Mechanic - Fire Department (Temporary/Part-Time)

ABOUT THE POSITION

NOTE: This recruitment is open on a continuous basis and may close without prior notice. First review of the applications will occur on Thursday, July 3, 2025. Please thoroughly review the entire job flyer including the application instructions. Failure to submit a completed application and provide required documentation may result in an application being removed from further consideration.

This temporary, part-time position is assigned to the City of Downey Fire Department Mechanic and is based in the Central Garage of the Maintenance Services Division within the Public Works Department. Responsibilities include assisting the Fire Mechanic with routine maintenance and emergency repairs of Fire Department equipment, supporting the Department Mechanic with vehicle upkeep, and operating mechanical tools for fire apparatus maintenance. The position also involves safely operating Fire Department vehicles, ranging from automobiles to paramedic units, as well as picking up parts or supplies for department use. Additional duties include receiving and screening telephone calls and responding appropriately to inquiries.

Work Hours : Work hours are flexible for approximately 20 hours per week. Scheduled working hours may include mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

NOTE: Temporary/Part-time appointments do not qualify for City benefits, except for those required by law. The City does not belong to the Social Security system; however, enrollment in an alternative retirement program is mandatory which requires an employee contribution of 7.5% of base earnings. The City contributes 2.5% and the employee contributes 5% of base earnings.

Part-Time shifts may not exceed 999 hours on a fiscal year basis (July 1 through June 30).

Certain City operational budgets may not include funding for mandated CalPERS employer contributions; therefore, a qualified candidate who is a current member of CalPERS may be restricted from temporary/part-time employment with the City of Downey.

There are no rights to employment and employment may end with or without cause or advance notice.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following examples are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to each classification. Depending on assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Perform general maintenance and repairs on cars, trucks, tractors, gasoline and diesel engines and various pieces of motorized equipment.
• Accurately troubleshoot and repair mechanical and electrical malfunctions and failures using sophisticated diagnostic equipment.
• Use parts and service manuals in both paper and electronic forms to perform accurate diagnostics on various pieces of equipment.
• Repair and/or replace defective components such as clutches, brakes, alternators and transmissions on vehicles and equipment
• Service, lubricate and steam clean vehicles and equipment.
• Operate shop equipment including but not limited to: vehicle lifts, oxy-acetylene torch, wire feed welder, brake lathe, battery/charging system tester, hand held diagnostic scan tool, tire mounting and balancing machines, drill
press, cut-off saw, etc.
• Respond to road calls and operate City tow truck
• Repair equipment in field when necessary.
• Keep track of time and materials used in maintenance and repair functions
• Must supply his/her own mechanic's hand tools
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

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

Education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience: At least two (2) years full-time experience in automotive repair. Candidates with journey level mechanical repair experience for a governmental agency and an Automotive Service Excellent (ASE) Master Certification shall be considered highly desirable.

Knowledge of: Methods, materials, tools and techniques utilized in the repair and maintenance of a variety of automotive and mechanical equipment; occupational hazards and standard safety precautions necessary in mechanical work; and proper safety rules, procedures, and practices.

Ability to: Locate, correct and adjust defects in complex automotive and mechanical equipment; adapt available tools and repair parts to specific repair problems; use and care for tools used in automotive and mechanical repair work; operate a variety of vehicular and stationary mechanical equipment in a safe and effective manner in routine situations; use and operate hand tools, mechanical equipment, and power tools and equipment required for the work in a safe and efficient manner; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with co-worker and the public; read and interpret maps, wiring diagrams, trouble shooting trees; prepare written diaries and reports; operate a personal computer using Microsoft Windows operating system; meet schedules and timelines; use a computer to retrieve repair and service information, trouble shooting procedures, technical service bulletins, etc.; diagnose complex electrical and mechanical failures and defects in automotive and other motorized and mechanical equipment; adapt available tools and repair parts to specific repair problems; retrieve and interpret trouble codes from diagnostic scan tool; read and interpret printed and computer-based automotive reference materials.

License/Certifications: Due to the performance of field duties a valid California Class C Driver's License to carry out the essential functions of the position.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice System: An incumbent appointed to this position is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program. The Pull Notice program provides information on the incumbent's driving record and Driver's License status on a periodic basis to the City of Downey. An employee assigned a City vehicle must acknowledge receipt and understanding of City Administrative Regulations covering the use of City vehicles.

Physical Abilities:
• Possess physical mobility, balance, coordination, vision, hearing and dexterity levels appropriate to the duties assigned.
• Ability to drive a City vehicle or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation to travel to different work sites and locations to carry out job-related duties.
• Require the ability to stand for long periods and/or walk long distances. Some walking may occur on sloping, slippery and/or uneven surfaces.
• Require the mobility to sit, stand, kneel, crawl, climb, crouch, stoop, reach, and bend.
• Require the ability to twist at the lower body, at the waist, and at the upper body.
• Require the mobility of both arms to reach and dexterity of hands to grasp and manipulate small and large objects or tools, from overhead to the ground positions.
• Perform work which involves grasping, lifting, pushing, pulling, moving and dragging of objects which may weigh approximately 75 pounds and up to 100 pounds.
• Based on job assignment, required to wear protective apparel including hard hats, gloves, goggles, respirators, face protectors, ear protection, aprons, coveralls, chain saw chaps, and steel toed shoes.
• Based on job assignment, may be required to work at heights above ground level.
• Utilities Division job assignments may require work in confined spaces.
• Based on job assignment, may operate power equipment requiring hand, arm, and upper body strength. To include the following tools and equipment, and not limited to: electric drills, circular saws, reciprocating saws; pneumatic jackhammers, clay spades, impact wrenches; vibratory
plate compactors and rollers; grinders, air compressors, trash pumps, pipe threaders, power drain snakes; rototillers, power trenchers; chain saws, and, hand tools such as shovels, rakes, lutes, hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, chisels, scrapers, crowbars, pry
bars, manhole picks, pipe cutters, bench vises.
• May be required to respond to emergency situations.
• Tree trimming job duties may require the ability to climb trees with ropes and climbing harness.
• Based on job assignment, may be exposed to chemicals including but not limited to: gasoline, diesel, motor oil, grease, paint thinner, strippers, solvents, ammonia, bleach, cleansers, volatile organic compounds, fertilizers and non-restricted pesticides.

Environmental Conditions/Exposures: Work is primarily performed outdoors (field work) with exposure to the weather. Based on job assignment, exposures may also include: contact with hot and cold surfaces, loud noises from equipment and vehicle engines, vibrations, working in close proximity to moving mechanical parts (mechanical hazards), electrical current (electrical hazards), vehicular traffic and confined spaces; and, contact with potential natural irritants such as vegetation, dust, soil, tree pollens, sawdust, etc. stand and walk on level and uneven/slippery surfaces, twists, bend, push, pull, crouch, reach, grasp, and lift/move supplies/equipment between 50 and 100 pounds.

Selection/Testing Process: All applications materials received by the application deadline will be reviewed and evaluated on the basis of information submitted to determine the level and scope of the candidate's preparation for the position. All information supplied by applicants is subject to verification.

The acceptance of an employment application depends upon whether or not an applicant has provided adequate information that demonstrates meeting the qualifications for the position as stated above. Please complete the application and supplemental questionnaire thoroughly and completely.

Failure to provide all the information may result in your application being removed from consideration. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the completed application.

Those applicants, who most closely meet the desired qualifications, will be invited to participate in the examination process which will consist of:

Selection/Testing Process: All applications materials received by the application deadline will be reviewed and evaluated on the basis of information submitted to determine the level and scope of the candidate's preparation for the position. All information supplied by applicants is subject to verification.

Those applicants, who most closely match the desired qualifications, will be invited to participate in the examination process which will consist of an appraisal examination weighted 100%. The appraisal examination will consist of an oral interview to assess the applicant's knowledge, education, experience, and general ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Candidate(s) who complete testing with acceptable results will be considered by the Department hiring authority. Prior to an employment offer, a comprehensive background investigation is conducted, including fingerprinting. A pre-placement medical exam, including a drug screen will be conducted upon issuance of a conditional offer of employment.

Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office at (562) 904-7292 at least 72 hours in advance.

To view the benefit summary for this positionplease click HERE.

The City of Downey is proudly committed to continuously improving the quality of life for the Downey community by providing excellent service in a professional, ethical, and responsible manner.Our values includeIntegrity, Commitment, Respect, Teamwork, Engagement, Passion, and Excellence.

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• City of Downey

• 562-904-7292

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