CLASS SPECIFICATION
SENIOR MECHANIC TECHNICIAN
DEFINITION OF CLASS:
This is highly skilled work involving the provision of training in, and actual
hands-on repair and preventive maintenance of a wide variety of heavy-duty vehicles,
mobile, commercial transit, and/or fire/rescue apparatus and equipment. Contacts
are with the crew/shift to which an employee is assigned, and involve observing
and approving/correcting work performed, and providing instruction to individuals
and groups of employees performing maintenance and repair work; with management
to advise on training needed by individuals and groups of employees; and with
manufacturers' representatives to discuss technical vehicle and equipment part
and system problems. To a lesser degree, contacts also are maintained with supervisory
employees from other shifts and work units to coordinate work efforts and pass
on and receive information. This class of work may entail some public service/assistance,
but it is incidental to the primary focus of the work performed.
An employee in this class, working under general supervision, is responsible
for providing training, guidance and assistance to Mechanic Technicians and
lesser-skilled employees in diagnosing and resolving difficult and unusual problems
encountered in the maintenance and repair of heavy-duty vehicles, mobile and/or
commercial transit equipment. Work involves observing and monitoring work performed;
providing guidance, assistance and training; and responding to employees' maintenance/repair
questions. An employee in this class checks, road tests and certifies vehicles
and equipment as being both safe and having been properly maintained or repaired.
Employees in this class will normally determine and recommend, within a prescribed
value range, when a major component/assembly is to be repaired, rebuilt or discarded.
The impact of the work of the class is the provision of expert training in vehicle
and equipment repair and maintenance; guidance, assistance and support to Mechanic
Technicians and lesser-skilled employees in the performance of their work; the
provision of recommendations to management regarding individual and group training
needs; and quality assurance in the repair and maintenance of a fleet of vehicles
and equipment. Complexity of the work is derived from such factors as responding
to and resolving the full spectrum of problems encountered in vehicle and equipment
maintenance and repair; unavailability of parts and equipment; the analysis
of costs to determine whether to repair or replace vehicles, equipment, parts
and systems; and in determining whether alternative parts or systems meet or
exceed originally planned ones. Employees are fully proficient, and proceed
with assignments, which require planning of the work effort. This involves independently
arranging the sequence of work, obtaining necessary materials and supplies,
data and information, selecting the appropriate methods and procedures, and
varying these as necessary in response to different situations. Guidelines,
which cover most of the work performed, are available in the form of State and
Federal laws which regulate vehicle safety and inspection programs; vehicle
repair and maintenance manuals; warranty documents; and shop standard operating
procedures. Employees occasionally develop new, or modify existing methods and
procedures in order to improve effectiveness and efficiency. Approximately fifty
percent of the work is performed in an office setting or in meeting rooms. The
other fifty percent is performed primarily on the "shop floor" in
a centralized maintenance/repair facility which exposes employees to drafts,
changing temperatures, vibrations, dust, grease and noise. Working outside is
generally limited to vehicle/equipment road tests or occasional emergency repairs.
The most strenuous physical demands of this class of work, which are realized
less than fifty percent of the time, involve lifting parts and equipment which
weighs up to one hundred pounds. Assistance is usually requested in lifting
heavier objects. Other physical demands involve extended periods of standing
and walking throughout the shop; demonstrating methods and procedures, and assisting
Mechanics and lesser-skilled employees in performing maintenance and repair
work involving bending, stooping, reaching, stretching, climbing, and crouching.
Hazards of the work involve occasional exposure to moving machinery and power
tools, hazardous chemicals, blinding light and intense heat, and working at
heights ten to twenty feet above floor level when on top of vehicles and equipment.
Such work requires the strict observance of safety procedures and the wearing
of protective clothing, masks, goggles, and steel-toed shoes.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: (Illustrative Only)
Provides technical advice and assistance to Mechanic Technicians and lesser
skilled employees on either new or difficult and complex jobs, e.g., diagnosing
source of trouble, best means of repair, and tools and parts needed to accomplish
the work; and presents training courses to Mechanic Technicians, Bus Operators,
and Equipment Operators.
Inspects and approves/disapproves the work of Mechanic Technicians and lesser-skilled
employees, conducts road tests of vehicles and equipment, and inspects work
performed by manufacturers and vendors at their work sites.
Monitors and evaluates the work performance of contract employees.
Reads and interprets technical manuals and service/recall bulletins, conducts
training on these matters, provides safety tips, investigates and prepares service
bulletins and fleet defect reports.
Performs highly skilled, journey-level repair tasks.
Prepares job orders and checks time and materials used for repair and maintenance
assignments.
Determines whether to repair, rebuild or discard major components/assemblies.
Provides approval for ordering of parts or equipment when dollar value exceeds
that which may be ordered by Mechanic Technicians.
Advises management/supervisory personnel regarding training needs of individuals
and teams of Mechanic Technicians based upon review of completed work and work
in progress, and recommends classes/training to improve effectiveness and efficiency.
Provides frequent status reports to requesting parties regarding vehicle stage
of repair and problems encountered.
Provides recommendations regarding purchase of shop owned tools and equipment.
Visits vehicle manufacturers to observe construction, learn systems, and ensure
vehicles and vehicle systems are constructed in accordance with contract specifications;
and approves like components/parts/systems at same price or savings.
Plans and arranges, or provides training on new systems and components that
are coming on-line.
Conducts research and advises management of available training.
Performs related duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience: Five (5) years of journey-level experience in the automotive
repair trade in either heavy duty vehicles and/or mobile equipment, commercial
transit equipment, or any combination thereof.
Education: Completion of high school or High School Certificate of completion
recognized in the State of Maryland, or High School equivalency certificate.
Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience may
be substituted.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Thorough knowledge of the mechanical makeup, operation, and working relationships
of a variety of heavy-duty systems, assemblies, mechanisms, and parts, including
major systems such as diesel and gasoline engines, automatic and manual transmissions
and gear reduction systems, and driveline assemblies including differentials,
power divides, and dual speed axles; knowledge of hydraulic lifting, turning,
and positioning systems, including their mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electronic
and computerized controls.
Thorough knowledge of current safety practices, repair and preventive maintenance
methods and practices, test equipment and tools used in the repair and maintenance
of either heavy/construction or commercial transit equipment.
Thorough knowledge of the laws and regulations governing the condition of the
vehicles and equipment repaired and maintained, environmental laws governing
refrigerant use, and occupational safety regulations regarding safe practices
in the workplace.
Skill in the use of, and in instructing others in the use of, hand and power
tools and equipment associated with either heavy/construction or commercial
transit equipment.
Skill to remove, tear down, rebuild, adjust, reinstall, align, and mesh automotive
components and assemblies.
Ability to provide training to a team of Mechanic Technicians and lesser skilled
employees performing repair and maintenance on a fleet of heavy duty vehicles
and mobile equipment or commercial transit equipment.
Ability to occasionally lift and otherwise move objects that weigh up to 100
pounds.
Ability to work overhead or in stretched, cramped, awkward, tiring and uncomfortable
positions.
Ability to operate either heavy/construction or transit equipment.
Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records of time and materials used
and work performed.
Ability to use and wear personal protective clothing and equipment when exposed
to dust, fumes, and other irritants to eyes, nose, ears, skin and respiratory
system.
Ability to distinguish between colors.
Ability to attend meetings or perform other assignments at locations outside
the normal workplace.
LICENSE:
At Time of Employment Application: Possession of a valid current Class "C"
or equivalent motor vehicle operator's license from applicant's state of residence.
First Day of County Employment: Possession of either a valid Class "A"
or "B" Commercial Driver's License with Passenger and Air Brake Endorsement,
or an Instructional Permit for Class "A" or "B" Commercial
Driver's License with Passenger and Air Brake Endorsement, issued by the applicant's
state of residence.
Upon Completion of Probationary Period: Possession of a Class "A"
or "B" Commercial Driver's License, with Passenger and Air Brake Endorsement,
from employee's state of residence; Federal Environmental Protection Agency
Air Conditioning Certification (Clean Air Act, 1990, Section 608 and 609) appropriate
to the equipment serviced and inspected; and a Maryland State Forklift Operator
License. ASE Master Certification in Medium and Heavy-Duty Trucks within eighteen
months of appointment to a position in this class.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD:
Individuals appointed to a non-bargaining unit position in this class will be
required to serve a probationary period of twelve months; or if promoted to
a non-bargaining unit position in this class, serve a probationary period of
six months. Individuals appointed or promoted to a bargaining unit position
in this class will be required to serve a probationary period of six months.
Performance will be carefully evaluated during the probationary period. Continuation
in this class will be contingent upon successful completion of the probationary
period.
MEDICAL PROTOCOL: Core Exam II and Drug/Alcohol Screen.
Class Established: May 1965
Revised: November 1973
December 1984
May 1991 (M)
July 1999
August 2004 (M)
March 2005
April 2010
NOTE: This class was formerly titled Mechanic III and Mechanic Leader.