Master Mechanic

Job Summary

Under the direct supervision of the Street Manager, the Master Mechanic is responsible for supervising the Street Mechanic position, diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining a wide variety of heavy-duty vehicles, light duty vehicles and equipment used by the City of Brookings. The role requires advanced diagnostic and repair skills, a deep understanding of mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems, and a commitment to keeping the fleet operational and in compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: 
  1. High school diploma or equivalent
  2. Completion of a diesel trade school
• Certifications:
  1. Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Medium/Heavy Truck Technician certification; any of the T1-T8 series
  2. Class A Commercial Driver’s License with tanker endorsement 
  3. American Public Works Association (APWA) Winter Maintenance Operator certification or the ability to obtain within 3 months. 
• Experience: 
  1. 5+ years of related experience working as a heavy-duty mechanic
  2. 3 years related experience using a fleet management information system (FMIS)

Note: A combination of education and experience, may be considered in lieu of graduation of trade school

• Skills:
  1. Proficiency in diagnosing and repairing mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems on heavy-duty vehicles and equipment
  2. Welding, fabrication, and general metalworking skills
  3. In-depth understanding of diagnostic equipment, hand tools, power tools, and workshop machinery
  4. Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex mechanical and electrical issues
  5. Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
  6. Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks effectively
  7. Excellent communication skills for collaborating with staff, vendors, and other Divisions
  8. Ability to respond to weather, road or equipment related emergencies on an on-call or call-in basis during nights, weekends and holidays 

Preferred Qualifications

• Certifications:
  1. Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Master Medium/Heavy Truck Technician
  2. American Public Works Association (APWA) Winter Maintenance Supervisor certification or the ability to obtain within 3 months[JL7] .
  3. Mine Safety and Health Administration, (MSHA) certification
  4. American Public Works Association (APWA) Public Fleet Management
• Experience: 
  1. 10+ years of related experience working as a heavy-duty mechanic
  2. Related experience using RTA fleet management information system (FMIS)
  3. 5 years related experience in winter operations
  4. Related public sector experience in patrolling major roadways to monitor observed weather, road conditions and initiate a callout per operations plan
• Skills:
  1. General understanding of municipal government operations

 Major Duties (Essential Function)

• Supervision
  1. Supervise full time mechanic and/or seasonal or part time in the Street Division.
  2. Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organizations’ policies, procedures and applicable laws.
  3. Responsibilities include assisting in the interviewing, hiring and training of employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; performance reviews, rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems; constant attention to and monitoring of safety practices and procedures.  
• Repair and Maintenance of Fleet Vehicles:
  1. Diagnose, repair, and maintain a diverse fleet of heavy-duty vehicles and equipment used by the City, including trucks, snow removal equipment, street sweepers, construction machinery, and more.
  2. Perform mechanical repairs on engines, transmissions, differentials, drive lines, hydraulic systems, and air braking systems.
  3. Perform routine maintenance such as oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, and tune-ups.
  4. Repair and maintain auxiliary equipment and systems such as electrical, lighting, cooling, and HVAC systems.
• Fleet Inspections and Preventative Maintenance:
  1. Conduct regular and thorough inspections of fleet vehicles and equipment to ensure safe and optimal operation.
  2. Implement a preventative maintenance program to extend the life of the fleet and minimize unplanned downtime utilizing a FMIS.
  3. Track and monitor maintenance schedules, ensuring vehicles and equipment are serviced on time and according to manufacturer recommendations.
• Diagnostics and Troubleshooting:
  1. Utilize advanced diagnostic tools to identify mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic issues with fleet vehicles and equipment.
  2. Analyze issues and determine the best course of action for repairs, ordering parts and overseeing the completion of repairs.
  3. Work with computerized diagnostic systems and schematics to troubleshoot complex electrical and electronic issues.
• Emergency Repairs and On-Site Assistance:
  1. Respond to emergency breakdowns of fleet vehicles during normal operations, ensuring that vehicles are repaired quickly to minimize service disruption.
  2. Provide on-site troubleshooting and repairs when necessary.
• Welding, Fabrication, and Custom Modifications:
  1. Perform welding and fabrication work to repair or modify vehicle components.
  2. Customize and modify fleet vehicles for specific needs, such as adding equipment or making structural modifications.
• Inventory and Parts Management:
  1. Maintain an inventory of parts, tools, and supplies needed for repairs and maintenance.
  2. Order necessary parts and equipment, and ensure the availability of commonly used items to reduce downtime.
  3. Keep accurate records of parts used in repairs and track the lifecycle of all vehicle components.
• Safety and Compliance:
  1. Ensure all fleet vehicles and equipment are in compliance with safety standards and regulations, including state, local, and federal guidelines.
  2. Adhere to regulations and the Public Works Department's safety protocols.
  3. Inspect vehicles for compliance with emissions and environmental standards.
• Documentation and Reporting:
  1. Keep detailed records of all work performed, including repairs, maintenance, and parts replaced.
  2. Prepare and submit reports on fleet maintenance status and operational readiness to supervisors or department heads.
  3. Maintain accurate logs of service history for each vehicle, documenting each repair and maintenance task completed.

Marginal Duties

• Communicate with other departments or city personnel to understand the specific needs and issues with fleet vehicles.
• Work closely with supervisors to prioritize repairs based on urgency and fleet requirements.
• Perform other job-related duties as deemed necessary and additional duties, tasks, or responsibilities as assigned.

Physical Demands/Work Environment (Essential Function)

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and use hands to finger, handle, or feel.  
• The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms and talk or hear.
• The employee is frequently required to walk, sit, climb, or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. 
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to a variety of conditions, including heat, cold, noisy, dirty, and potentially hazardous environments.
• The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; and vibration.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, occasionally high.

• Problem Solving: Assess complex issues with trucks, which could range from engine diagnostics to electrical system malfunctions. Ability to troubleshoot and identify the root cause of the problem, often under time constraints.
• Technical Knowledge: A deep understanding of various mechanical systems and components needed, including engine mechanics, suspension, braking systems, electrical systems, and diagnostics tools. Ability to read technical manuals, use diagnostic equipment, and stay updated with the latest technologies.
• Decision Making: Ability to make quick, informed decisions, especially when a truck or equipment is critical for operations. Make decision on repair methods or prioritize work based on urgency, complexity, and available parts.
• Attention to Detail: Ensuring repairs are thorough and safe, requiring a high degree of focus and attention to detail.
• Team Collaboration: While mechanics often work individually on repairs, they also work closely with other team members, such as parts suppliers, service managers, or fellow mechanics, to ensure that work is completed efficiently and correctly.
• Customer Interaction: Interact with internal and external customers. Interactions involve explaining issues, offering cost estimates, or giving updates on repair progress. Addressing concerns in a timely manner. 
• Training and Mentorship: Responsible for training staff, teaching them new skills, or providing guidance on complex repairs.
• Vendor Relations: Communicate with vendors for parts or tools, requiring clear and efficient communication to ensure they have the correct supplies at the best price needed to complete repairs.

Pre-employment Screening

• Pre-employment screening may include, but are not limited to, the following: references, criminal background, credit history, drug and alcohol screening, medical history questionnaire, and pre-employment physical. 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.