Equipment Mechanic I

SALARY: $23.36 - $34.37, Hourly (DOE&Q) NON-EXEMPT
OPENING DATE: 01/29/2026
CLOSING DATE: Continuous until filled

JOB SUMMARY
To make minor and major mechanical repairs to automotive, diesel and other power-driven equipment; and to maintain and order mechanical parts for city equipment.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the entry level class in the equipment mechanic series. Positions in this class normally perform beginning level mechanical work in the repair and maintenance of gas and diesel powered equipment for which prior journey level experience is not required. Under this flexible staffing concept, employees assigned to the class of Equipment Mechanic I may reasonably expect to be reclassified to the Equipment Mechanic II level once able to perform the full range of journey level equipment maintenance and repair duties in an independent manner.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED:
Receives immediate supervision from the Equipment Maintenance Supervisor.

EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES - Essential and other important duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Inspect, diagnose and locate mechanical difficulties on city automobiles, trucks and a variety of diesel and gasoline powered maintenance, construction and fire equipment; determine extent of necessary repairs.

Clean, repair and replace mechanical equipment; repair and replace automotive tires on vehicles as necessary.

Operate a variety of tools, equipment and machinery including pressure washers, buffers, scrapers, grinders, drill presses, hydraulic gauges and hose machines, jacks, overhead cranes, torches, air jacks and drills, wrenches, screwdrivers, ratchets, testing machinery, band, chain and porta band saws, air compressors and other related materials used to repair mechanical equipment.

Order and maintain mechanical parts and supplies and other related materials.

Overhaul, repair and adjust engines, transmissions, differentials and clutches; tune up engines; replace ignition parts; clean and adjust carburetors.

Replace or repair faulty parts including wheel bearings, clutches, oil seals, shock absorbers, exhaust systems, steering mechanisms, fan belts, brake shoes and pads and related parts and equipment; prepare and replace such components as generators, distributors, relays, lights and switches.

Inspect vehicle fluid levels; replenish low fluid levels.

Participate in a variety of activities involving travel within city limits, which may include repairing equipment in field operation and collecting parts.

Assist with preparations for city auctions and fundraisers; prepare vehicles for auction including stripping and scraping city logos from automobiles.

Maintain and update work, time and material records.

Install windshields and window glass.

May repair wheelchair lifts as necessary.

Assist other mechanics in the performance of mechanical repairs as required; provide training and direction as necessary.

Sweep and vacuum car interiors, wash windows, tighten body bolts, sweep, wash and otherwise keep shop and equipment in a clean and orderly condition.

Perform related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:
Vehicle and equipment maintenance practices and procedures.

Operation and care of internal combustion engines.

Various vehicle types and repair methods.

Basic principles, practices and techniques of vehicle inspection.

Safe work practices.

Ability to:
Learn to operate a variety of tools, equipment and machinery including pressure washers, buffers, scrapers, grinders, drill presses, hydraulic gauges and hose machines, jacks, overhead cranes, torches, air jacks and drills, wrenches, screwdrivers, ratchets, testing machinery, band, chain and porta band saws, air compressors and other related materials used to repair mechanical equipment.

Inspect, repair and replace parts and materials related to mechanical equipment.

Learn to interpret Federal, State and local codes, ordinances and regulations, particularly those pertaining to safe and environmentally sound vehicle and equipment operation.

Understand and follow oral and written directions.

Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:

• making observations
• reading and writing
• evaluating equipment and vehicle malfunctions
• operating assigned equipment
• communicating with others.

Maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of:

• making sound decisions
• evaluating various repair alternatives and making appropriate choices
• demonstrating intellectual capabilities .

Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include the following:

• walking, standing or sitting for extended periods of time
• lifting, moving and operating heavy equipment and materials
• stooping, bending or crawling in order to make repairs
• repairing, inspecting and replacing vehicle parts and materials
• operating assigned equipment.

Effectively deal with personal danger which may include exposure to:

• hazardous chemicals and materials
• heat, fumes and smoke
• electrical hazards
• explosive materials including overinflated tires
• confined workplaces
• extremely loud noises.

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

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES - Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:
One year of experience performing routine automotive maintenance and minor repair work.

Training:
Must have completed the twelfth grade and possess a high school diploma or have a GED.
Specialized training in the maintenance and repair of gas- and diesel-powered equipment.

License:
Possession of an appropriate Texas Class A or B Commercial Driver's License (CDL).

*PLEASE NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge and skills must be clearly stated on your application's employment history. Resumes are welcome, but  we do not use  any information provided on your resume to qualify and refer you to the Hiring Department for consideration.

Equipment Mechanic I – Posting #26-014.

CITY OF PORT ARTHUR
Attn: Hiring Manager
P.O. Box 1089
Port Arthur, Texas 77641-1089
(EEO/AA/V/F/RC/H)
The City of Port Arthur is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer