Senior Heavy Equipment Mechanic

This classification is scheduled to receive a 5% COLA effective July 2026.

FLSA: Non-Exempt

DEFINITION

Under direction, assigns, directs, reviews, and performs maintenance and repair work on a wide variety of automotive vehicles, heavy and light road maintenance and construction equipment, and related equipment; performs skilled mechanical work; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direction from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises technical and functional direction over and provides training to lower-level staff. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is the advanced journey-level classification in the Heavy Equipment Mechanic series responsible for performing the most complex work assigned to the series. Incumbents regularly work on tasks which are varied and complex, requiring considerable discretion and independent judgement. Positions in the classification rely on experience and judgement to perform assigned duties. Assignments are given with general guidelines and incumbents are responsible for establishing objectives, timelines, and methods to deliver services. Work completion adheres to the policy and requirements for soundness, appropriateness and conformity.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Typical functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

• Plans, schedules, prioritizes, and assigns maintenance and repair work in consultation with supervisor; communicates status of repairs to appropriate personnel, working cooperatively to schedule repairs in accordance with established and special operational priorities.
• Provides lead direction, training, and work review to employees assigned to troubleshoot, overhaul, repair and maintain a wide variety of heavy and light equipment such as trucks, graders, backhoe, loader and a wide variety of automotive and other motorized equipment in the shop or in the field; organizes and assigns work, sets priorities, and follows completion of assigned work.
• Assigns, reviews, and participates in the performance of skilled maintenance and repair of heavy-duty diesel trucks and road construction heavy equipment such as motor-graders, loaders, backhoes, tractors and various asphalt paving equipment, and snow removal equipment.
• Inspects and evaluates condition of fleet vehicles, construction vehicles and equipment; diagnoses damage or cause of malfunction; creates, assigns and completes work orders; estimates time and material requirements; provides technical assistance to staff; reviews and evaluates completed work.
• Drives and operates a wide variety of equipment; tests equipment on completion of work.
• Reads and interprets shop manuals and specifications in performing work; overhauls, repairs, and maintains vehicles, equipment, engines, gear boxes, fluid drives, pumps, driveline components, fluid drives, pumps, and their component fuel, electrical, computer, hydraulic and power transmission systems.
• Instructs and provides for the training of staff in work methods, use of tools and equipment and relevant safety precautions.
• Prepares and maintains a variety of reports and records, including timecards, worksheets, work orders, reports, and maintenance requests.
• Directs the ordering and maintenance of an adequate inventory to accomplish assigned jobs.
• Responds to questions and complaints from staff and other departments and divisions.
• Recommends special work required or necessary vehicle or equipment maintenance; obtains estimates for required services and materials and recommends vendors.
• Ensures appropriate safety precautions and equipment are being utilized; conducts safety meetings; ensures appropriate accident reports are filed.
• Schedules and coordinates activities with other County departments, outside vendors: serves as liaison between user departments and staff regarding policies and procedures to resolve problems.
• Designs, fabricates, and installs repair parts for vehicles and/or equipment.
• Orders parts and supplies.
• Performs emergency road calls and field repairs as required.
• Makes oral and written reports of work performed; completes forms and keeps accurate maintenance records.
• Maintains shop and work areas in a clean and orderly condition and keeps facility secure.
• Observes safe work methods and utilizes safety equipment and personal protective equipment; properly handles and disposes of hazardous materials.
• Install and maintain emergency equipment and lighting for Public Safety vehicles.
• Prepare new vehicles and equipment for service.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Principles of providing functional direction and training.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and ordinances relevant to the area(s) of responsibility.
• Techniques, methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in the overhaul, repair and maintenance of general vehicles and equipment in course of duty assignments.
• Principles and practices of purchasing parts and supplies and outside services.
• Safe work methods and safety practices pertaining to the work.
• Operation and maintenance of a variety of hand, power, and shop tools and equipment common to the field, including electric arc and gas welding equipment.
• Troubleshoot and determine appropriate action in the maintenance and repair of equipment.
• Basic mathematical principles
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language to effectively perform the work.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
• Use of diagnostic tools and software programs.

Ability To:

• Effectively provide staff leadership and work direction.
• Plan organize and coordinate the work of assigned staff.
• Prepare and maintain a variety of accurate written records and reports pertaining to the work.
• Read and interpret manuals, specifications, and drawings.
• Read and interpret hydraulic and electrical schematics and fabrication blueprints.
• Operate and maintain equipment and tools used in the field.
• Identify and implement effective courses of action to complete assigned work.
• Diagnose and repair a wide variety of light and heavy equipment, vehicles, and equipment.
• Operate and maintain a variety of hand, power, and shop tools and equipment used in the work.
• Estimate necessary materials and equipment to complete assignments.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures and standards relevant to work performed.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications and diagnostic tools relevant to work performed and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade; and

Two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience in the maintenance and repair of vehicles and/or heavy construction equipment at a level equivalent to the County’s class of Equipment Mechanic III.

Certifications and Licenses:

• Must possess a valid US driver’s license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver’s license following hire date per California DMV regulations.
• Must possess and maintain a valid California class A driver’s license with air brake, tanker, and standard transmission endorsement.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Mobility to work an automotive shop setting; to sit, stand and walk on level, uneven or slippery surfaces; frequently reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to climb, on, over and around equipment to service and repair; to operate varied hand and power tools and construction equipment and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various County sites.
• Strength and stamina to perform medium to heavy physical work; to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 30 pounds or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.
• Vision to inspect and operate equipment.
• Finger dexterity to operate and repair tools and equipment.
• Field work with exposure to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, toxic/poisonous substances, biologic/infectious agents, unpleasant odors, hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust, and air contaminants.
• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS UTILIZED

• Equipment utilized includes personal computer, , standard office equipment, hand and power tools, welding equipment, pneumatic tools, complex diagnostic equipment, scanners, smoke testers, county vehicles, loader, forklift, tire changing and balancing machine, overhead crane, and vehicle lifts.
• Wear and use proper Personal Protective Equipment

Disaster Service Worker

All Butte County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.