MECHANIC

TITLE:  MECHANIC

DEPARTMENT:  PUBLIC WORKS – VEHICLE MAINTENANCE: 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Responsible for performing skilled automotive and diesel mechanical, light welding and work in the repair, overhaul and maintenance of Town automobiles, trucks, plows, heavy and light equipment. 

 SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of the Superintendent of Vehicle Maintenance and the oversight of a Leadman/Mechanic.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:

Receives both oral and written instructions and work orders from the Fleet & Equipment Superintendent who reviews work in progress or upon completion. Plans and organizes work procedures using repair manuals and shop computer programs.

Identifies vehicle and equipment malfunctions and determines corrective actions to be taken through testing. Tests vehicles and equipment following repairs. Operates scan tool and other diagnostic test equipment necessary to correct and repair complex problems.

Overhauls and repairs engines, transmissions, brakes, chassis, electrical/electronic, hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical parts and controls and related components. Uses mechanic’s hand tools and power equipment including acetylene torches to remove, disassemble, repair, rebuild, or replace defective parts or units. 

Maintains a variety of shop equipment including hydraulic jacks, electrical/electronic test equipment, air compressors, arc welder, acetylene torch, drill press, battery chargers, hand, and electrical tools. 

Maintains vehicle/equipment records including a complete record of all repairs and parts. Completes job/work orders thoroughly and other maintenance records as requested and submits according to departmental procedures using current technology. 

Schedules preventative maintenance needs, executes a preventative maintenance program, and performs safety inspections. Makes road calls on immobile vehicles and equipment, makes emergency repairs and/or transports vehicles/equipment as necessary. 

Assists in the maintenance of the parts room and its inventory. Orders mechanical parts from vendors to repair Town vehicles and equipment. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES (CONTINUED):

Performs essential job functions in the work environment as described above.  supports other activities including operating power tools, trucks, and equipment up to 40 tons. Participates in snow and ice control operations or shovels snow, dirt or other materials/debris from bays and surroundings. 

NONESSENTIAL DUTIES

None.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Considerable knowledge of the tools, equipment, materials, methods, and techniques commonly used in the maintenance of vehicles and equipment maintenance, overhaul, and repair. 

Knowledge of occupational hazards involved and the work standards and safety precautions necessary for safe maintenance, repair and operation of vehicles and equipment overhaul. 

Knowledge of traffic laws, ordinances and regulations governing vehicle and equipment operation. 

Skill in welding and in the care and use of skilled mechanics’ tools employed in all phases of vehicle and equipment maintenance and repair. 

Ability to estimate and requisition materials, equipment, and other supplies. 

Ability to work in extreme weather conditions.

Ability to understand and carry out instructions furnished in oral and written form. 

Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing. 

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, vendors, and the general public.

Physical strength and agility to sufficiently do strenuous laboring tasks under varying and at time adverse weather conditions.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Graduation from a standard high school or equivalent and completion of vocational or technical school program, must maintain a driving record in accordance with the City of West Haven’s Driving Policy.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must have a valid Commercial Drivers’ License (CDL-B) with air brake endorsement. Modern diesel experience preferred. A.S.E. Automotive Certification preferred. Six (6) years’ experience in skilled automotive work which includes experience in repairing heavy construction vehicles, specialized construction equipment, welding, and hydraulics.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Motorized vehicles for mechanical testing purposes, power and hand tools and equipment for vehicle and mechanical system work; mechanic's tools including jacks, hydraulic lifts, air tools, and other tools required for minor repairs and routine maintenance of motorized vehicles; electronic vehicle diagnostic equipment; personal computer, calculator, phone; mobile or portable radio. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to walk, sit and talk or hear. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift weights up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in restrictive work areas with exposure to dirt, oils, greases, noise, fumes, temperature extremes and other uncomfortable or disagreeable conditions. Requires extensive lifting and climbing onto or under equipment or on ladders, at times carrying heavy items up to 75 pounds. Frequent use of wrenches, often in awkward positions with elbows extended. Other repair functions are performed relying upon repetitive, heavy use of the upper extremities. May work outdoors in temperature extremes performing repairs. May include extended work periods in excess of eight hours and being called to respond to the essential obligations of the town under emergency operations.

GENERAL GUIDELINES: 

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Revised on 9/8/2023