JOB TITLE: DIESEL AND CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT MECHANIC TRAINEE

JOB CODE: 93129

DEFINITION: This is trainee level work in the maintenance and repair of a wide variety of construction equipment and diesel and gasoline-powered vehicles.

An employee in this job receives on-the-job training to develop technical skills and knowledge in the maintenance and repair of various pieces of diesel and gasoline-powered vehicles and construction and maintenance equipment. Work involves the performance of general mechanic tasks; participating in analyzing and troubleshooting diesel fuel system problems; and in the diagnosis, rebuilding, and repair of vehicles such as heavy trucks with a gross vehicle weight of 26,001 or more pounds, graders, backhoes, front-end loaders, excavators, pavers, rollers, chippers, and oil distributors. Work assignments increase in difficulty as technical proficiency is acquired. Training and development activities are directed by a higher-level mechanic who reviews work in progress and upon completion for technical accuracy.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Participates in on-the-job training in the maintenance and repair of construction and maintenance equipment to become a proficient and safe diesel and construction equipment mechanic.

• Participates in the repair, rebuild, or replacement of worn or broken parts of construction equipment and vehicles, such as heavy trucks with a gross vehicle weight of 26,001 or more, graders, backhoes, front-end loaders, excavators, pavers, rollers, chippers, and oil distributors.

• Participates in testing and troubleshooting problems with diesel and gasoline engines and fuel systems to properly diagnose the cause of failure.

• Participates in the repair and overhaul of diesel and gasoline-powered engines and construction equipment.

• Identifies appropriate repairs and replaces items such as, but not limited to, shock absorbers, transmissions, hour meters, clutches, brakes, exhaust and emissions systems, and other parts.

• Identifies and recommends appropriate repair parts to be ordered.

• Performs wheel balancing and alignment, minor body repairs, and testing and repair or replacement of alternators and electrical components on vehicles and equipment, as appropriate.

• Participates in the department’s preventative maintenance program for vehicles, construction equipment, and parts.

• As training progresses, performs mechanical diagnostics, tune-ups, and tire changes; repairs and replaces engine sub-assemblies; repairs and adjusts the cooling, suspension, electrical, heating, and air-conditioning components; and maintenance of fuel, brake, steering, exhaust and emission components, and power train components.

• Operates motor vehicles and equipment.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the laws pertaining to the safe repair and maintenance of vehicles and equipment used for highway and bridge maintenance and construction.

• Knowledge of automotive vehicles, equipment, and parts, and the standard practices of the automotive mechanic trade.

• Knowledge of the methods, materials, tools, and standard practices of the diesel and mechanic trade.

• Knowledge of the hazard and safety precautions of the mechanic trade.

• Ability to operate motor vehicles and equipment.

• Ability to interpret and follow written and oral instructions.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• Two years as a Tradesman Helper (commonwealth title) working in the automotive field;

or

• Graduation from a post-high school diesel technology curriculum of an accredited trade or technical school;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Certain positions require possession of an active Pennsylvania Class A or B Commercial Driver Learner's Permit or License on the first day of employment.

• Certain positions require possession of an active Pennsylvania Class B Commercial Driver’s License with the Air Brake Restriction (L) and Manual Transmission Restriction (E) removed, or equivalent.

• Certain positions require the possession of an active Pennsylvania Class 1, Class 4, or Class 7 Inspection Mechanic Certification on the first day of employment.

• Certain positions require possession of an active Medical Examiner’s Certificate in accordance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Regulations on the first day of employment.

• All positions require possession of an active Pennsylvania Class 1, Class 4, or Class 7 Inspection Mechanic Certification during the probationary period.

• Certain positions require employees to pass the Department of Transportation’s New Mechanic Training course during the probationary period.

• Certain positions require possession of an active Hazardous Materials Endorsement (H).

• Certain positions require possession of an active Tank Vehicle Endorsement (N).