Job Class Specification for:
GROUNDS EQUIPMENT MECHANIC

Class Specification Schematic Number: 8101504

Class Summary:

Positions in this class, under general supervision, perform diagnostic, maintenance and repair activities for a variety of grounds and general facility maintenance equipment such as small gas-powered hand tools, mowers, tractors and pumps; operate welding and grinding equipment; and order and inventory some equipment parts.

Distinguishing Characteristics of the Class:

This class is the journey level in the Grounds Equipment Mechanic series. It is distinguished from the Senior in that the Mechanic perform routine repairs. The work of this class requires a specialized knowledge of the tools and methods of small engine repair, and component systems of a variety of grounds and facility maintenance equipment. Incumbents must be able to diagnose a variety of repair problems, determine the appropriate method of repair, and carry out a variety of repair tests for a wide range of systems and equipment. The ability to use shop grinding, lapping and other equipment to sharpen blades and reels or machine parts, and to operate welding equipment is also required.

Guidelines exist in the form of shop procedures, equipment manuals, vendor instructions and departmental and City policies and procedures, but Grounds Equipment Mechanics must locate and apply these guidelines in complicated diagnosis and repair situations. Personal contacts occur primarily with other employees within the same department to exchange information and accomplish work objectives.

Examples of Work:

• Maintains and repairs a wide variety of hand and power-operated tools and equipment such as mowers, edgers, weed eaters, chain saws, pumps, jackhammers, chipping guns, axes, shovels and other tools and equipment.
• Diagnoses problems with brakes, steering systems, engines, hydrostatic drive units, pumps and other equipment systems; makes necessary repairs and adjustments.
• Performs routine metal fabrication; cuts, binds, solders, welds and brazes metals in fabrication and repair processes.
• Adjusts or completely overhauls small horsepower gasoline engines, including valve grinding and piston and crank replacement.
• Performs general mechanical repairs including packing wheel bearings, repairing power take off gear boxes, and replacing bearings and belts.
• Checks and diagnoses charging, starting and electrical systems; conducts voltage, resistance and capacity tests; traces and repairs lighting, turn signals and other electrical systems.
• Replaces hoses, filters, bearings, belts and other mechanical components.
• Orders and inventories general equipment parts; maintains adequate shop records.
• Services and maintains a variety of equipment systems; performs engine tune ups; changes oil and replaces oil filters; lubricates steering joints; checks and maintains various fluid levels; grinds mower blades and reels; adjusts brakes, timing and other systems.
• Maintains cleanliness and order in shop area.
• Drives a small truck or pickup to deliver or pick up parts and equipment.
• Performs other related duties of a comparable level/type as assigned.

Exposed daily to grinding noise, dust, and gas and diesel fumes. Field work performed outdoors in all weather conditions. Works with potentially dangerous equipment such as grinders, welders, sharpeners, and similar tools.

Requires one year of trade school, community college or similar training in automotive, small engine or grounds equipment maintenance and repair work, and two years of experience in grounds, small engine or similar equipment maintenance and repair (or a combination of education, training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class).

Current Washington State driver's license.

Comments:

This description was prepared to indicate the kinds of activities and levels of work difficulty required of positions in this class. It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities.

Class History:

Class adopted January 2, 1991.

Date posted 6/30/1999

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