Location
Description
The City of Menlo Park is currently accepting applications to fill a Mechanic vacancy in the Fleet Services Section of the Public Works Department. A Mechanic performs diagnostic, maintenance and repair services on light and heavy city vehicles and equipment, such as automobiles, storm/sewer trucks, aerial bucket trucks, dump trucks shuttle buses, construction equipment, lawn mowers, small equipment and stationary generators; and performs other duties as assigned.
The Mechanic performs a range of skilled tasks requiring journey level or advanced journey-level class mechanical ability and aptitude. Work assignments are performed according to established rules and procedures. Independent judgment is required and is supported by supervisory review and direction.
Equipment Mechanic
This is the journey-level class in the Equipment Mechanic classification series responsible for performing the full range of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, gasoline and diesel repair and maintenance required for City vehicles, and equipment. Responsibilities include inspecting and attending to assigned areas in a timely manner, and performing a wide variety of tasks in the maintenance and repair of assigned vehicles and equipment. Incumbents are expected to work independently and exercise judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from other maintenance class series in that it performs more highly skilled technical and mechanical maintenance activities. This class is distinguished from Senior Equipment Mechanic in that the latter leads, trains, and oversees assigned work and performs the more complex and difficult work in mechanical maintenance and repair of City vehicles and equipment.
Senior Equipment Mechanic
This is the advanced journey-level class in the equipment mechanic classification series performing the most complex duties required to ensure that City vehicles and equipment are maintained in a safe and effective working condition and provide the highest level of safety for City use, and providing lead direction and training to full-time and temporary staff. Incumbents regularly work on tasks that are varied and complex, requiring considerable discretion and independent judgment. Positions in this classification rely on experience and judgment to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the assigned section. The work involves problem-solving of unique issues or increasingly complex problems without precedent and/or structure. Assignments are given with general guidelines and incumbents are responsible for establishing objectives, timelines, and methods to deliver work products. Work is typically reviewed upon completion for soundness, appropriateness, and conformity to policy and requirements. This classification is distinguished from the Fleet Supervisor in that the latter has oversight of the entire fleet division, system- assignments and projects, and responsibility for organizing, assigning, supervising, and reviewing the work of assigned staff involved in maintenance operations.
A job description, including examples of typical job functions and qualifying knowledge, skills, and abilities, is available by clicking on the Job Classifications below.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a highly skilled, versatile Master Mechanic who combines expert-level technical diagnostics with the ability to provide functional leadership. They possess a comprehensive understanding of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems across a diverse fleet—ranging from light-duty police vehicles to heavy diesel construction equipment and specialized power tools. As a proactive problem-solver, they are equally comfortable performing complex engine overhauls, conducting precision welding and fabrication, and troubleshooting advanced computer-controlled components. Beyond the technical prowess, they are an organized professional who prioritizes safety, regulatory compliance (including California emission standards), and meticulous record-keeping. Whether they are performing emergency roadside repairs or mentoring junior staff and scheduling shop workflows, they demonstrate a commitment to operational readiness and the highest standards of workmanship.
Minimum Qualifications
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Equipment Mechanic
- Education: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.
- Experience: Three (3) years of increasingly responsible automotive and/or heavy equipment mechanic experience.
- Licenses and certifications:
- Possession of a valid California Class "C" driver license and a satisfactory driving record.
- Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Class "B" driver license with air brakes and tanker endorsements within six (6) months of employment.
- Possession of, or ability to obtain, passenger transport endorsement (P) for fifteen passengers or less including driver within one (1) year of employment.
- Possession of Forklift Certification within six months.
- Possession of a Welding Certificate issued by the American Welding Society (AWS) is desirable.
Senior Equipment Mechanic
- Education: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.
- Experience: Four (4) years of increasingly responsible automotive and/or heavy equipment technician experience equivalent to the Equipment Mechanic at the City of Menlo Park; one (1) year in a lead capacity is desirable.
- Licenses and certifications:
- Possession of a valid California Class "B" driver's license with air brakes and tanker endorsements, and passenger transport endorsement for 15 passengers or more including driver.
- Possession of a valid California Class "A" driver's license is desirable.
- Possession of Forklift Certification issued by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) within six months of employment.
- Possession of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications is desirable.
- Possession of a Welding Certificate issued by the American Welding Society (AWS) is desirable.
- Possession of a Designated UST Operator certificate issued by the International Code Council (ICC) is desirable.
Benefits
Salary:
Equipment Mechanic: $85,977 to $104,505 Annually
Senior Equipment Mechanic: $95,322 to $115,865 Annually
The City offers an excellent benefit package consisting of:
- Health Insurance: City contribution up to $3,039 per month towards a Cafeteria Plan which can be used to purchase medical insurance and participate in a flexible spending account for health care and/or child care reimbursement
- Dental: City-paid coverage for employee and dependents
- Vision: City-paid coverage for employee and dependents
- Vacation: 88 - 176 hours of vacation leave accrual each year, depending on length of service
- Sick Leave: 96 hours of sick leave accrued each year
- Holidays: 11 official holidays; 34 hours of floating holiday time per year; 8 “Day of Reflection” hours per year in recognition of holidays of individual and community importance
- Retirement: CalPERS: For classic members 2.0% @ 60 formula. For all others, 2.0% @ 62 formula
- Deferred Compensation: Voluntary participation in City Plans.
- Life Insurance: City-paid policy equal to 1.5 times regular annual wage
- Long Term Disability: City-paid coverage
- Educational leave and tuition reimbursement
- A City-paid BayPass. The Menlo Park campus is centrally located within walking distance from Caltrain and downtown Menlo Park. This program offers employees unlimited travel for both work and personal trips on 25 Bay Area transit agencies that use the Clipper card, including CalTrain.
- A transportation allowance program provides employees with $1.50 per day when they walk, bicycle or carpool to work at least once per week.
- Employees are provided with access to an on-site gym at no cost
For additional benefit information, visit www.menlopark.gov and review the City of Menlo Park and SEIU Memorandum of Understanding.
Special Instructions
IMPORTANT: Please be sure to fill out the required City application completely, including all relevant work experience. Applications with “See Resume” as a substitution for the work experience description and/or unclear past employment information will not be considered.
Applications will be screened according to the qualifications outlined in this announcement. Not all applications which may meet the minimum requirements will proceed to the next phase of the recruitment process. If 25 or fewer qualified applications are received, the eligibility list will be established based on application review. If 26 or more qualified applications are received, candidates will be invited to participate in an examination. All applicants will be notified by email as to whether or not they are invited to participate further in the selection process.
An Eligible List will be established as a result of this examination process and will be valid for a period of six (6) months. The list may be extended up to a maximum of two (2) years. The hiring department will review the Eligible List to determine which candidates will be invited to the department selection process.
The City of Menlo Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the City of Menlo Park not to discriminate against all qualified applicants or employees. We will make reasonable efforts in the selection process to accommodate persons with disabilities. Please contact Human Resources at (650) 330-6670 or jobs@menlopark.gov prior to the closing date for accommodation requests.
Before receiving an offer of employment, the candidate will be required to successfully complete a criminal conviction history questionnaire, DOJ fingerprinting, Occuscreen criminal background check, and physical examination.
In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, all potential employees are required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or authorization to work in the United States. The City will not sponsor applicants for work visas.