Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Introduction

The San Joaquin County Public Works - Solid Waste Division has part‑time employment opportunities for the Heavy Equipment Mechanic position. This recruitment will be used to fill those part‑time positions and to establish an eligible referral pool which may be used to fill future part‑time opportunities.

Pre-Employment Physical, Drug Screen and Background

Potential new hires into this classification are required to successfully pass a pre‑employment physical examination, a pre‑employment drug screen and a background investigation as a condition of employment. Final appointment cannot be made unless the eligible candidate has passed the drug screen, physical and successfully completed the background process. The County pays for the initial drug screen and physical. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application. A completed application must be postmarked or received online by the final filing deadline. NOTE: All correspondences relating to this recruitment will be delivered via e‑mail. The e‑mail account used will be the one provided on your employment application during time of submittal. Please be sure to check your e‑mail often for updates. If you do not have an e‑mail account on file, Human Resources will send you correspondences via US Mail.

Typical Duties

• Inspects diesel, hydraulic, road construction, and other similar equipment in the field or shop.
• Disassembles and overhauls engines, differentials, transmissions, clutches, alternators, generators, starters, distributors, carburetors, steering mechanisms, brakes, hydraulic apparatus, and other assemblies.
• Inspects, repairs, and overhauls trucks, power shovels, tractors, air compressors, bulldozers, graders, ferries and other equipment.
• Rebuilds and tunes engines using testing equipment; sets tappets; replaces main and connecting rod bearings; inspects and repairs automatic and standard transmissions, universal joints, and differentials; relines and adjusts brakes.
• Shapes metal parts to precise dimensions within the class tolerance by means of a lathe or other precision equipment.
• Repairs hydraulic systems on construction equipment; tests and makes precision adjustments. Performs acetylene and electrical welding, and blacksmithing.
• Evaluates the condition of cooling systems, locates faults or defects, and makes necessary repairs. Prepares work reports as required.
• May train and inspect the work of Equipment Service Workers, Automotive Mechanic Apprentices, and/or Heavy Equipment Mechanic Apprentices.

Minimum Qualifications

• Pattern I

Four years as a Heavy Equipment Mechanic Apprentice in San Joaquin County service.

• Pattern II

Four years of mechanic experience involving the repair of construction equipment and/or heavy trucks.

• Substitution: Experience as an Automotive Mechanic in San Joaquin County service may substitute on a year‑for‑year basis for a maximum of two years of the required experience.
• License: Possession of a valid California driver’s license at the time of application; depending on assignment, may be required to obtain a valid California Class B driver’s license within six months of appointment, and to maintain such license while employed in this class.

Knowledge

Principles and practices of heavy equipment maintenance and repair, including diesel engines, dray lines, bulldozers, backhoes and similar equipment; methods, tools and standard practices of diesel and hydraulic equipment mechanics; principles of operation of heavy equipment and related systems; the use of test, welding and other shop equipment; the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the heavy equipment mechanics trade.

Ability

Diagnose trouble in diesel engines and heavy Public Works equipment; operate various testing and repair equipment and follow automotive and equipment diagrams; perform acetylene and electric welding; use tools, machines and testing instruments of the trade; understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

Physical/Mental Requirements

Mobility – frequent standing and walking; occasional pushing, pulling, balancing, bending, twisting, climbing, kneeling, squatting; Lifting/Carrying – frequently 50 pounds or less; occasionally 51‑70 pounds; Dexterity – frequent handling, reaching, grasping, and fingering; Hearing/Talking – frequent hearing and speaking normal speech and speaking loudly over equipment noise; occasional hearing/talking on a radio; Visual – frequent use of good overall vision, at normal or corrected to normal acuity; frequent use of depth perception and peripheral vision; occasional reading and close‑up work; Environmental – frequent exposure to dirt, dust, smoke, fumes, and odors; occasional exposure to varied weather conditions or working with hazardous materials; Emotional/Psychological – frequent concentration and working independently; Special Requirements – occasional working overtime, weekends, nights, holidays and/or emergency call‑back; occasional tr…