Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Description

Position: Heavy Equipment Mechanic 

Status: Non-Exempt

Reports to: Fleet Maintenance Supervisor

Location: San Bernardino International Airport

Salary:  $25.68 - $33.50 per hour, with full benefits

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, the Heavy Equipment Mechanic is responsible for maintaining, repairing, and overhauling the airport’s heavy equipment, this position ensures that all heavy and specialized emergency equipment remains in optimal operational condition. The mechanic will perform diagnostics, preventive maintenance, and emergency repairs to support fleet readiness and emergency response capabilities.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Fleet Maintenance Supervisor. Exercises have no direct supervision over staff. May provide technical and functional direction to less experienced staff.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth.

• Inspect, diagnose, and repair mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems in heavy equipment and airport emergency response vehicles
• Communicate with departments and divisions regarding service requests; accept and prioritize fleet assets for repair; create work orders; assist in developing work plans, procedures, and schedules.
• Perform routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, brake inspections, fluid replacements, and tire rotations.
• Conduct detailed inspections and testing of fire apparatus to identify and resolve potential mechanical issues before they impact operational readiness.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of all maintenance and repair activities, including parts used, labor hours, and service reports.
• Troubleshoot and repair diesel and gasoline engines, transmissions, drivetrains, cooling systems, air and hydraulic brakes, pumps, and foam proportioning systems.
• Work on specialized firefighting equipment, including water pumps, nozzles, foam delivery systems, and ladder/hydraulic lifts.
• Respond to emergency repair requests to ensure continuous operation of fire suppression vehicles.
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations, industry standards, and airport authority requirements.
• Perform welding and fabrication as needed for structural repairs and modifications.
• Operate heavy equipment and motor vehicles related to fleet maintenance.
• Order necessary parts and materials to complete maintenance tasks efficiently.
• Conduct troubleshooting and repairs on fleet vehicles' 12V and 24V electrical systems.
• Read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, and blueprints to facilitate repairs and replacements.
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment, securing tools and equipment properly.
• Assist in preparing bid specifications for new fleet vehicles and equipment.
• Establishes, maintains, and fosters positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including the. public, vendors, contractors, and agency staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Maintenance and repair of fire trucks, emergency response equipment, and other heavy equipment vehicles.
• Diesel and gasoline engines, hydraulic systems, and heavy-duty braking systems.
• Fire suppression systems, including water pumps and foam delivery components.
• Electrical and electronic diagnostic tools used in vehicle maintenance.
• Occupational hazards and proper safety procedures in fleet maintenance.
• Welding and fabrication techniques for heavy-duty vehicle components.
• Proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials.
• Airport-specific regulations and guidelines for fire equipment maintenance.
• Record-keeping and documentation of vehicle maintenance activities.

Ability to:

• Diagnose and repair complex mechanical and electrical issues in airport fire trucks.
• Perform preventive maintenance to minimize vehicle downtime.
• Use precision diagnostic tools and modern fleet management software.
• Work independently and manage time efficiently.
• Provide technical guidance to junior mechanics and vehicle operators.
• Communicate clearly and professionally in person, over the phone, and in writing.
• Adhere to all safety procedures and airport operational protocols.
• Operate computers and specialized software for fleet management.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

High school diploma or equivalent supplemented by specialized training in the maintenance and repair of gas and diesel-powered equipment. Three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in automotive and heavy equipment repair, preferably with fire equipment and emergency response vehicles. Two (2) years of experience equivalent to Equipment Technician I at the agency is acceptable as an alternative qualification.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Preferred ASE Certification

Conditions of Employment

• This position requires the incumbent to drive the agency’s vehicles and equipment and possess or have the ability to obtain a valid California Driver’s License by appointment time.
• Successfully complete background checks to obtain and maintain federally mandated security clearances where required.
• Completion of a 10-panel drug screen for all substances deemed illegal by the Federal Government

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in and around a standard shop setting, to operate a motor vehicle and drive on surface streets; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work, to work in confined spaces and around machines, to climb and descend ladders, and to operate varied hand and power tools, equipment, and machinery; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate the above-mentioned tools and equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work and inspect work sites. Employees must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 75 pounds or heavier weights with proper equipment.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

Employees primarily work in the centralized maintenance shop and occasionally in the field. They are exposed to loud noise levels, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, dust, paint fumes, mechanical and electrical hazards, grease, oils, solvents, machinery with extremely hot surfaces and moving parts, moving objects or other vehicles, as well as cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, and road hazards. Employees may interact with upset staff when trying to diagnose and/or resolve an equipment-related problem.

EEO Statement

IVDA/SBIAA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender and/ or gender identity or expression, marital or parental status, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship status, veteran or military status, sex, age, sexual orientation, or physical disability or any other legally protected basis in its employment practice.

It is assumed that employees hired for this position can perform the essential functions of this job without imposing risk of substantial harm to the health or safety of themselves or others. 

Qualified candidates of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels.