The City of Berkeley invites you to apply for the position of Mechanic in the Public Works Department! In this role, you will have the opportunity to work on a variety of equipment including heavy and light trucks, construction equipment, automobiles, other vehicles, and small gasoline engines. The City maintains over 550 vehicles. You will operate a variety of hand, power and shop tools in order to perform maintenance, repairs and overhauls. There are two Equipment Maintenance Shops – one focusing on smaller light duty vehicles and the other focusing on heavy duty vehicles including refuse and recycling trucks.
The Department of Public Works has over 300 employees. In this role, you will work primarily with other Mechanics, Service Technicians, a Lead Mechanic, an Equipment Parts Technician, and administrative and management staff. The Equipment Maintenance Division launched a new asset management software system last year to better manage inventory and repairs.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
A typical way of gaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position is:
Equivalent to graduation from high school and three (3) years experience at a journey level in the maintenance and repair of vehicles or heavy construction equipment. Course completion in appropriate trade school or technical coursework in electric, diesel, or gasoline powered mechanics leading to journey certification can be substituted for up to one (1) year of the required experience.
Other requirements include possession of a valid California driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record. Must possess a valid class "B" California driver's license with no air brakes restriction, Smog Check Inspector license, and Smog Check Repair Technician license before completing probationary period. ASE Certifications are preferred. A class "A" driver's license is desirable.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications must be received by Monday, April 13, 2026 at 5:00 PM PT and must include a completed application, required attachments, and responses to supplemental questions. Please note that resumes are not a substitute for a completed application.
Applications are available in alternative formats (audio-format, braille, large print, electronic text, etc.) upon request to ada@berkeleyca.gov. Please allow 10 days for production of the material in an alternative format.
EXAM PROCESS
The exam process will include, but may not be limited to:
- Application review for minimum qualifications and required documents (qualifying experience will be calculated based on the administrative review date)
- Competitive review and assessment of applicants' education, training, and experience (Training & Experience)
- Performance Exam - Tentatively Scheduled for May 1, 4, and/or 6, 2026
Tests may consist of any combination of written, oral or other exercises or assessment procedures that test content and may include, but are not necessarily limited to, typing, math, reading, writing and analytical skills; problem solving ability; computer and software proficiency, or any other job-related knowledge, skill, ability or qualification. The examination process and dates are subject to change. The City may, without notice, change or eliminate any assessment component as needs dictate. Applicants passing all examination phases will have their names placed on an employment eligible list that hiring departments will use to conduct final selection interviews slated for the week of May 18, 2026.
Reasonable Accommodations: The City is committed to making reasonable accommodations in the examination process and in the work environment. Individuals requesting reasonable accommodations in the examination process must submit a request in writing to hr@berkeleyca.gov at the time of application.
