Mechanic Helper

POSITION TITLE: Mechanic Helper DEPARTMENT: Public Works Department RATE CLASS: Non-Exempt REPORTS TO: Public Works Director SHIFT: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM, M-F (Non-standard hours may be required) JOB SUMMARY: Under the general supervision of the Public Works Mechanic, the Mechanic Helper assists mechanics and maintenance personnel with the repair, maintenance, installation, and servicing of City vehicles, heavy equipment, machinery, and related mechanical systems. This position performs basic mechanical tasks, assists with preventative maintenance and repairs, prepares tools and materials, and maintains a clean, safe, and organized work environment. The Mechanic Helper works under the direction of the mechanic and performs duties appropriate to the position's level of training and experience. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education, Licenses/Certifications, & Experience Any combination of education, training, and experience, which provide the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities needed for this position, may be substituted or evaluated at the discretion of the City. REQUIRED: Licenses / Certifications: Requires Texas Driver's License (Class B or higher with a Safe Driving Record), and must be insurable. Automotive Services Excellence (ASE) Certification in heavy equipment and diesel engines or the ability to obtain within one (1) year of employment. Experience: Previous experience with mechanical work, automotive maintenance, heavy equipment, or use of hand and power tools preferred, but not required. PREFERRED: Education: High school diploma or GED preferred. Basic knowledge of mechanical principles and equipment. Familiarity with hand tools and power tools. Previous experience working in a garage, maintenance, automotive, or public works environment. Safety training or related certifications. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following: DUTIES & RESPOSIBILITIES: Assists the mechanic with repairing, maintaining, and servicing City vehicles, heavy equipment, machinery, and mechanical systems. Performs basic mechanical tasks such as tightening bolts, replacing parts, cleaning components, and lubricating equipment. Assists with scheduled and preventative maintenance activities on City vehicles and equipment. Uses hand tools, power tools, and basic mechanical equipment under appropriate supervision. Assists the mechanic with troubleshooting and basic diagnosis of mechanical issues. Gathers and prepares tools, equipment, materials, and parts needed for maintenance and repair work. Assists with moving, lifting, positioning, and securing materials, tools, parts, and equipment. Assists with roadside or field repairs as directed. Assists with vehicle and equipment check-ins, make-ready activities, and decommissioning operations. Maintains work areas, tools, and equipment in a safe, clean, secure, and organized manner. Assists with maintaining supplies, parts, lubricants, and other materials used in the garage. Follows established safety procedures and properly uses personal protective equipment (PPE). Assists with documenting completed maintenance and repair work as directed. Works closely with the mechanic and other members of the Public Works Department to provide coordinated and supportive service. Maintains regular and punctual attendance. Performs other duties as assigned. OTHER DUTIES: This job description is intended to describe the general nature of work performed by the Mechanic Helper and is not intended to be all-inclusive. All employees are expected to perform tasks as assigned by their supervisor; furthermore, working hours may be extended in times of necessity. SKILLS IN / ABILITY TO: Handling multiple tasks and prioritizing. Following written and verbal instructions. Using and caring for hand tools, power tools, and mechanical equipment. Performing basic mechanical maintenance and repair tasks. Reading and understanding simple diagrams, instructions, work orders, and equipment manuals. Learning and applying mechanical maintenance and repair procedures. Maintaining clean, safe, and organized work areas. Working effectively under the direction of a mechanic or supervisor. Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, other City departments, vendors, contractors, and the general public. Communicating effectively both verbally and in writing. Working effectively as part of a team. Demonstrating attention to detail and a willingness to learn. KNOWLEDGE OF: Basic mechanical principles and practices. Basic use and care of hand tools and power tools. General maintenance practices for vehicles, heavy equipment, and machinery. Basic preventative maintenance procedures. Safety practices and procedures applicable to mechanical and maintenance work. Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). General practices related to municipal maintenance activities. PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Working Conditions: Conditions include working outdoors and/or in a garage environment frequently. Working in inclement weather may be necessary. Working hours may fluctuate to meet the needs of the City. All City employees may be required to report for duty during emergencies to ensure continuity of City services as needed. Physical: The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, squat, bend, use hand and finger dexterity, and use physical strength to lift, reach, push, pull, and apply pressure. Work requires the ability to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and/or crawl. Employee may be required to lift or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Mental: The employee must maintain professional, respectful communications with the general public, co-workers, and supervisors. Must be able to multi-task, prioritize, problem-solve, and work under time-constraints. Must be able to maintain confidentiality and resolve conflicts. This position may require independent judgement and sound decision-making related to maintenance needed in the absence of supervisory direction. All municipal employees will be expected to show and maintain a high level of initiative, enthusiasm, and motivation towards the improvement of ALL aspects of the Freeport community. Employees will also be expected to be available for work, to report to work in a dependable and timely fashion, and to be physically and mentally fit to do their assigned work.