Job Description - Heavy Duty Diesel Mechanic
Classified Position
September 22, 2001
CLASS TITLE: HEAVY DUTY DIESEL MECHANIC
BASIC FUNCTION:
Under the direction of the Mechanic Supervisor, perform journey-level mechanical repair and maintenance on District school buses, trucks and other diesel or gas-powered mechanical or automotive equipment; maintain, repair or replace various systems and components, including electrical, brakes, transmissions, differentials, steering and cooling systems; assure buses meet CHP safety and operation requirements.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:
Perform skilled mechanical repair and maintenance on District school buses and other diesel or gas-powered mechanical or automotive equipment to maintain in a safe and proper operating condition. E
Inspect and diagnose mechanical defects in school buses, trucks, automobiles, backhoes, mowers, tractors and other mechanical equipment. E
Perform road tests to diagnose needed repairs and to test completed repairs; assure buses meet California Highway Patrol inspection requirements. E
Perform complete overhauls on transmissions, differentials and clutch systems; repair or remove and replace rear end and front end systems in buses and other vehicles. E
Perform complete overhauls on hydraulic air brake systems; repair and adjust air and hydraulic brakes; design and install high-pressure hoses for hydraulic brakes, power steering, air lines and oil pressure hoses. E
Tune, repair and rebuild diesel and gas engines; disassemble motors and repair and replace parts; recondition and adjust ignition and carburetor systems; service and maintain fuel and cooling systems. E
Align wheels, make body and fender repairs and perform minor sanding and painting of buses as needed; operate wire and gas welding equipment to repair and fabricate metal parts. E
Repair electrical systems in vehicles; install and repair generators, starters, lighting systems, buzzers, warning devices and wiring; inspect, repair and replace wheel bearings, fuel pumps, water pumps and injector pumps; inspect, clean and replace air and fuel filters. E
Grind valves and perform welding; make parts on lathe and mill; rebuild equipment as needed. E
Operate electronic testing equipment and other hand and power tools; operate a tire changer, wheel balancer and flywheel surface machine. E
Replace or repair windows, doors, emergency exits, floors and seats on buses and vehicles. E
Communicate with vendors to obtain required parts and supplies; drive to vendors and other locations to pick up and deliver parts, equipment and vehicles. E
Maintain records of repairs, parts used and names of suppliers; prepare and maintain records of work orders and work performed. E
Conduct periodical mechanical safety checks on buses as mandated by law. E
Steam clean engines and transmissions; maintain the garage area in a clean, orderly and safe working condition. E
Respond to emergency road service calls and perform repairs as needed. E
Perform lubrication, oil changes, battery maintenance, tire changes and repairs, and servicing of equipment. E
Perform related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Principles of gasoline and diesel-powered internal combustion engines.
Methods, tools, equipment and materials used in journey-level repair and maintenance of motorized equipment.
Air and hydraulic brake systems and components.
Operation and use of electrical testing equipment, lathes, milling machines, tire changer and balancer, and welding equipment.
Health and safety regulations and procedures.
Proper lifting techniques.
ABILITY TO:
Diagnose mechanical difficulties.
Operate shop equipment and tools including electronic testing equipment, welders and lathes.
Make major and minor repairs to a variety of automatic equipment.
Estimate labor and cost of materials for repairs as needed.
Understand and follow oral and written directions.
Lift heavy objects.
Observe legal and defensive driving practices.
Maintain routine records related to work performed.
Work cooperatively with others.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school supplemented by course work in gas and diesel engine repair and four years increasingly responsible automotive repair experience, including large diesel buses, trucks, tractors and other large equipment.
LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Valid California Class A or B driver's license with "P" endorsement within six (6) months of employment. Employees in this classification must maintain insurability at the District's standard rate during the term of employment.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
PHYSICAL ABILITIES:
Bending, pushing, moving, lifting objects weighing up to 75 pounds.
