Lead Automotive Mechanic

Posting number: FO211210

Department: Fleet Operations

Job classification: Lead Automotive Mechanic

Posting type: Open

Categories: Fleet Services, Customer Service, Automotive, Business

Summary

This position is open for current Regular Full Time County EMPLOYEES ONLY.

The principal function of an employee in this class is to ensure County vehicles and related equipment are kept in operable condition and to assist in the training and mentoring of Automotive Technicians (Mechanics).  The work is performed under the supervision and direction of an Automotive Shop Supervisor, but significant leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative.  This class is distinguished from the class of Automotive Mechanic by the greater experience and higher skill level required to perform assigned tasks, and to perform hands-on instruction to automotive shop personnel.  This class differs from all classes as this level exercises an instructional and supervisory role in the auto shop. The nature of the work performed requires that an employee in this class establish and maintain effective working relationships with other County employees, outside contractors and the public.  The principal duties of this class are performed in a maintenance shop and at various work sites throughout the County, including repairing equipment at field work locations

HIRING SALARY RANGE:  $54,308 - $71,115 (Estimated Annual Salary)

OPEN UNTIL FILLED – APPLICATION REVIEW BEGINS IMMEDIATELY

Examples of duties

• Performs complete repair and maintenance of County vehicles, including routine service, engine repairs, transmission maintenance, electrical system diagnostic, heating and air systems, body work, brake and frame maintenance, suspension, tires and related equipment.
• Assists the Automotive Shop Supervisor in the supervision of assigned personnel and acts as the Supervisor in that person’s absence. 
• Instructs, assists, and advises Automotive Technicians (Mechanics) in the repair of assigned vehicles and equipment.
• Inspects vehicles or monitors inspections performed by others of vehicles and equipment to determine necessary repairs and maintenance service and estimates cost of performing work.
• Assists the Automotive Shop Supervisor with hands-on instruction, testing and evaluation of assigned technicians leading to qualifications for the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification program. 
• Acts as after-hours on-call supervisor for Emergency Services and in disaster-related situations, and provides on-call back-up support for after-hours repairs for EMS ambulances and Environmental Management equipment, as needed.
• Inspects repairs and services upon completion and road tests vehicles after repairs for quality control of jobs completed. 
• Issues and trains in the use of shop tools and specialized testing equipment.
• Documents identified problems, diagnoses basic mechanical problems, and repairs or replaces defective parts.
• Discusses vehicle problems with operators in order to identify problems and explain what work may be required.
• Inspects, tests and repairs vehicle electrical charging systems such as alternators, regulators and batteries.
• Performs service calls for inoperative vehicles as needed. 
• Oversees installation of any aftermarket parts installed on the vehicle.
• Completes a schedule of preventative maintenance by testing equipment to ensure readiness for use.
• Prioritizes repairs to be completed based on adequate coverage of services to ensure that there is minimal disruption to work services.
• Performs structural and equipment repair and maintenance at related facilities.
• Maintains records on maintenance activities.
• Assists in the oversight of shop operations.
• Responds to questions, comments, and requests in a courteous, timely manner.
• Provides needed information and demonstrations concerning how to perform certain work tasks to new employees in the same or similar class of positions.
• Keeps immediate supervisor and designated others fully and accurately informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems, need for new tools and equipment, and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems.
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops and training sessions and reviews materials to become and remain current on the principles, practices and new developments in assigned work areas.
• Communicates and coordinates regularly with others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities.
• Performs other directly related duties consistent with the role and function of the classification.
• May be designated to report to work during hazardous weather or emergency conditions.

Qualifications

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• Graduation from High School or possession of a GED; and
• 5 plus years or more of experience in vehicle and equipment maintenance and repair; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the work; and
• Must undergo continuous in-house training and training from manufacturer’s and vendors as a condition of continued employment; and
• Must obtain designated ASE certifications within three (3) years of the date of employment.
• Possession of a valid State Driver’s License indicating a clean DMV record.
• Due to the area of responsibility, incumbents are required to hold a valid Freon Recovery Certification.

Supplemental information

Knowledge:

• Extensive knowledge of the modern principles, practices, methods, tools, materials and diagnostic equipment associated with the maintenance and repair of vehicles. 
• Extensive knowledge of the principles, practices and operations of internal combustion engines, both gasoline and diesel. 
• Extensive knowledge of electronics and computer systems in automotive vehicles and equipment. 
• Extensive knowledge of the principles, practices and operations of fleet operations.
• Extensive knowledge of the principles and practices of automotive hydraulics and hydraulic systems repair. 
• Extensive knowledge of the servicing and repair of brakes and systems. 
• Extensive knowledge of power steering and automotive air conditioning controls and systems. 
• Extensive knowledge of both manual and automatic transmission operations and maintenance. 
• Extensive knowledge of differential assembly repair and maintenance. 
• Extensive knowledge of repair methods of suspension systems. 
• Extensive knowledge of safety precautions and procedures relating to mechanical equipment repair and maintenance operations.

Skills:

• Skilled in the use and maintenance of tools employed in all phases of vehicle maintenance and repair.
• Skilled in diagnosing mechanical and automotive malfunctions and determine appropriate maintenance and repair needed.
• Skilled in reading and following wiring and related diagrams.

Abilities:

• Able to mentor, train, and motivate others.
• Able to instruct and motivate others to learn new practices and procedures to accomplish work objectives.
• Able to plan, organize and evaluate the work of others.
• Able to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines.
• Able to communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing, using technical and nontechnical language.
• Able to use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and/or oral instructions.
• Able to understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures and instructions.
• Able and willing to quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and/or technology.
• Able to use integrity, ingenuity, and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks.
• Able to maintain a clean, organized, and safe workspace.
• Ability to navigate repair programs for crucial information on repairs (i.e. torque specifications, sequences, and repair instructions.)