Engine & Generator Mechanic (Motor Equipment Mechanic II) - Public Works, Bureau of Facilities

Howard County:

Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.

Howard County Government:

Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, best practices and sustainability. It is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2024, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 63 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the most awards in the state of Maryland, and the fifth highest in the nation, as compared to more than 3000 counties. NACo Achievement Awards are the premier national honor to recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policy making. 

What are we looking for?
We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.

What you'll like most about working at Howard County Government:

• We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.  
• We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged!  
• We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs. 
• As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position is fully responsible for the maintenance, repair, and testing of more than seventy mobile and stationary generator systems used for standby power and emergency operations in Howard County Government buildings. These generators ensure continued operations during weather events, civil unrest, and other disasters when utility power is unavailable.

The position requires advanced engine and generator mechanical/electrical diagnostics, repair, and maintenance work at the full performance level. Independent judgment and decision-making are essential for resolving complex power generation equipment issues. Generators range in size from 5 to 1,200 horsepower and vary in complexity.

The position demands advanced skills and knowledge of gasoline, diesel, and natural gas-powered engines, including complete rebuilds and replacements. Expertise in generator diagnostics, repair, and replacement is required, along with a thorough understanding of testing techniques and the ability to oversee contractor-provided testing services. Additionally, the ability to assist electrical staff with prewiring and setup, as well as advising on priority locations based on emergency management priorities, is essential.

The position also involves data entry and extraction from personal computers for testing, maintenance, repair, and tracking of generator location, condition, fueling, and readiness for use.

CLASS DESCRIPTION:

This is skilled, automotive/equipment mechanical trades work at the master mechanic level.  Work includes training and assisting less skilled workers and performing major equipment/vehicle repairs. Work is performed with general supervision from an administrative superior.  Assignments are stable in nature and are carried out in accordance with accepted trades standards and applicable regulations.  An employee in this class performs highly complex equipment/vehicle repairs to provide efficient automotive operations. Contacts with others are on a routine basis, including contacts with outside vendors, engineers, and various County employees.


Include the following. Other duties may be assigned. 

• Establishes a preventive maintenance schedule for generator systems and assist in determining repair priorities.
• Performs major and minor preventative maintenance tasks on gasoline, diesel, and natural gas generators ranging in size from 5 HP up to 1207 HP.
• Performs engine overhauls on large and small engines, generators, and transfer switch equipment.
• Performs extensive diagnostic testing of malfunctioning gasoline, diesel, natural gas power generating equipment; troubleshoots, disassembles, repairs, rebuilds or replaces engines, power generating equipment, power transfer equipment, electrical systems, electronic and computer controls, and other complex components.
• Performs annual and 3-year load bank testing required by NFPA 11 0; oversees contractual personnel performing similar tasks to ensure quality control.
• Uses diagnostic equipment to retrieve data from computer-controlled systems and analyzes data to perform repairs.
• Uses a computer or tablet to access generator history, technical information, and service bulletins.
• Uses a computer or tablet to enter maintenance and repair information into a CMMS database.
• Checks and repairs generator electrical systems.
• Performs welding and burning work as required.
• Oversees the work of other Facilities personnel assigned to assist with generator systems maintenance and repair; inspects completed maintenance and repair tasks to ensure quality of work.
• May transport diesel fuel to emergency generator sites or oversee fueling from a fuel supply vendor.
• Provides training for other Bureau of Facilities' staff related to preventive maintenance of gasoline, diesel, and natural gas generators ranging in size from 5 HP up to 1207 HP.
• Oversight of contractor-provided preventative maintenance of fuel polishing systems and in-house maintenance of fuel level sending units.
• Ability to transport and stage portable generators for emergency response.
• Receives materials, supplies and verifies vendor shipments.
• Keeps records of work accomplished by unit, materials and supplies used, time and labor costs, and similar work activities.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.Any combination of education and experience equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) school grade and satisfactory completion of an apprenticeship in equipment/vehicle maintenance and two years of experience at the level of Motor Equipment Mechanic I or four (4) years of experience in the automotive mechanical trade, at least two of which must have been at the level of Motor Equipment Mechanic I. 

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Extensive knowledge of gasoline, diesel, and natural gas-powered engines 
• Extensive knowledge of power generation equipment, to include transfer switch equipment, wiring and testing methods 
• Extensive knowledge of utility power supply, commercial building wiring, and electrical interface for standby and emergency generators 
• Working knowledge of Personal Computer Windows software protocols. 
• Demonstrated ability to perform basic cutting and welding repairs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

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 accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; high, precarious places; outside weather conditions; risk of electrical shock; and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. 

This position is designated as Emergency and Essential and may be subject to mandatory call-in during any emergency or inclement weather situation as determined by the Bureau Chief. The employee may be required to remain at the worksite for several consecutive days or longer under emergency conditions.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively to customers and employees of the organization. 

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.  Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. The ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. 

REASONING ABILITY:

This position requires independent thought and action to resolve complex mechanical, electrical and logistical problems.

Possession of a Maryland Class C driver's license during tenure of employment.

Salary : $59,093 - $95,930