Lead Vehicle & Equipment Technician

Overview

Basic Function: Under the direction of the Fleet Maintenance Manager, leads a small crew in performing skilled mechanical work in the inspection, diagnosis, repair and maintenance of a variety of heavy and light duty City vehicles and equipment including gasoline, CNG and diesel-powered vehicles; trains and provides work direction to assigned staff.

Distinguishing Characteristics: This is the advanced journey level class in the Vehicle Equipment Technician series. Positions at this level are distinguished from other classes within the series by the level or responsibility assumed, and complexity of duties assigned. Employees perform the most difficult and responsible types of technical duties assigned to classes within this series including performing technically complex maintenance and repair duties related to area of assignment and/or providing technical supervision over work assigned to staff.

Employees at this level are required to be fully trained in all procedures related to assigned area of responsibility.

• Lead crews in performing skilled mechanical work in the inspection, diagnosis, repair and maintenance of City vehicles and equipment.
• Evaluate maintenance, servicing and repair needs.
• Inspect and diagnose mechanical malfunctions.
• Estimate time, material and supply needs to complete assigned jobs; monitor inventory levels of parts and supplies; order, receive and maintain inventory of parts and supplies.
• Train and provide work direction and guidance to assigned personnel; assign daily duties to mechanical personnel.
• Assure maintenance and repair activities are performed in a timely manner.
• Implement safety practices; perform required safety inspections and preventive maintenance to assure compliance with established safety guidelines and regulations.
• Maintain accurate service and repair history records on City vehicles and equipment.
• Assist in prioritizing work orders and complete required inspection forms.
• Overhaul, repair and adjust automatic and standard transmissions, differentials, universal joints, gears, valves and transfer cases; overhaul, rebuild and tune engines and carburetors as needed.
• Service vehicles and equipment with fuel, oil, grease, water and hydraulic fluids.
• Replace water pumps and hoses; assure proper fluid levels; lubricate gearboxes; drain and refill crankcases.
• Replace fuses; assure proper air levels of tires and fill as needed.
• Adjust and realign brakes; maintain and replace air and hydraulic brake system components; install axles; overhaul steering gears and drive shafts.
• Diagnose and repair engine electrical and ignition systems, such as batteries, starters, distributors, alternators, coils and related systems; check, clean, adjust and replace breaker points and spark plugs.
• Perform electrical repairs on emergency vehicle equipment such as changing light bulbs, repairing sound systems and installing and repairing light fixtures as directed; install, maintain and repair specialized equipment on police vehicles such as computers, two-way radios and video equipment.
• Operate a variety of specialized electronic and computerized diagnosis equipment and machinery, welding equipment and hand and power tools.
• Work from blueprints, sketches, manuals and work orders; respond to emergency needs as requested; remain on-call as directed.
• Communicate with City personnel and various outside agencies to exchange information, coordinate activities and resolve issues or concerns.
• Maintain shop area, equipment and materials in a safe, clean and orderly fashion.
• Prepare and maintain a variety of reports and records, including timecards, worksheets, work orders and various maintenance requests.
• Perform inspections related to hazardous material accumulation, the fueling system, and storage tanks; document findings and performs related maintenance and repairs.
• Provide input to the Fleet Maintenance Manager regarding selection decisions, performance management, and other personnel issues.

• Techniques and practices used in the maintenance and repair of heavy and light duty vehicles and equipment.
• CNG fueling systems inspection, repair, and service.
• Operation, theory and principles of gasoline and diesel-powered engines.
• Principles of training and providing work direction.
• Methods, equipment, tools and materials used in the repair and maintenance of vehicles.
• Diagnostic procedures for vehicles and equipment including police cars, fire engines, street sweepers and refuse trucks.
• Preventative maintenance practices.
• Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Technical aspects of field of specialty.
• Shop math applicable to vehicle maintenance.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Health and safety regulations.
• Record-keeping techniques.
• Proper lifting techniques.

• Lead a crew in performing skilled mechanical work in the inspection, diagnosis, repair and maintenance of the multiple types of City vehicles and equipment…