Fleet Mechanic I

This is skilled work in performing routine maintenance and minor repairs to a diverse fleet of vehicles and equipment.

An employee in this role is responsible for performing a range of routine maintenance and minor repair tasks. The work, which involves vehicles and equipment powered by gasoline, diesel, or propane, is generally straightforward and includes automotive, construction, and specialized machinery. Employees are also expected to support higher-level mechanics by assisting with technical maintenance and major repairs. This assistance often serves as on-the-job training, allowing the employee to gain experience and develop new skills. While tasks performed in a training capacity are closely monitored for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to instructions, employees are encouraged to use some initiative and independent judgment in carrying out their duties and following established safety practices. In some positions, employees may be required to work nights, holidays, or weekends. Work performance is reviewed through direct observation, periodic checks during progress, operational road testing, and inspections upon completion.

Performs a variety of routine maintenance and minor repair tasks on automotive, construction, and specialized vehicles and equipment. 

Tasks include removing and replacing starting motors, along with related wiring, cables, and relays; conducting minor lighting system repairs such as replacing lamps and lenses; replacing master cylinders; removing and replacing drive shafts; performing minor electrical repairs; checking, charging, servicing, and replacing batteries; removing and replacing heater hoses, ductwork, and heater valves; making minor repairs to exhaust systems, including replacing exhaust pipes, mufflers, tailpipes, spark arresters, and associated gaskets, clamps, and supports; repairing tailgate systems by replacing hoses, small cylinders, pumps, and minor wiring; removing and replacing fan belts, water hoses, and clamps; performing minor repairs and replacements of cab fixtures; and maintaining street sweepers by removing and replacing dirt shoe runners, deflector assemblies, and dirt shoes.

Assists higher-level mechanics as a helper by holding subassemblies in place during repair operations, removing simple subassemblies and securing devices, handing tools and parts to mechanics during repairs, and moving vehicles and equipment within the maintenance area as needed.

Performs technical maintenance and major repairs under the guidance of experienced mechanics as part of on-the-job training to gain experience and develop skills and proficiency. 

Maintains records of work performed. 

Performs related duties as required.

Working knowledge of: standard methods, practices, tools, and equipment used in the maintenance and repair of gasoline, diesel, and propane-powered vehicles and equipment; occupational hazards and safety precautions associated with vehicle and equipment maintenance and repair; mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic principles relevant to the maintenance and repair of automotive, construction, and specialized vehicles and equipment; and the operation and use of various automotive, construction, and specialized vehicles and equipment.

Ability to: perform routine maintenance and minor mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic repairs; read and interpret wiring diagrams, blueprints, and technical publications to a limited extent; operate testing equipment to diagnose malfunctions and determine repair needs in a limited capacity; understand and follow oral and written instructions; prepare simple reports; perform physically demanding work; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; and acquire additional skills in performing technical maintenance and major repair tasks.

Skill in: the use and care of tools, machinery, and testing equipment used in routine maintenance and minor repair of automotive, construction, and specialized vehicles and equipment.

Ability to lift 40-60 lbs., mostly standing and a combination of working indoors and outdoors. Requires some use of computer, keyboarding and viewing a monitor.

Graduation from an accredited high school or vocational school and one (1) year of experience in performing technical maintenance and repair work on automotive, construction, and specialized vehicles and equipment that are gasoline, diesel, and/or propane powered; or an equivalent combination of education (not less than possession of a high school diploma/GED), training and experience that would reasonably be expected to provide the job-related competencies noted above.

Certification by the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (NIASE) in one (1) or more of the automobile or heavy-truck areas is required. This position is part of a Matrix Incentive Program, and placement within that matrix determines both the start level and pay.

Evaluation of education and experience. Drug testing is included in all pre-employment processing.

Employees may be required to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed. During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.

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