IMPERIAL COUNTY
Class Title: FIRE EQUIPMENT MECHANIC
BASIC FUNCTION:
Under the direction of the Assistant County Fire Chief, performs light and heavy specialized and
skilled work involving the repair and maintenance of a variety of fire department equipment
(such as, fire pumps, small engines, aerial ladder, etc.) and gasoline and diesel vehicles.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Repairs, overhauls and maintains a variety of fire department equipment and vehicles.
Maintains, troubleshoots and repairs air, brake, electrical and hydraulic systems; Maintains and
repairs components in fire pump systems.
Inspects, diagnoses and locates electrical, mechanical and hydraulic problems on automobiles,
trucks, fire apparatus and various maintenance and construction equipment; and determine the
extent of repairs and estimates time and materials required.
Tunes and adjusts a variety of diesel and gas engines, transmissions, pumps, valves and drive
trains of assigned equipment.
Installs radios in emergency equipment including transmitter, microphone and speakers; installs
emergency warning lights, sirens, mounted lights and antennas.
Reads and interprets technical manuals and plumbing and electrical schematics.
Operates and maintains a variety of hand and power tools and diagnostic equipment.
Orders needed parts and supplies; maintains records of time, materials, parts and work
performed.
Performs gas and electrical welding to repair, replace, rebuild or fabricate needed parts and
equipment.
Performs preventative maintenance duties as needed; maintains work area for cleanliness and
safety.
Attends meetings and seminars to obtain training in mechanical repairs.
Provides work direction and guidance to assigned personnel; assures that work performed is
consistent with established standards.
Performs related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Methods, tools, equipment and materials used in the overhaul, repair and maintenance of fire
department equipment and vehicles both light and heavy.
Operation and care of internal combustion engines, chassis, parts and replacements.
Air, brake, electrical and hydraulic systems.
BOS: January 12, 2016 – Revision
Fire Equipment Mechanic - Continued
Page 2
Equipment modification and rebuilding techniques.
Metal fabrication and welding.
Ignition, cooling systems and fuel injection systems.
Safety requirements of various types of vehicles and equipment.
Record-keeping techniques.
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
Technical aspects of field of specialty.
ABILITY TO:
Repair, overhaul, maintain and operate a variety of fire department equipment and vehicles.
Diagnose mechanical, electrical and structural defects on a wide variety of equipment
Use shop tools and testing equipment safely and efficiently.
Perform metal fabrication and welding.
Perform safety inspections of vehicles and equipment.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Maintain records and prepare reports.
Read specifications
Perform heavy physical labor.
Plan and organize work.
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
Provide work direction to others as assigned.
Maintain an organized and clean work area.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Any combination equivalent to: two years experience in the repair, overhaul and maintenance of
gas and diesel vehicles and equipment.
LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Valid California Class C Driver’s License upon submittal of application AND obtain a Class A or
Class B license within six months of hire.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Outdoor environment; driving from site to site to conduct work and
emergency call-outs in hot, cold, windy and rainy weather.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Physical abilities required include dexterity of hands and fingers to
operate vehicles, equipment and tools, seeing to perform work and operate equipment, climbing on
and off large pieces of equipment, stooping, reaching overhead, above the shoulders and
horizontally, walking over rough uneven ground, balancing on high and narrow places, lifting and
carrying objects weighing up to 100 pounds and pushing, pulling or dragging heavy items weighing
up to 200 pounds, perform heavy physical work, and standing for extended periods of time.
Incumbents are exposed to dangerous substances such as diesel, gasoline, battery acid, solvents,
oil, antifreeze, brake fluid, and freon, adverse weather conditions, loud equipment noise, working
around and with machinery having moving parts, chemicals and solvents, exhaust fumes, dust,
and pollen.
BOS: January 12, 2016 – Revision