Heavy Equipment Mechanic I/II
Stanislaus County Modesto, California, United States
- Location: Modesto, California, United States
- Categories: Construction and Skilled Trades
- Job Type: Full Time
- Posted: Apr 30, 2026
Job Description:
Heavy Equipment Mechanic I/II
Description
About the OpportunityTHE POSITION
The Heavy Equipment Mechanic I is the entry level classification in the Heavy Equipment Mechanic series. Reporting to the Morgan Shop manager, the HEM I performs service on light and heavy road maintenance equipment used in connection with the construction and maintenance of county roads. This position is subject to overtime, shift work, standby, and call back assignments. Performs related duties as assigned.
The Heavy Equipment Mechanic II is the journey level classification in the Heavy Equipment Mechanic series. Reporting to the Morgan Shop manager, the HEM II performs skilled work in repairing, overhauling, and maintaining automotive and road construction equipment powered by gasoline, and/or diesel fuels. The incumbent in this classification performs a full range of diagnosing mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic problems, welding and repair work on construction equipment and trucks with one-ton capacity or larger. This position is expected to perform with a high degree of skill and independence. The HEM II incumbents are normally assigned work requiring a higher level of skill and knowledge and are certified by the State of California to provide service in the areas of lamp adjustment, brake adjustment, and refrigeration/recycling A/C. This position maintains and makes minor and major repairs to the County Road Maintenance Equipment and other gas and diesel-powered vehicles. This position is subject to overtime, shift work, standby, and callback assignments. Performs related duties as assigned.
TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE
Application Deadline: May 18, 2026 at 5pm
Written Examination: Tentatively the week of May 25th
Oral Examination: Tentatively the week of June 8th
Typical Tasks
Heavy Equipment Mechanic I/II
- Inspection & Diagnostics
- Inspect, diagnose, and locate mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and electronic issues on County road maintenance equipment and other diesel- and gasoline-powered vehicles.
- Receive and evaluate reports of equipment problems, determine necessary repairs, and recommend corrective action.
- Diagnose and repair emissions control systems and computer-controlled components.
- Repair & Maintenance
- Overhaul, repair, and adjust engines, transmissions, differentials, valves, and air/hydraulic systems.
- Tune engines by replacing electrical and electronic components, and cleaning or adjusting fuel injection systems.
- Repair or replace defective parts such as wheel bearings, clutches, oil seals, shock absorbers, exhaust systems, steering mechanisms, and related components.
- Diagnose and repair charging and electrical systems, including generators, alternators, distributors, relays, lighting, and switches.
- Maintain, repair, and recharge air conditioning and climate control systems.
- Perform roadside and field repairs to minimize downtime and restore operability.
- Fabrication & Welding
- Weld, fabricate, and assemble parts and equipment for heavy equipment and vehicles.
- Weld, braze, cut, shape, and fasten metal parts; fabricate and repair vehicle frames, chassis, and exhaust systems.
- Safely operate welding equipment, drill presses, lathes, grinders, and other precision tools required for fabrication and repair.
- Testing & Quality Assurance
- Conduct test runs of vehicles and equipment following repair to verify that problems are resolved and performance standards are met.
- Recordkeeping & Compliance
- Maintain accurate work orders, time logs, and material records.
- Follow all applicable safety regulations, environmental requirements, and County policies in the performance of duties.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education/Experience)
KNOWLEDGE
Heavy Equipment Mechanic I
- Common tools, procedures, equipment and materials used in making repairs on both diesel and gasoline motorized equipment;
- The care and operation of internal combustion engines;
- Tools, parts, and materials used in the repair and maintenance of automobiles, trucks, gas and diesel equipment;
- Basic computer operations;
- Methods, tools, and equipment used in lubricating heavy construction equipment and refuse trucks;
- Automotive and heavy equipment, hydraulic and chassis parts;
- Automotive oils, grease, and lubricants and how to use them; and
- Standard shop and safety procedures.
Heavy Equipment Mechanic II
- Tools, equipment, and procedures used in the overhaul, repair, and adjustment of County Road Maintenance Equipment and Transit buses and other gas and diesel powered equipment;
- Operation and care of internal combustion engines and hydraulic equipment;
- Methods, materials, equipment and tools used in welding and fabrication work;
- Operating and repair characteristics of County Road Maintenance Equipment and Transit buses;
- Safe work practices; and
- Computers and electronics in vehicle applications.
SKILLS/ABILITIES
Heavy Equipment Mechanic I
- Lubricates, in the shop or in the field, chassis, hydraulic, and equipment;
- Changes oil in gasoline and diesel powered heavy equipment using grease guns and hand tools;
- Changes oil filters and radiator hoses; replaces defective light bulbs, battery cables and windshield wiper blades;
- Writes simple records of work accomplished;
- Do mechanical work; and understand and follow both oral and written instructions;
- Learn and perform maintenance and repair work on automotive, heavy duty, and/or construction equipment;
- Understand and apply department rules, regulations, policies, and procedures;
- Inspect, disassemble, replace worn parts, assemble and test systems and components;
- Read and understand manufactures specifications and technical manuals;
- Trouble-shoot and test various vehicle and equipment systems;
- Communicate effectively with others in person and over the telephone;
- Properly lubricate and service gasoline and diesel powered refuse trucks and heavy construction equipment;
- Safely operate refuse trucks and heavy construction equipment;
- Work safely around automotive and heavy construction equipment;
- Learn proper methods of diagnosing and repairing mechanical problems of gasoline and diesel internal combustion engines;
- Learn operation of diesel and gasoline internal combustion engines;
- Learn basic acetylene and electrical arc welding; learn hydraulic and air brake systems; and
- Learn torque converters, automatic and standard transmissions.
Heavy Equipment Mechanic II
- Perform skilled welding and fabrication work;
- Perform minor and major mechanical work on mechanical equipment;
- Use a variety of tools, testers and equipment with skill;
- Maintain a variety of shop and repair records;
- Understand and carry out verbal and written directions;
- Perform journey level equipment mechanical work including the troubleshooting of equipment for both major and minor repair work;
- Work independently in the absence of supervision;
- Accurately determine appropriate repair needs and estimate the cost and time of repairs; and
- Establish and maintain cooperative-working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
We recognize your time is valuable, please only apply if you meet the following required qualifications.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
Heavy Equipment Mechanic I
- Two (2) years of experience as an Equipment Services Technician in Stanislaus County or in the servicing of light and heavy equipment; AND
- Possess and maintain a valid California Class C Driver's License; AND
- Obtain and maintain a valid Commercial Driver's License within a year of hiring date; AND
- Perform with confidence all of the physical requirements listed in the Job Task Analysis.
Heavy Equipment Mechanic II
- Three (3) years of heavy equipment mechanic repair performing duties comparable to those of a Heavy Equipment Mechanic I in Stanislaus County; AND
- Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade; AND
- Possess and maintain a valid California Class C Driver's License; AND
- Possess and maintain a valid California Class A Driver's License with tanker, air brakes and doubles & triples endorsements. Possess California State Brake Certificate, Lamp Certificate, and Refrigeration/Recycling Air Conditioning Certificate; AND
- Perform with competence all of the physical requirements listed in the Job Task Analysis.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
In addition to the minimum qualifications, applicant screening may focus on the following desirable qualifications. Please list any of these qualifications you may have within the "Duties" section of the online application.
- Proof of completion of vocational or technical coursework in diesel/heavy equipment repair, automotive technology, or a related field; OR
- Possession of ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certifications in Medium/Heavy Truck or related specialty areas; OR
- Welding certifications (e.g., AWS Certified Welder); OR
- Documented OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) training on Caterpillar, John Deere, or similar heavy equipment; OR
- One (1) year of experience in a governmental agency.
Application and Selection Procedures
APPLICATION PROCEDURES/FINAL FILING DATE Applications cannot be submitted later than 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date. Make your online application as complete as possible so a full and realistic appraisal may be made of your qualifications. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. Attaching your resume and cover letter are an optional feature for those who wish to do so in addition to completing the required application. Information on your resume and cover letter will not substitute for the education, work experience and required fields on the County application. The online County application is the primary tool used to evaluate your job qualifications. EXAMINATION PROCESS
Most County recruitments consists of the steps detailed below and are governed by Merit Principles. The examination process ensures that all applicants are given the same opportunity to gain employment within Stanislaus County.
- Application Review and Screening. Applications are carefully screened based on information provided. Those who submit incomplete applications that lack relevant qualifications or do not submit all required documents will not be invited to move on.
- Written Examination. Applicants will be invited to participate in a written exam that tests knowledge for the position.
- Oral Examination. Applicants are invited to a panel interview in which they will be evaluated by County subject matter experts.
- Eligible Lists. Candidates who pass the examination will be placed on an eligible list for that classification. Eligible lists are effective for six months but may be extended up to eighteen months.
Unless otherwise provided, this position is part of the Classified Service of the County and is assigned to the Craft/Maintenance Institutional bargaining unit for labor relations purposes.
The Job Task Analysis provides information detailing the physical and functional demands of the classification. For the complete job task analysis, visit the Risk Management website at http://www.stancounty.com/riskmgmt/ under the "Disability" tab. Note: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, part-time and full-time vacancies throughout Stanislaus County. Incumbents may also be subject to overtime, standby, callback, weekend, holiday and shift assignments as identified in their MOU (Memorandum of Understanding). RECRUITMENT ACCOMMODATIONS Arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities and religious convictions. Applicants requiring testing accommodations are required to complete and submit the Testing Accommodations Request Form prior to the test administration date. Special arrangements for religious convictions should be included in the "Additional Information" section of the application form. GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS
- Pass County-paid pre-employment job-related background investigation.
- Perform job duties in a manner assuring a safe working environment for oneself and others.
- Maintain confidential information according to the legal standards and/or County regulations as required.
- Some positions may be required to possess and maintain a valid California Driver’s License and meet County insurability requirements.
Stanislaus County reserves the right to revise the examination plan described in this flyer to better meet the needs of County service. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. The information contained in the bulletin is information which sets forth a general summary of benefits for this respective position. This information is not legally binding. The benefits and other information regarding this position may be found in the Stanislaus County Code, the Stanislaus County Personnel Policies manual, or in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding(s), and such information prevails over information contained in this flyer. Questions regarding this bulletin may be directed to the Stanislaus County Chief Executive Office/Human Relations.
Benefits associated with this position can be found at Benefits Summary.
Closing Date/Time: 5/18/2026 5:00 PM Pacific