MECHANIC

at CITY OF CARBONDALE in Carbondale, Illinois, United States

Job Description

Nature of Work This is a regular, full time position in the Equipment Maintenance Division of the Public Works Department. This is a technical/mechanical job that requires a high understanding of electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic systems, as well as fleet maintenance inspection and repair practices. The Equipment Maintenance Technician will maintain and repair the entire City fleet which includes but is not limited to: passenger cars and trucks, police and fire department vehicles, refuse and recycling trucks, street sweepers, aerial boom and platform lift trucks, dump trucks with snow plow equipment, heavy construction equipment, lawn-mowing equipment, chainsaws, and special application equipment for street maintenance, and other large and small equipment. The technician will work in the maintenance garage but will be required to respond to service calls on City equipment outside of the maintenance facility. This is a overtime eligible position requiring mandatory overtime work as necessary to carry out the mission of the Equipment Maintenance Division. This position is supervised and is evaluated by the Equipment Maintenance Supervisor thru the direction of the Director of Operations Essential Duties Perform maintenance, repairs, and preventive maintenance inspections on all fleet and City owned equipment. The technician will be required to inspect equipment, fill out maintenance records, report discrepancies and make repairs as needed. The technician will follow maintenance recommendations for all equipment, and use good judgment on all maintenance and repairs. The technician will keep Equipment Maintenance Supervisor informed of progress on work, any maintenance concerns, as well as decisions on repair methods. Accurately and effectively diagnose malfunctions to equipment. Will need to be confident with computer diagnostic methods on all types of automobiles and trucks, as well as medium duty trucks. Will need to diagnose malfunctions on lighting and accessory systems on police and fire department vehicles, electrical problems on such equipment using wiring schematics and at times the technician will repair custom equipment with little technical information available. Perform brake inspections and repair as necessary on medium and heavy truck applications. Maintain and repair medium and heavy truck suspensions. Maintain and repair refuse, recycling, and dump truck beds, replacing worn parts and damaged or worn metal sections of the beds. Replace worn or flat tires, transport tires to repair facility. Safely and effectively operate various types of motor vehicles and equipment. Climb onto and operate equipment with both manual and automatic shift transmissions; some having auxiliary equipment with hand operated control levers requiring effective hand-eye coordination. Practice good safety and be knowledgeable of standard safety practices and procedures. Possess the ability to recognize hazardous situations and exercise extreme caution and good judgment when working in and around machinery, vehicles, and other related equipment. Possess knowledge of current practices, work methods, tools and equipment used in automotive maintenance. Possess knowledge of the operating principles and standards of gasoline and diesel engines and associated vehicle systems. Possess knowledge of the operating and maintenance standards of light and heavy public works vehicles and equipment. Knowledge and ability to make metal repairs using oxy/acetylene torches, arc and mig welding, and brazing. Effectively comprehend and follow oral and written instructions to perform all phases of maintenance to City of Carbondale equipment. Communicate clearly and effectively with Equipment Maintenance Supervisor, Maintenance Technicians in shop, City employees that bring vehicles to shop, and with all vendors used by Equipment Maintenance Department. Keep good positive attitudes with all City employees and with the public. Read, interpret, comprehend, and understand equipment operation and maintenance manuals; technical publications and drawings; wiring schematics and the like. Keep track of and document all work and time. Must provide your own mechanics tools and are required to wear an approved uniform and steel toed shoes. Other Duties: Perform other duties and assignments related to the overall operation of the Maintenance and Environmental Services Divisions of the Public Works Department. Work Environment and Physical Demands Work Environment: Work is performed in a garage setting and exposes the employee to fumes, excessive noise, heat and humidity, and the like. Occasionally work is performed outside and additionally exposes the employee to extreme hot and cold weather, rain, mud, snow, ice, uneven terrain, open excavations, heavy equipment, heavy objects, working around and with live electricity, and working in and around moving equipment. In addition the employee may be required to make service calls on equipment or vehicles that are on City streets and highways with moving traffic around work site. Physical Demands: Work requires the regular and sustained performance of physical labor in garage setting with occasional heavier tasks such as walking over rough terrain, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, working in restricted and or confined spaces, climbing, balancing on ladders and scaffolding, working at heights. Frequent lifting and carrying of moderately heavy objects between 15 and 49 pounds; and occasionally carrying objects 50 pounds or more. Work also requires the ability to perceive and or discriminate colors, sounds, depth and texture. Minimum Acceptable Qualifications Minimum Acceptable Qualifications - : Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent and four (4) years experience in automotive repair and maintenance. Successful completion of a two (2) year vocational training or four (4) year college degree in automotive or truck service technology is highly preferred; program graduates may substitute degree work (year for year) for work experience. Must possess or obtain and maintain a valid CDL Class A Illinois State vehicle operator's license with air-brake certification tank (N) endorsement within thirty 30 days of employment. Possession of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications in: Automobile/Light Truck A1 thru A8 inclusive and Medium/Heavy Truck T1 thru T8 are highly preferred. Applicants must be currently employed in the automotive/truck repair field and provide work references unless they are a recent college graduate from a four (4) year degree program in automotive/ or truck service technology. Must pass pre-employment and ongoing random drug screening tests and a pre-employment background check.