MECHANIC TECHNICIAN TRAINEE

DEFINITION OF CLASS:
This is beginning level work in the Mechanic Technician series. An employee is assigned to this class with minimal automotive maintenance and repair experience for the purpose of participating in the Fleet Management Services Mechanic Technician Training Program in order to learn to perform maintenance and repair tasks on a wide variety of heavy duty vehicles and equipment, transit vehicles, and/or fire/rescue apparatus as well as portable firefighting and rescue equipment. Contacts are limited to the crew/shift to which an employee is assigned for the purpose of receiving instruction and information. This class of work may involve minimal public service and assistance, but it is incidental to the primary focus of the work performed.
An employee in this class receives frequent verbal and written instruction through on the job training, attendance at general shop meetings, and formal classroom instruction. The formal training and instruction are received through the employee's required participation in the Training Program, which may require employees to attend classroom instruction outside their regularly scheduled hours. Work is initially performed under the immediate supervision of a more highly skilled Mechanic Technician, and is frequently checked in progress and upon completion. Work is performed in strict accordance with repair manual instructions, specifications, tolerances, and shop standard procedures. As the employee's knowledge of and skill in the Mechanic Technician trade increases, the employee is expected to perform semi skilled and skilled work with a view towards becoming a Mechanic Technician I. Complexity of the work is derived from the need to distinguish the meaning of readily apparent problems and taking the appropriate action. Work is generally performed in a centralized maintenance facility in tiring and uncomfortable positions for long periods. Employees continuously bend, reach, stretch, lift, stoop, climb and crouch often on top of, in, and under vehicles and engines in cramped and awkward positions. Performance of the work involves exposure to loud noises, vibrations, dust, dirt and grease. Employees perform physically strenuous work while standing, lying down, or sitting; and pull, push, lift and carry items which weigh up to 100 pounds, and occasionally items in excess of 100 pounds. The work requires employees to push, pull, turn, position and otherwise move parts, assemblies, components, equipment and tools often near or immediately adjacent to running engines where employees are exposed to compressed air, electricity, belts, pulleys, fan blades and sharp edges. Additional hazards include spring-loaded parts; lifts and presses on wet/greasy floors; hot hydraulic fluids and oils; acetylene and oxygen cutting torches near flammable substances; battery acid and cleaning solvents; and working at heights of from ten to twenty feet above the ground or floor level. Performance of the work of the class may occasionally expose employees to human/animal waste and/or body fluids. These hazardous working conditions require employees to strictly follow safety procedures and regularly employ safety equipment including safety glasses, rubber and leather gloves, hearing protection, eye and face shields, respiratory masks, and steel toe shoes. Despite these precautions, employees regularly receive cuts, burns, bruises and strains as well as eye, ear, nose, throat and skin irritations.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: (Illustrative Only)
Learns to perform semi skilled and skilled apparatus and equipment repair and preventive maintenance tasks and general shop maintenance assignments.
Road tests vehicles during and occasionally upon completion of maintenance/repair work.
Receives on the job and classroom instruction to accomplish a variety of duties, to develop and acquire the skills, to learn the tools, equipment, knowledge, and safety rules and practices of the Mechanic Technician trade.
Performs "bench" and "floor" work within capabilities, utilizing hand and power tools and equipment of the trade.
Cleans, sharpens, repairs, and otherwise maintains hand and power tools and equipment.
Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience: One (1) year of technical automotive/mechanical experience. An employee is assigned to this class with minimal automotive maintenance and repair experience in order to learn to perform maintenance and repair tasks on a wide variety of heavy duty vehicles and equipment, transit vehicles, and/or fire/rescue apparatus as well as portable firefighting and rescue equipment. Fleet Management Services only: Must participate in the Fleet Management Services Mechanic Technician Training Program.
Education: Completion of high school or High School Certificate of completion recognized in the State of Maryland, or a High School equivalency certificate.
Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Some knowledge of basic automotive systems.
Ability to use the hand and power tools and equipment of the trade.
Ability to lift, carry, and otherwise move tools, equipment, parts, and materials that weigh up to and occasionally exceed 100 pounds.
Ability to work in a shop and occasionally outside in awkward, tiring, and uncomfortable positions.
Ability to wear and use personal protective clothing and equipment for protection from dust, fumes, and other irritants to the eyes, nose, ears, skin and respiratory system.
Ability to prepare simple sketches and material lists.
Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
Ability to distinguish between colors.

LICENSE:
At Time of Employment Application: Possession of a valid current Class "C" or equivalent motor vehicle operator's license from the applicant's state of residence.

First Day of County Employment: Possession of either a Class "A" or "B" Commercial Driver's License with Passenger* and Air Brake Endorsement, or an Instructional Permit for a Class "A" or "B" Commercial Driver's License with Passenger* and Air Brake Endorsement, issued by applicant's state of residence. *[Employees of Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) require at least a valid Instructional Permit for a Class "A" CDL. Passenger endorsement not required for Fire and Rescue Service positions.]

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/inspected; and a Maryland State Forklift Operator License. [MCFRS positions require a valid Class "A" CDL.]

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

Class Established: February 1966
Revised: November 1973
December 1984
May 1991 (M)
July 1999
October 2003 (M)
March 2005
June 2006
June 2008 August 2009
April 2010

Note: This class was formerly titled Mechanic Apprentice
Note: Experience section of Minimum Qualifications revised.