Vehicle And Equipment Manager (Open and Promotional) (20719047)

The Vehicle and Equipment Manager, under the direction of the Road Services Deputy Director, plan, organize, direct, coordinate and evaluate the activities and operations of the Vehicle and Equipment Services section of the Public Works Department, including all aspects of automotive and equipment operations, such as preventative maintenance programs, accounting and equipment management systems, and Capital Improvement plans related to plant renovations and fleet replacement; and perform related duties as assigned.

The Vehicle and Equipment Services Section maintains, inspects, services, and repairs County motor vehicles including school and other buses, trucks, equipment, Sheriff's Office vehicles, and motor pool vehicles. Our service and repair stations are located in Redwood City and San Mateo.

The Ideal Candidate 

The Vehicle and Equipment Manager is enthusiastic for and dedicated to public service. More specifically, the ideal candidate will be:

• Well-versed in the principles, practices, rules and regulations of municipal public works equipment and fleet operations to include working knowledge of repair, overhaul, assembly, modification, safety management and maintenance of vehicles, road equipment, pumps and generators.
• Experienced in administrative principles and practices including budget development and management, personnel management, systems management, contracting and procurement.
• Approachable and politically astute with a management style that quickly fosters teamwork, trust, loyalty, respect, commitment and accountability.
• A strategic thinker and planner with innovative yet practical solutions to long-term challenges.
• Willing to take risks, not threatened by change and comfortable in welcoming and promoting new, creative ideas.
• An excellent communicator who can establish and maintain positive working relationships and represent the Department and the County professionally in a variety of settings.
• Quick and clear-thinking, calm under pressure, tactful and positive.

 

Examples Of Duties

Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plan, coordinate and direct the activities and operations of the section.
• Perform or supervise long range planning to anticipate and prepare for County needs related to vehicle and equipment use and related financing.
• Identify, prioritize and coordinate all Capital Improvement Projects for vehicle and equipment maintenance facilities; assign and review work of professional and technical staff.
• Develop, evaluate and implement policies, workflow procedures, standards, goals and objectives for assigned functions; install management improvements and practices.
• Prepare the section budget, project revenues and expenditures, monitor section fiscal activities, and establish rates and fees.
• Represent the Department to various user groups; conduct or attend a variety of committee, and staff related meetings; coordinate plans for projects and the provision of services; explain policies and answer questions.
• Prepare reports for executive review on the probable effects on the County of various projects, programs and legislation related to vehicle and equipment use proposed by local, regional and federal agencies.
• Coordinate the Vehicle and Equipment Services section activities with other divisions, departments and agencies.
• Participate in negotiations with grant agencies and regulatory bodies.
• Manage and participate in personnel actions for the section including selection, performance planning, discipline, training and development.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:
 Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:

Experience: Four years of responsible administration of a fleet or equipment maintenance facility which includes writing specifications for equipment and vehicle acquisition.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of management including organizing work, long-term planning, delegation of authority and accountability.
• Principles and practices of municipal public works equipment and fleet operations to include working knowledge of repair, overhaul, assembly, modification and maintenance of vehicles, road equipment, pumps and generators.
• Administrative principles and practices including budget development and management, personnel management, systems management, contracting and procurement.
• Practices and procedures as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs policies and operational needs.
• Pertinent local, state and federal laws, rules, regulations and enforcement procedures.
• Principles and procedures of safety management as they relate to equipment and fleet operations and maintenance.

Skill/Ability to:

• Plan, organize, direct and evaluate the activities of professional, supervisory, technical, and clerical staff.
• Demonstrate effective leadership qualities including interpersonal communication, capacity to motivate and build consensus, ability to work as a team with other division managers; create and maintain a team environment in area of responsibility; the ability to confront issues, make decisions and achieve resolution; and implement new or improved procedures.
• Analyze complex problems, evaluate alternatives, identify and involve all stakeholders, and develop and implement sound courses of action.
• Plan, prepare and manage budgets and contracts.
• Balance service levels with the needs of users through generation of alternatives; adjust to changing priorities from various directives, manage workload changes and impacts, including work performed under stress to meet deadlines.
• Prepare comprehensive statistical, fiscal and technical reports.
• Prepare administrative and general correspondence that demonstrates effective use of communication principles to convey information.
• Initiate, implement, monitor and evaluate enhanced customer service delivery improvements, and new policies, procedures and systems.
• Create a work environment that encourages employees to participate in Section, Division, Department and Organizational improvement efforts.
• Conduct negotiations in a persuasive manner and consolidate a variety of viewpoints into a logical proposal.
• Represent the Division, Department and the County to the public and business community, other departments, agencies and public bodies.
• Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with others contacted in course of performing assigned responsibilities.

Application/Examination

Open & Promotional. Anyone may apply. Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, extra-help/limited term positions prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score. 

The examination process will consist of an application screening (weight: pass/fail) based on the candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%) which may include a performance exam. Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in County of San Mateo, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.  

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply" button. If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply. Responses to the supplemental questions must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required employment application and supplemental questionnaire. 
 
Tentative Recruitment Timeline
Final Filing Date: Monday, March 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM
Application Screening: Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Panel Interview: Thursday, April 23, 2026
 

About the County

San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.

The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.

The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer. We seek to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community.