Assistant Mechanic

DEFINITION

Under the direction of the Director of Transportation, to assist the Heavy Duty Diesel Mechanic, does a variety of semi-skilled mechanical jobs and automotive maintenance work, makes daily maintenance and safety checks of vehicles, assists in repairing all school buses, district vehicles and mechanical equipment, and does related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This class is distinguished from the Heavy Duty Diesel Mechanic by the assignment of semi-skilled mechanical repairs which involve less experience and knowledge and which are performed normally under some supervision.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

1. Makes repairs of school buses, district vehicles, and mechanical equipment as required.

2. Performs routine brake adjustments.

3. Tunes and adjusts engines.

4. Makes minor body repair and paint touchup.

5. May assist in major repairs.

6. Submits written reports on conditions needing attention.

7. Performs regular daily servicing of buses, giving special attention to gas, oil, coolant, lubrication, tires, batteries, lights, windshields and wipers.

8. Lubricates and services all buses, district vehicles and mechanical equipment.

9. May be required to make emergency road repairs.

10. Orders and picks up parts from vendors as required.

11. Takes necessary emergency action when bus breakdown requires.

12. Makes engine and transmission repair.

13. Removes and installs tires.

14. Repairs seats upholstery.

15. May be required to drive a school bus to a location outside the transportation yard.

16. May be required to load and unload baggage in school bus or other vehicles.

17. Works with and around hazardous materials and may be required to participate in emergency cleanup of hazardous waste or material spills.

18. During the absence of the Heavy Duty Diesel Mechanic, the assistant may be required to conduct inspections and make minor repairs on all school buses.

Small Engine Repair

1. Maintain service and repair grounds equipment and small engines.

2. Wash school buses and district vehicles as assigned.

3. Perform general mechanical duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE

Knowledge of:

1. Principles of internal combustion and diesel engines.

2. Methods, tools, equipment and materials used in the repair and maintenance of diesel and gasoline-powered equipment.

3. Laws and regulations pertaining to school bus and vehicle maintenance and operations.

4. Safe work practices and procedures.

5. Operation of diagnostic tools and equipment.

6. Preventive maintenance methods.

7. Record keeping methods.

8. Safe driving practices.

Ability to:

1. Meet schedules and time lines.

2. Work effectively, both independently and as a member of the team.

3. Develop and display safe work standards and high quality levels of service.

4. Maintain strong service orientation.

5. Work effectively under pressure.

6. Operate equipment used in repairing and servicing diesel- and gaspowered equipment.

7. Assist with inspecting, diagnosing, maintaining, overhaul, and repairing diesel- and gasoline-powered buses and other automotive and maintenance equipment.

8. Maintain records and prepare reports.

9. Estimate costs of repairs and maintenance for assigned area.

10. Perform heavy physical labor.

11. Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

12. Follow oral and written instructions.

13. Demonstrate skill in the use of shop tools.

Training and Experience:

Any combination equivalent to graduation from high school and two years apprentice level experience in the repair and maintenance of gasolineand diesel-powered vehicles and equipment. Ability to learn quickly, follow instructions, and have a mechanical aptitude.

Licenses: Possession of a valid Class B California Commercial driver's license with "Air Brakes" and "Passenger" endorsements and the ability to meet and maintain qualification for district vehicle insurance coverage.

Working Conditions: Automotive repair shop environment; subject to noise from equipment, fumes and performing heavy physical labor; also subject to emergency call-out after hours and on weekends if vehicles break down during field trip and/or other uses.

Mental Functions:

Ability to think logically and analytically; concentrate for long periods of time; comprehend technical concepts and applications; exercise creativity, and persistence and patience in problem resolution.

ATTACHMENTS: MUST UPLOAD REQUIRED CLASS B CA COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE WITH 'AIR BRAKES' AND 'PASSENGER' ENDORSEMENTS AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS FOR APPLICATION TO BE CONSIDERED COMPLETE.

Work Year

12-month/3.75 hour

1:15pm-5:00pm

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