Equipment Mechanic III (Open and Promotional) (20742909)

The County of San Mateo’s Department of Public Works is seeking applications for the position of Equipment Mechanic III.

The Equipment Mechanic III, under general supervision, service and repair water district pumps and emergency generators, perform mechanical maintenance and repair work on road construction equipment in the shop as well as out in the field and perform routine maintenance and repair tasks as appropriate.

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.

 

Examples Of Duties

 

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

• Inspect and maintain water district pumps and all emergency generators.
• Perform and run tests on all assigned pumps and generators as required.
• Perform preventative maintenance on all pumps and generators, including tune-ups, oil changes.
• Overhaul pumps, adjust packing, and adjust thrust washers.
• Maintain a record of each unit, which may include but not limited to, preventative maintenance, and inspection dates and times.
• Maintain and troubleshoot diesel process equipment such as pumps, valves, mechanical seals and tanks.
• Perform and coordinate preventative maintenance per required schedule and procedures.
• Certify pumps and generators to meet California Air Board Quality standards.
• Overhaul small to large gasoline and diesel engines.
• Replace bearings, adjust and repair electrical and fuel systems.
• Replace wheel cylinders, reline and adjust brakes.
• Inspect and replace shock absorbers, tie rods, ball joints, king pins, idler arms, and steering arms.
• Inspect, repair and replace master cylinders, wheel cylinders, pads, linings, calipers, drums, shoes and brake drum rotors.
• Clean and pack wheel bearings, and U-joints.
• Install, inspect, repair and replace electrical and ignition systems, including generators, alternators, voltage regulators, batteries and emergency equipment.
• Install, inspect, repair and replace fuel systems including pumps, filters, and carburetors.
• Perform routine tune-ups of vehicles, which includes replacing air cleaner, spark plugs, points, condenser; inspect, repair or replace wires, belts, distributors; clean and adjust the carburetor and set the timing.
• Adjust and repair grader blade and loader bucket assemblies.
• Remove and replace tracks, engines, motors, bearings and other component parts.
• Inspect, operate and repair all hydraulic equipment.
• Fabricate parts, brackets, tools and other equipment.
• Cut and weld using oxy-acetylene and electric arc equipment.
• Make repairs of equipment in field when necessary.
• Drive transport vehicles to move equipment.
• Lube chassis, door and hood hinges, door locks and padlocks check and maintain fluid levels, change oil and oil filters.
• Inspect, clean and service air cleaners.
• Repair, mount and balance tubes and tires and rotate tires as needed.
• Inspect, test and replace batteries, cables and terminals.
• Steam clean vehicle exterior, engine compartment and other components.
• Inspect, replace and repair cooling system, radiator, pump, thermostats, belts and hoses.
• Inspect, repair and replace exhaust system muffler and exhaust pipes.
• Inspect engine, transmission and differential for leaks and cracks; refer to supervisor if found and complete a repair sheet.
• Inspect and adjust clutch for free play.
• Install seat belts and inspect for wear.
• Perform minor repairs to parts of engine and/or replace them.
• Inspect and adjust or replace door, hood, trunk latches.
• Replace minor parts such as gauges, warning light bulbs, fuses, wind-shield wiper blades, radiator and gas tank caps; replace and adjust headlights and taillights.
• Complete repair sheets noting parts and labor hours used.
• Prepare records and reports. 
• Perform smog inspections and certifications.
• Observe safety regulations, work in such a manner to avoid hazardous situations, and bring potential hazards to supervisor's attention.
• Make service calls using shop vehicle lubrication truck.
• Drive and operate forklift.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

 

Qualifications

 

Knowledge of:

• Mechanical maintenance of water pumps and emergency generators.
• Mechanical maintenance and repair of diesel, gasoline and electric powered road maintenance and construction equipment.
• Methods, tools, materials and equipment used in servicing and repairing pumps and emergency generators.
• Switch gears and the methods for testing and diagnosing main power systems.
• Methods, tools, materials and equipment used in servicing and repairing diesel, gasoline and electric powered road and maintenance and construction equipment.
• Tools and modern testing equipment required for repair and maintenance of equipment.
• Capabilities and operation of road maintenance and construction equipment.
• Proper condition of various automotive and equipment parts, and procedures for ensuring proper condition and operation.
• Safety rules, procedures and practices pertaining to the use and repair of heavy equipment and in the operation of a repair shop.
• Safety rules, procedures and practices pertaining to working with high voltage equipment.

 

Skill/Ability to:

• Perform complex service and repair work on water pumps and emergency generators.
• Perform complex service and repair work on diesel, gasoline and electric powered road maintenance and construction equipment.
• Work with high voltage equipment.
• Use heavy equipment repair tools, including mechanic's hand tools, air wrenches, cooling system tester, volt-ohm meter, grease gun, tire balancer, tire changer and floor jack.
• Use specialized diagnostic equipment.
• Use oxy-acetylene and stick-welding equipment.
• Use drill press, grinding machine and metal lathe.
• Use chassis lubrication equipment
• Perform heavy manual labor.
• Read and interpret shop manuals to perform mechanical repair.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Follow safety rules, procedures and practices.
• Work courteously and effectively with the public and with co-workers.
• Bend, stand and walk for extended periods of time and lift and carry equipment and supplies used in the course of the work, such as cylinder heads, one-ton truck tires, and air impact wrenches.

 

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 four years’ experience as an journey level mechanic and demonstrated proficiency in the repair and maintenance of a wide variety of heavy equipment.
 
Licensure/Certification:

• Possession and maintenance of a valid California Commercial Learner’s Permit at the time of appointment is required if a California Class A Commercial Driver’s License is not held; and must obtain and maintain a valid California Class A Commercial Driver’s License with tank vehicle and hazardous materials endorsements within six months of hire.  
• Possession and maintenance of a valid California Class A Commercial Driver’s License with tank vehicle and hazardous materials endorsement.

 

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, or extra-help/limited term position prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination. 

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 Performance Exam (weight: 100%). 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 San Mateo County, 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 tohttps://jobs.smcgov.org to apply. Responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted in addition to the standard County employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required application materials. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.
 

Tentative Recruitment Schedule
Application Deadline: Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at 11:59 PM
Application Screening: Thursday, June 11, 2026
Performance Exams: Wednesday, June 24, 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 committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels.

 

HR Analyst: Sarah Huynh (0520202)(T094 - Equipment Mechanic III)