge of:

• The methods, tools and equipment used in the repair and overhauling of construction equipment, light and heavy trucks and automobiles.
• Preventative maintenance inspection techniques.

Ability to:

For both levels:

• Perform routine preventative maintenance and simple repairs on motorized equipment, including gas and diesel powered engines.
• Use hand and power tools.
• Read and understand technical service manuals.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Keep simple records.
• Work cooperatively with others.
• Recognize and report defects or malfunctions, upon inspection.
• Requires lifting items up to 75 pounds.
• Perform tasks requiring strength, such as two people positioning 100 pound equipment blades, carrying equipment parts, climbing onto equipment, and mounting tires onto trucks and construction equipment.
• Drive vehicles, such as automobiles, pick-up trucks, dump trucks, tractors, graders, compactors, bulldozers, loaders, scrapers, tank vehicles and other light and heavy construction equipment.
• Hear and distinguish various sounds, such as voices of co-workers in noisy environments and sounds of operating equipment. 
• Distinguish colors, such as color-coded wire and the color of fluids.
• Distinguish temperatures of equipment, to avoid burns.
• Use impact tools, such as tire guns and sledgehammers, which cause body vibration.
• Perform tasks that require manual dexterity such as welding, assembling small parts, and pouring liquids into receptacles.
• Wear welding gloves.

Additional for level II:

• Diagnose the cause of mechanical failure in construction equipment, light and heavy trucks and automobiles and determine appropriate repairs needed.
• Perform skilled repair work on a wide variety of gasoline and diesel powered construction equipment, light and heavy trucks and automobiles.
• Improvise and make repairs under field conditions. 
• Learn gas and electrical welding techniques.

Training and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying, unless otherwise specified. A typical way to obtain these knowledges and abilities would be:

Heavy Equipment Mechanic I: One year of experience in the maintenance and servicing of automotive, road construction or other heavy equipment, including some engine repair work or formal training in engine repair.

Heavy Equipment Mechanic II: Two years of experience performing duties comparable to those of a Heavy Equipment Mechanic I in the County of Santa Cruz.

Special Requirements/Conditions:

License Requirement: Possession of a valid California class C driver license; and, within six months from hire, possession of a valid class A driver license with Tank Endorsement. Some positions may require Hazardous Materials endorsement.

Special Working Conditions: Exposure to: variable temperatures and weather conditions; confined work spaces; heights, such as on ladders and equipment; high levels of noise; infections which might cause chronic disease or death; electrical hazards; dust and silica dust; allergens, such as poison oak and stinging insects; unpleasant odors; and, the possibility of experiencing burns, bodily injury, exposure to non ionizing radiation, and: contact with toxic substances or chemical irritants.

Other Special Requirements: Alcohol and drug tests will be administered to all candidates prior to final selection for positions requiring class A or B driver licenses upon entry and to employees in positions requiring these licenses, as mandated by Department of Transportation federal regulations. In addition, all candidates must provide specific employment history for up to the past ten years for all jobs they have held which required operation of a commercial motor vehicle.

Heavy Equipment Mechanic I: Incumbents must provide the basic required tools upon employment and must provide the additional required tools within twelve months of employment.

Heavy Equipment Mechanic II: Incumbents must provide the required tools upon employment.

PREVIOUS CLASS TITLES: Apprentice Heavy Equipment Mechanic (I level) Heavy Equipment Mechanic (II level)
Bargaining Unit: 44
EEOC Job Category: 08 (I level) / 07 (II level)
Occupational Grouping: 38
Workers' Compensation Code: 0399
Revised Dates: 6/93; 6/94; 2/95; 3/06; 10/11