Become a Heavy Equipment Mechanic

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  Entry Level
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  Supervisory
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  Full Time
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  Seasonal
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  Benefits Eligible

Under direction, to construct, repair and maintain automotive and heavy maintenance and construction equipment; may instruct and lead or direct the work of apprentices, helpers, Service Assistants (Automotive) or other employees, inmates, wards or resident workers; and to do other related work.

Job Characteristics

Although the majority of duties assigned to positions in this class involve heavy maintenance and construction equipment, assignments may include some work on automotive equipment.

Typical Tasks

Inspects equipment to locate and determine the extent of necessary repairs and the corrective action necessary; maintains and repairs automobiles, trucks, tractors, power shovels, graders, snowplows, pumps, air compressors, diesel and gasoline engines and similar equipment; constructs new special equipment or modifies existing equipment including body frames and running gear; makes installation of or repairs to special equipment; operates and maintains tools and machinery used in the repair and maintenance of heavy maintenance and construction equipment; advises in the selection of parts and equipment; estimates repair costs; instructs operators in the proper operation and servicing of equipment; performs minor welding and brazing work; keeps simple records and makes reports; instructs and leads or directs the work of helpers, apprentices, Service Assistants (Automotive), other employees, inmates, wards or resident workers.

This classification is eligible for the following pay:

$5,445 - $6,527 Base Salary (paid every month)

$65,340 – $78,324 Annual Compensation (plus Fire Mission Pay)*

*Fire Mission Pay: Incumbents receive approximately 10% of base pay paid monthly when fire season is declared for the employee’s Unit.

In addition to the above pay items, employees are eligible for medical benefits (health, dental, vision) and may be eligible for other pay differentials.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website. 

Minimum Qualifications

Possession of a valid California Class 3 driver license. (Applicants who do not possess the license will be allowed to compete in the examination, but the license must be obtained prior to appointment.); (and)

Either I
Completion of a recognized apprenticeship as a gas and diesel-powered truck mechanic, or a heavy construction equipment mechanic. (Apprentices who are within six months of completing their apprenticeship program may be admitted to the examination, but they must present evidence of completion of a recognized apprenticeship before they may be appointed.)

Or II
Four years of varied mechanical experience on gas- and diesel-powered trucks or heavy construction equipment. An Associate of Arts Degree in Heavy Equipment Maintenance, Diesel Mechanics, or Heavy Equipment Mechanics, or a certificate of completion from an accredited community college or an equivalent degree or certificate approved by the California Superintendent of Public Instruction under the provisions of California Education Code Section 94310(b), may be substituted for two years of the required experience. (Students who are within six months of completing their degree will be admitted to the examination but must present evidence of completion prior to appointment.)

Or III
Three years performing the duties of a Heavy Equipment Mechanic Apprentice in the California state service, at least two years of which shall have included experience on gasoline- and diesel-powered heavy construction or highway maintenance equipment.

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills

Knowledge:
Methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in construction, assembly, overhaul, repair, and adjustment of gas- and diesel-powered trucks and heavy construction and maintenance equipment; operating characteristics of heavy construction and maintenance equipment and gas- and diesel-powered trucks; safety regulations and practices.

Ability to:
Read and write English at a level required for successful job performance; fabricate, repair, and make adjustments to various equipment and systems (e.g., heavy construction and maintenance equipment, gas- and diesel-powered trucks); install and test pumps, motors, and similar equipment; perform welding; communicate effectively; estimate repair costs; work from drawings and sketches and make sketches of broken parts for replacement; and make repairs in the field without supervision.

Skill in:
Mechanical repair, adjustment, and fabrication of special equipment.

Additional Desirable Qualifications
Possession of a valid California Class 2 or Class 1 driver license.