Lead Mechanic

Job Overview

Position Summary

Please note: In addition to base pay listed on the job posting, this position may qualify for a Market Adjustment Supplement Pay of up to $2.65 per hour, depending on qualifications. 

Under general supervision, performs and supervises skilled mechanical work in the repair and maintenance of a wide variety of specialized equipment and motorized machinery; performs related work as required. Work includes diagnosing mechanical issues, performing preventive maintenance, and ensuring equipment is safely returned to service.

The ideal candidate possesses the ability to follow a management philosophy that is input oriented; values fairness, problem solving, and the development of partnerships; works effectively as a member of a team; and desires to be part of an organization that values service, people, integrity, responsibility, innovation, and teamwork.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: Work in this class involves responsibility for supervising and performing skilled tasks in the repair, maintenance, and service of a wide variety of conventional and specialized equipment and motorized machinery. Work assignments are received orally or in writing from the Fleet Manager and may include assisting in diagnosing the nature and extent of mechanical issues. General supervision is received from the Fleet Manager. Work may be reviewed in progress and upon completion through inspection, testing, and evaluation of results achieved.

Job Duties

• Plans, performs, leads, supervises, and evaluates the work of employees engaged in the overhaul, repair, and maintenance of light and heavy trucks, gasoline and diesel engines, tractors, bulldozers, scrapers, trash compactors, end loaders, specialized compost equipment, graders, fire apparatus, transit vehicles, and other automotive and mechanical equipment.

• Provides day-to-day leadership, coaching, and mentoring to mechanics and support staff; fosters teamwork, collaboration, and a positive, safety-focused work environment.

• Diagnoses mechanical defects, determines corrective action required, and guides team members in troubleshooting and repair techniques to support skill development and consistent work quality.

• Conducts and oversees road tests to locate equipment defects and verify the effectiveness of repairs prior to returning equipment to service.

• Utilizes testing devices such as ammeters, voltmeters, gauges, and other diagnostic equipment; ensures proper use and shared knowledge of diagnostic tools across the team.

• Performs arc, acetylene, TIG, MIG welding and cutting; trains and supports staff in safe and effective welding practices as appropriate.

• Performs and oversees preventive maintenance programs, coordinating work assignments through the work order system to ensure efficiency, accountability, and timely completion.

• Leads the use of the computerized work order and fleet management system, ensuring accurate entry of labor, parts, costs, and repair notes; monitors work order status and assists staff in proper system use.

• Maintains accurate and complete records of work performed and parts used; reviews work orders for quality, consistency, and compliance with departmental standards.

• Serves in the capacity of Fleet Manager in their absence, including supporting staff coordination, prioritization of work orders, and communication with departments.

• Responds to residents’ questions and service requests in a courteous, timely, and fair manner, modeling professionalism and customer service expectations for staff.

• Performs related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Automotive and Heavy Equipment Maintenance and Repair: Knowledge of the standard practices, methods, materials, and tools used in the automotive and heavy equipment mechanic trade; mechanical repair methods applicable to heavy duty trucks and construction equipment.
• Equipment Proficiency: The ability to utilize and care for tools and equipment necessary to perform various maintenance and repair tasks involving automotive and heavy equipment.
• Occupational Safety: Ability to safely perform a variety of skilled tasks in the repair and maintenance of automotive and heavy equipment.
• Diagnostic Techniques: Skilled at diagnosing mechanical defects and determining parts and adjustments necessary to put equipment into proper operating condition.
• Repair Proficiency: Ability to repair and maintain diversified automotive and heavy equipment.
• Instruction Comprehension: Understanding and following oral and written instructions and directions.
• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to maintain effective working relationships with employees and the general public.
• Independent Task Management: Ability to handle a variety of tasks without close supervision.
• Physical Standards: Physical ability to lift, on a frequent basis, jacks, jack stands, safety blocks and large tires with steel rims, drive shafts, leaf spring sections and other vehicle and heavy equipment components; to bend and stoop frequently; and to lift and hold heavy tools and parts overhead.
• Teamwork: Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• Lead Work and Relationships: Ability to plan, organize, supervise, and evaluate the work of employees; make decisions, recognizing established practices and to use resourcefulness and tact in solving problems; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, city officials, contractors, representatives of other agencies and the public; and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Skill in problem-solving and conflict management.

 

Qualifications

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience as an automotive mechanic, including repair and maintenance of automotive and light and heavy equipment.
• Supervisory experience in automotive and heavy equipment repair and maintenance.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire date and maintain, a valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License with air brakes, combination, and passenger endorsements.
• High school diploma or equivalent, supplemented by technical training in automotive mechanics; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

 

Supplemental Information

 

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: Employees of the City of Dubuque shall establish their principal place of residency within fifty (50) miles of the corporate limits of the city of Dubuque as soon as practical after appointment, but within two years of appointment.

OVERTIME STATUS: Non-Exempt