LEAD MECHANIC

About the Role: Under the supervision of the Director of Public Works and Foreman, performs skilled and semi-skilled work in the repair, overhaul, maintenance and operation of trucks (diesel, gasoline hybrid and electric powered), Town vehicles, heavy and light equipment, small engines and related mechanical equipment. Responsible for the safe and efficient operation of equipment requiring a CDL motor vehicle operator’s license. Work includes mechanics’ duties and equipment operation and maintenance duties to diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair said vehicles and equipment.

Starting hourly rate: $36.58 with scheduled step increases outlined in the Union Contract (attached)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Schedules, organizes, performs repair work and assures that repairs are properly completed; follows standard safety procedures and regulations.
• Supervises and schedules Mechanic I & II and other employees assigned, to service, operate, repair and/or overhaul all Town owned vehicles & equipment.
• Performs all aspects of vehicle and equipment repair, maintenance and overhaul as required or directed by the Supervisor including but not limited to:
  • Welding, cutting & fabrication.
  • Preventative maintenance services, ie. Grease jobs, oil changes, etc.
  • Brake and wheel end diagnosis and repairs.
  • Steering and suspension diagnosis and repairs
  • Air conditioning and heating system diagnosis and repairs.
  • Electrical/electronic system diagnosis and repairs.
  • Hydraulic system diagnosis and repairs.
  • Minor body repair.
  • Tire mounting, dismounting & balancing.
• Schedules sub-contractors and/or vendors for warranty, overflow and/or other necessary repair work.
• Responds to emergency road calls from disabled Town vehicles and equipment and takes appropriate action.
• Submits requests for capital items such as: tools, equipment, vehicles, shop equipment, etc. for operation of the vehicle maintenance garage.
• Operates equipment and participates in the emergency snow removal plan of the Town, including inclement weather i.e. hurricanes, floods, blizzards, etc.
• Submits, makes recommendations, advises and submits specifications for purchase of vehicles, tools and equipment.
• Participates in supervisor meetings, safety meetings and other necessary meetings as directed by the Supervisor.
• Inspects & maintains Town’s emergency back-up generators and police cruisers on a regular basis.
• Operates heavy and light equipment for testing, repair verification. andto perform assigned duties, including dump trucks, tractor mowers, sweepers, pay loaders, backhoes, compressors, excavators, etc.
• Maintains adequate parts inventory, orders replacement parts and submits invoices for payment.
• Utilizes fleet management software for the purposes of tracking vehicle maintenance, scheduling vehicle maintenance, expense tracking, parts inventory, labor tracking and reporting.
• Must be available to respond to emergency calls on a 24 hour basis for emergency vehicle repair and maintenance, etc.
• Performs other related work as assigned by direct Supervisor.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Considerable knowledge of the operation, repair and maintenance of motor vehicles, heavy equipment and other mechanical equipment.
• Considerable knowledge of the practices, equipment and tools utilized in the mechanic’s trade. Must be able to utilize ALL tools and equipment safely and for the designated purpose.
• Knowledge of OSHA, FMSCA, DOT and Town rules & regulations. Must follow and enforce said rules & regulations.
• Considerable knowledge of the operation of gasoline and diesel engines.
• Knowledge of hydraulic systems, electrical systems, airbrake systems, diagnostic equipment, fabrication and welding.
• Ability to read, understand and implement instructions from maintenance manuals.
• Skill in repairing, overhauling and maintaining Town vehicles and heavy and light equipment.
• Skill in the operation of Town equipment, including dump trucks, mowers, backhoe, sweepers, pay loader, etc. for troubleshooting, diagnostics and repair of said vehicles.
• Ability to maintain parts and supplies inventory system.
• Ability to utilize a Fleet Management software system.
• Ability to maintain, diagnose & repair Hybrid and/or Electric Vehicles preferred.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions from all department heads that are responsible for their departments’ vehicles and equipment.
• Ability to provide clear written and oral instructions to subordinates. Ability to maintain good working relationships with other Town staff, Town residents and vendors.
• Ability to compare costs and make sound decisions when considering parts inventory, vehicle/equipment replacement and shop tooling.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT OPERATION: Operates all Town owned vehicles and equipment, operates maintenance/ repair garage related tools and equipment. Operates desktop/laptop computer(s), diagnostic equipment and other related equipment.

REQUIRED PHYSICAL EFFORT: Must be able to lift and carry tires, rims, brake drums, clutch assemblies, radiators, batteries, utilizing lifts and other equipment when necessary. Items may be up to and in excess of 100 pounds. Must be able to work for extended periods of time standing under vehicles on lifts, leaning over vehicle fenders, lying on backside on creeper or in crouched positions, driving/operating for extended periods, use torches and welding equipment. Must be able to perform emergency repairs in adverse weather conditions.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS (Minimum): Graduation from high school or vocational school, supplemented by skilled and semiskilled automotive trades training plus 2-3 years of related experience in mechanical maintenance repair, or equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Must possess a valid Connecticut CDL A motor vehicle driver’s license. Must be Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certified. Must possess Section 609 Automotive Air Conditioning Certification