Mechanic Assistant

DEFINITION:

Under general supervision, inspects, services, lubricates and performs routine preventative maintenance and minor repairs to light and heavy equipment.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

The Mechanic Assistant is a journey level maintenance classification performing routine service tasks on light and heavy equipment and providing assistance to Solid Waste Equipment Mechanics.  This class is distinguished from the next higher level classification of Solid Waste Equipment Mechanic in that the latter performs skilled journey level mechanical repairs on a full range of equipment.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

General supervision is provided by the Solid Waste Operations Superintendent or higher level management staff, and lead direction from a Solid Waste Equipment Mechanic.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

The Mechanic Assistant exercises no supervision.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following examples.

• Fuels equipment and checks fluid levels; checks, mounts, rotates and repairs tires/tracks on passenger vehicles, trucks and heavy construction equipment; changes engine, transmission, differential and power take-off lubricants; lubricates vehicles and equipment; inspects brakes, steering and suspension systems.
• Repacks wheel bearings or replaces as needed; removes and replaces shock absorbers, mufflers, catalytic converters, tail pipes, radiators, water pumps, thermostats, clamps and hoses; performs routine engine tune-ups; Diagnoses and repairs fuel leaks.
• Installs warning beacons, headlights, taillights and minor electrical devices.
• Performs welding and brazing; replaces cutting edges and end bits on bulldozers and scrapers; assists in special fabrication projects.
• Picks up and delivers parts and makes service calls.
• Washes or steam cleans autos and trucks and heavy equipment.
• Inspects vehicles for operating conditions and safety problems; reports problems to mechanics.
• Checks and replaces coolant, hydraulics and pneumatic hoses.
• Maintains servicing records of vehicles and equipment, utilizing computers and computerized equipment.
• Washes and cleans shops and vehicle service areas.
• Road tests vehicles; drives vehicles or equipment as required; inspects vehicles in shop and field.
• Maintains and repairs small engines and similar equipment found on pumps.
• Reads and interprets manuals, drawings and specifications.
• Estimates labor, material and equipment required to complete assignments.
• Ensures proper safety precautions are observed.
• Performs other related duties as requested.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Any equivalent combination of experience and education that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Education:

High school diploma or equivalent required.

Experience

And two (2) years experience working in the maintenance and repair of vehicles or heavy construction equipment.

License/Certificate:

Possession of a valid Class C California driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.

Depending on assignment, possession of a Class B driver’s license with tanker and hazardous materials endorsements may be required.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

The following are a representative sample of the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge of:

• Basic operations and maintenance of vehicle and heavy equipment systems and components including electrical, brakes, tires and pumps.
• Use and maintenance of basic shop, hand and power tools such as sockets, wrenches, torque wrenches, pneumatic wrenches, greasing tools and other related tools.
• Lubricating systems and fitting.
• Lubricating techniques and types, grades and uses of lubricants, coolants, brake, steering and other fluids used in automotive and heavy equipment.
• Safe work practices related to assigned work area.

Ability to:

• Troubleshoot minor mechanical problems.
• Drive mobile equipment in a safe manner.
• Follow verbal and written directions.
• Read equipment maintenance and operating manuals.
• Operate forklift and other such devices used in equipment maintenance.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Maintain accurate basic service records utilizing computerized or paper systems.
• Recognize and respect limit of authority and responsibility.
• Recognize and use small tools used in equipment servicing and repair.
• Follow safe work practices.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Position requires sitting, standing, walking on level surfaces, climbing, reaching, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, grasping and repetitive motions in the performance of daily duties.  The position also requires both near and far vision while performing cleaning and maintenance inspection of equipment.  The need to lift, drag, and push vehicles, motors, engines, and other equipment and supplies weighing up to 100 pounds is also required.  Additionally, the incumbent works in all weather conditions including wet, hot and cold.  Using cleaning chemicals and lubricating ingredients, and working with brake materials and exhaust equipment, exposes the employee to fumes, dust and air contaminants which may cause eye and skin irritation.  The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to handle power and noise producing tools and equipment and to drive a motorized vehicle which subjects the employee to mechanical and electrical hazards.

 

 

Pursuant to California Government Code Section 3100, all public employees are required to serve as disaster service workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.