Automotive Maintenance Technician

Under general supervision, this role is responsible for the upkeep, examination, diagnosis, and repair of various gas, diesel, hydraulic, and electrical automotive machinery and vehicles. The position reports to the Mechanic Supervisor.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Conducts inspections and performs preventive maintenance on a range of gas, diesel, hydraulic, and electrical equipment and vehicles; utilizes diverse testing methods and tools to identify issues; replaces, repairs, and/or refurbishes defective or worn components and systems to restore vehicles and equipment to optimal functionality.

Diagnoses, troubleshoots, repairs, and adjusts or replaces various components and systems, including major engine, transmission, cooling, suspension, hydraulic, air conditioning, power steering, and electrical systems. Executes routine minor maintenance tasks such as tire changes, timing adjustments, and lubrication of vehicles. Conducts regular checks and preventive maintenance on equipment; identifies and reports malfunctions; cleans equipment as necessary.

Operates vehicles for test drives to ensure proper functioning; completes work orders and parts requisition forms.

Prepares new vehicles and equipment for service.

Documents maintenance activities, including repairs, parts utilized, costs, and other required information.

Performs additional related tasks as assigned. Specific duties will be determined by the supervisor based on current workload and departmental requirements.

PERFORMANCE METRICS

Job Knowledge:

Possesses a foundational understanding of the tools, materials, and supplies used in the repair and maintenance of various gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles. Familiar with the operation of motorized equipment and the methodologies for testing, diagnosing, and repairing vehicles and equipment. Understands occupational hazards and safety precautions relevant to assigned tasks. Knowledgeable about the principles of internal combustion and diesel engines as well as hydraulic systems. Proficient in using a variety of hand and power tools.

Capable of identifying causes of faulty operations in gasoline and diesel engines and determining necessary corrective measures. Able to comprehend and interpret oral and written instructions. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships as required by job assignments.

Work Quality:
Upholds high standards of accuracy in executing duties and responsibilities. Takes immediate corrective action to address any quality deficiencies in areas of responsibility. Maintains effective communication and interaction within the department and with co-workers and the public.

Work Quantity:
Ensures effective and efficient completion of all duties and responsibilities as outlined in the "Key Responsibilities" section.

Dependability:
Takes responsibility for completing assigned work and meeting deadlines. Finishes tasks on or before deadlines in accordance with directives, policies, standards, and procedures. Accepts accountability for fulfilling responsibilities in technical, human, and conceptual areas.

Attendance:
Regularly attends work and adheres to policies regarding absences and tardiness. Provides appropriate notice to management regarding vacation and time-off requests.

Initiative and Enthusiasm:
Maintains a proactive, self-reliant approach to fulfilling job responsibilities. Anticipates work requirements and initiates appropriate actions for task completion with minimal supervision.

Judgment:
Exercises analytical judgment in responsibilities. Identifies problems as they arise and defines decision objectives. Recognizes or assists in identifying alternative solutions to issues. Implements decisions in accordance with effective policies and procedures, minimizing errors. Seeks expert advice and researches issues before making judgments.

Cooperation:
Accepts supervisory guidance and strives to achieve departmental goals. Questions instructions when clarification is necessary due to poor communication or policy variance. Offers suggestions to enhance cooperation among staff.

Interpersonal Relationships:
Shares knowledge with supervisors and colleagues for mutual benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among department employees. Develops and sustains courteous relationships with department staff, other departments, and the public to foster goodwill and project a positive departmental image.

Work Coordination:
Plans and organizes daily tasks. Establishes priorities for work completion based on effective time management. Avoids duplication of efforts. Estimates completion times for tasks and schedules accordingly. Attends meetings and planning sessions punctually.

Safety and Cleanliness:
Adheres to all safety and cleanliness standards set by the city and regulatory agencies. Ensures compliance with these standards. Maintains a tidy and organized workspace.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Requires a high school diploma or equivalent, supplemented by coursework in automotive and equipment repair, along with 1-2 years of relevant automotive repair experience. Graduation from a recognized automotive or related apprenticeship program may substitute for up to 2 years of experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Must possess a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record. A valid Commercial Driver's License or permit is preferred.

Must complete the required National Incident Management System (NIMS) Incident Command System Certifications within one year of employment.

(Training provided by the City) This position requires a pre-employment medical evaluation and substance abuse testing, and is subject to random alcohol and controlled substance testing.

A satisfactory general background check, including local and state criminal history, is required.

This job is classified as "Essential Personnel" and will necessitate attendance and work during and after natural disasters or emergency situations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED
TO PERFORM
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Physical Requirements:

Must be physically capable of operating various vehicles, equipment, and machinery, including tractors, mowers, trucks, and automobiles. Must be able to utilize mechanic's tools and diagnostic equipment for servicing and repairing vehicles.

Must be able to exert over 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 25 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Physical demand requirements range from Medium to Heavy Work.

Data Interpretation:

Requires the ability to compare and judge observable characteristics of data, people, or things.

Communication Skills:
Requires the ability to convey or exchange information effectively. This includes receiving instructions and assignments from superiors.

Language Proficiency:
Requires the ability to read work orders, manuals, diagrams, and schematics. Must be able to prepare work orders using prescribed formats and communicate effectively with clarity and confidence.

Analytical Skills:

Requires the ability to apply rational systems to solve practical problems and handle various concrete variables in situations with limited standardization; to interpret diverse instructions provided in written, oral, or diagrammatic form.

Verbal Communication:

Requires the ability to accurately record and convey information, explain procedures, and follow both oral and written instructions.

Must communicate effectively using standard English and technical terminology.

Numerical Skills:
Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, decimals, and percentages.

Spatial Awareness:
Requires the ability to inspect items for proper dimensions and shape.

Motor Coordination:

Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately when using various machinery and diagnostic equipment.

Manual Dexterity:
Requires the ability to handle various items, such as motorized equipment, with minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

Color Recognition:
Requires the ability to distinguish between colors and shades.

Interpersonal Skills:
Requires the ability to interact with others beyond simple instruction-giving and receiving. Must adapt to performing under minimal stress levels.

Physical Communication:

Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (talking - expressing or exchanging ideas verbally; hearing - perceiving sounds).

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) REQUIREMENTS The City of Portsmouth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations. This is a class description and not an individual position description.

A class specification defines the general character and scope of duties and responsibilities of all positions in a job classification, but is not intended to describe and does not necessarily list the essential job functions for a given position in a classification.

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