FIRE MECHANIC

Pay Grade: L21                     FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Job Group: Labor & Trades (L)            Class Code: F010            
Effective Date: 7/01                    Revision Date:     8/03, 7/05, 6/10

Classification Summary:
The primary function of an employee in this class is to perform specialized journey level mechanical maintenance and repair on all types of complex firefighting apparatus and related equipment, to include heavy duty Fire response trucks, general purpose automotive vehicles and specialized components such as centrifugal fire pumps, hydraulically operated aerial ladders, elevating platforms and computerized electronic control systems. Additionally, an employee in this class may be assigned to repair and maintain fire service tools and equipment. This class is subject to emergency call-out and must be able to work overtime including nights and weekends and stand-by as required.

Essential Functions:
Essential Functions are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills. They are intended to be accurate summaries of what the job classification involves and what is required to perform it. Employees are responsible for all other duties as assigned.
Inspects, diagnoses and repairs Fire response trucks and general purpose vehicles, including ladder trucks, engine trucks, hazardous material trucks, and technical rescue vehicles and related firefighting apparatus;
Examines vehicles and equipment to determine necessary repair or maintenance work; conducts diagnostic computer testing; reviews apparatus maintenance logs; consults with drivers or equipment operator to obtain input on problems; diagnoses problems; determines parts/supplies necessary to conduct repairs;
Performs major and minor repairs on all fire apparatus and equipment, such as engines, hydraulic and electrical systems, cooling and air conditioning systems, brakes, firefighting systems, pumps, nozzles, gauges, valves, generators, and foam systems to ensure they will perform under emergency conditions;
Performs preventive maintenance on vehicles and equipment; checks fluid levels, drains/replaces oil; cleans/replaces batteries and filters; remove/replaces belts, hoses, bulbs; lubricates and greases equipment; checks tire air pressure; completes minor tire repair or replaces tires;
Installs, troubleshoots and maintains radio and electronic equipment, audio and video communication systems and satellite tracking systems;
Modifies, welds, and fabricates parts such as equipment and tool mounts, brackets and shelving;
Trains Fire Department personnel in the proper methods of operating fire apparatus, and equipment, new technology and routine maintenance on fire equipment;
Prepares fire trucks for the annual National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) certification inspection of pumps and aerial ladder truck; checks/repairs ladders for inspection;
Responsible for acceptance inspection and make ready preparation work on all new apparatus and equipment;
Participates in fire training exercises, and equipment and apparatus readiness checks;
Washes, cleans and polishes equipment and apparatus;
Operates and test drives fire apparatus and related components as well as automotive vehicles to ensure all repairs and maintenance have been completed; transports vehicles as needed;
Researches parts manuals and vendor catalogs to determined parts needed; estimates the cost and time of repairs and determines the most cost-effective and efficient methods to complete the repairs; orders and purchases required supplies and materials;
Uses and disposes of hazardous materials according to established guidelines;
Makes emergency service calls for disabled vehicles and equipment at work sites or on the road as needed;
Prepares reports, including work orders, warranty reports, maintenance logs and compliance reports;
Operates a variety of machinery, equipment, and tools associated with repairing and maintaining vehicles and equipment which may include hoist, vehicle lift, jack, battery charger, air compressor, testing and diagnostic instruments, pumps, and various other mechanical tools;
Performs general cleaning/maintenance tasks necessary to keep vehicles, equipment, and tools in operable condition, washing/cleaning equipment, or cleaning shop/work areas; monitors equipment operations to maintain efficiency and safety;
Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies and procedures;
Works in a safe manner and reports unsafe activity and conditions. Follows City-wide safety policy and practices and adheres to responsibilities concerning safety prevention, reporting and monitoring as outlined in the City's Safety Handbook.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of:
Methods, materials, tools and standard practices of the automotive mechanic's trade, with particular reference to heavy duty maintenance and equipment;
The operating, maintenance and repair requirements of firefighting equipment and apparatus;
Water hydraulics, including water pumps, valves, governors and relieve valve systems;
Fire apparatus and automotive repair and maintenance safety principles and practices including the use of air powered equipment, lifts and hoists;
Fire apparatus electrical systems, cooling and air conditioning systems, and gas/diesel engines;
Equipment and tool operation and maintenance practices;
Occupational hazards and safety precautions involved in general vehicle and heavy equipment maintenance work;
Proper use and disposal of hazardous materials in accordance with established guidelines;
Traffic laws involved in vehicle & equipment operation;
Federal OSHA and State and County regulations and City policies regarding safe work practices relating to use of power tools, lifts and hoists, and hazardous materials.

Ability to:
Follow written and oral instructions;
Read and interpret diagrams, technical specifications and operation manuals;
Perform mechanical work involved in operating, maintaining and repairing automotive and firefighting apparatus, equipment and tools;
Replace fire apparatus components to include but not limited to, electrical systems, suspension, driveline, hoses, belts and specialty parts;
Inspect equipment and vehicles for common maintenance problems and monitor fluid levels;
Operate air powered wrenches and tire break-down equipment, and MIG or TIG welding equipment;
Diagnose and repair complex repair problems within accepted guidelines;
Test vehicles, machinery, equipment and parts for proper operation;
Conduct road tests of vehicles undergoing repair, including fire apparatus and equipment;
Modify, design, and fabricate special purpose equipment;
Perform engine tune-ups using computerized control systems;
Operate and maintain diagnostic equipment, air tools, grinders and hand tools for the maintenance and repair of automotive and related equipment;
Operate a motor vehicle, fire apparatus and related equipment;
Order and stock equipment and parts;
Perform basic mathematical calculations;
Prepare reports, including work orders, activity reports, and maintenance logs;
Operate a personal computer and related software and demonstrate proficiency to prepare work orders, documents, e-mail and timesheets;
Communicate effectively and establish and maintain working relationships with the public, vendors, and other city departments and employees.

Supervision Received:
The work is performed under the general supervision of the Senior Fire Mechanic.

Supervision Exercised:
None

Minimum Qualifications:
High school diploma or GED equivalency; and
Five (5) years experience in the maintenance, repair and inspection of fire apparatus and related equipment including experience maintaining and repairing diesel motors; and
Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) Fire Apparatus Level I Certification at time of hire or promotion; and
Valid Arizona Commercial Driver's License Class B; or
Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work;
Must possess a complete set of mechanical hand tools.

Desired Qualifications:
Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) Master Fire Apparatus Certification;

Work Environment:
The primary duties of this class are performed in an automotive shop and outdoor environment that may involve adverse weather conditions, vehicular traffic, cramped spaces and hazards involving the use of power tools and equipment and hazardous materials.

Essential Physical Abilities:
Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to discern verbal instructions, alarm and warning systems, including backup alarms, and to diagnose engine problems and relay maintenance needs to customers;
Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, comprehend written work instructions and work orders, inspect heavy equipment and automotive parts, fluid levels, and make necessary repairs;
Sufficient manual dexterity with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate a variety to automotive shop tools and to make adjustments to equipment;
Sufficient strength to lift and carry 40 pound objects for varying distances;
Sufficient personal mobility, stamina, flexibility and balance to perform maintenance and repair functions that require bending, stooping, kneeling, stretching or other physical exertions, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to work under vehicles, in cramped spaces, climb and work on ladders and aerial devices up to 100 feet high in order to remove and replace parts;
Sufficient ability to endure prolonged exposure to arid desert conditions such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, and prolonged sun and heat exposure during summer months.