Vehicle & Equipment Technician III (Public Works)

The Public Works Vehicle & Equipment Technician III performs highly skilled, advanced, and complex technical work in the inspection, maintenance, and repair of diesel-powered heavy construction equipment, automotive equipment, City vehicles, school buses and/or other related equipment. Serves as a senior technician, mentoring lower-level technicians and providing instruction/advice. The work is performed under general supervision and reports to the Fleet Maintenance Supervisor. The preferred hiring amount for this position is between $26.81 - $34.34 an hour ( $55,764.80 - $71,427.20 Annually). Starting offer is based on applicable education, experience, and internal equity. This full-time, non-exempt position that offers a comprehensive benefits package, including 13 paid holidays plus one floating holiday, vacation and sick leave, health insurance with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, gym membership reimbursement, tuition assistance, and professional development opportunities. This position is also eligible for the following benefits: Choice of retirement plan:

Defined Benefit Pension Plan:

Provides a monthly benefit upon retirement, calculated using a defined formula based on earnings history, years of service, and age. The plan includes a 5-year vesting period and requires an employee contribution of 5% of salary. Defined Contribution 401a

Plan:

Employer makes fixed contributions to an individual account, which are invested, and returns are credited to the account. The account balance is used to provide retirement benefits. Vesting occurs at 33% after one year, 67% after two years, and 100% after three years of service. No salary contribution is required. Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation Plan Eligibility to purchase prior service credit under the Defined Benefit Plan The City of Charlottesville manages its own retirement system and does not participate in VRS; however, a Portability Agreement is available for eligible employees. For additional details, please refer to the "Benefits" tab within this posting or visit the City's Employee Benefits webpage . As of March 28, 2024, this position is part of the Labor and Trades bargaining unit, as defined by the City's Collective Bargaining Ordinance (Ordinance No. 22-128). in accordance with the Labor and Trades Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) effective July 1, 2025. Future wage adjustments are subject to terms and conditions of the collective bargaining agreement between the City and the exclusive bargaining representative.

Note:

This job opportunity is advertised with a closing date of "Continuous." If interested in being considered, an application should be submitted as soon as possible. Applications may no longer be considered once a reasonable number of applications has been received or once a candidate to fill the position is identified. Applications may be evaluated on a continuous basis and interviews may be conducted as soon as possible during the recruitment with candidates who are best qualified. This job announcement may close at any time after 7 calendar days. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The essential functions of the job are not limited to those listed in the job description. The City retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time. Performs difficult diagnoses, complex adjustments, and advanced repairs, overhauls, and services on heavy diesel-powered construction equipment, automotive equipment, City vehicles, school buses (public works), and/or related machinery. Removes, breaks down, and rebuilds components and assemblies, such as engines, multi-speed transmissions, electrical systems, air conditioning systems, hydraulic systems, and power trains. Performs repairs and scheduled preventative maintenance, including changing oil, checking fluid levels, cleaning and lubricating parts, and rotating tires. Operates shop equipment, machinery, precision instruments, specialized tools, and devices. Operates a City vehicle in the performance of the job duties, including test driving vehicles. Inspects vehicles for compliance with safety and emission control standards. Reads and interprets diagnostic test results to identify mechanical problems. Reviews appropriate checklists to ensure that all critical parts are examined. Identifies parts and develops procedures for corrective procedures. Meets with manufacturer and service representatives to discuss technical vehicle and equipment problems and ensures vehicles and systems are in accordance with contract specifications. Collaborates and/or recommends maintenance or repair processes and procedures for vehicles and equipment. Recommends when a major component or assembly is to be repaired, rebuilt, or discarded. Reads and interprets technical manuals and service/recall bulletins, investigates, and prepares service bulletins for fleet defect reports and may conduct associated training. Inspects and monitors work areas, examines tools and shop equipment and may assist in safety training to prevent, detect, and correct unsafe conditions or violations of procedures and safety rules. Maintains and follows appropriate procedures for recording data and notes within the department's work order system regarding inspections, test results, work performed, and parts used. Provides technical advice and assistance on difficult and complex work. May mentor, assist, and provide technical instruction to other technicians in diagnosing, tool use, and repair work. Follows safety instructions and attends appropriate safety training. Maintains the cleanliness and order of garage shop space, tire bay, and fuel stations. Inspects and maintains fuel stations including performing repairs and preventative maintenance as needed. Responds to road calls and emergency road repairs/tire repairs. May serve as lead in supervisor's absence. Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools, and other resources, including work time. Regular and reliable attendance. Subject to being called back to work to the City in emergencies, to include inclement weather and or special events, or as needed to provide necessary services to the public. Must have the ability to be contacted and respond based on Departmental guidelines. Other Duties Performs additional duties to support operational requirements as apparent or assigned.

Education and Experience:

Candidates may qualify by demonstrating the required knowledge and skills outline for the job through experience(s) other than formal education. Technical or trade school in automotive maintenance AND three (3) years of work experience in complex problem diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of a wide variety of light, medium, heavy, and automotive/specialized equipment. OR High school diploma or GED AND five (5) years of work experience in complex problem diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of a wide variety of light, medium, heavy, and automotive/specialized equipment. OR Seven (7) years of work experience in complex problem diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of a wide variety of light, medium, heavy, and automotive/specialized equipment. OR An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above.

Preferred:

ASE certification(s) in Medium/Heavy Truck and or School Bus preferred.

Certifications/Licenses/Other Requirements:

Required to successfully pass a pre-employment background check, pre-employment drug screen (Virginia Department of Transportation), pre-employment physical, and a pre-employment DMV driving record review. Must possess a valid driver's license and class B commercial driver's license (CDL) issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia or obtain one within six (6) months of employment start date; and maintain and acceptable driving record according to City criteria. Must be able to obtain a Virginia State Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection License from the MVIP (Motor Vehicle Inspection Program) within 6 months of hire. Subject to DOT drug and alcohol testing regulations. Required to provide basic tools to perform the job duties, as determined by the department.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

Job Knowledge Thorough knowledge of laws and regulations governing the condition of vehicles and equipment, environmental laws governing refrigerant use. Advanced knowledge of the occupational hazards, safety requirements, methods, tools, and equipment, including electronic diagnostic equipment, used in the diagnoses and repair of complex mechanical issues of diesel-powered heavy construction equipment, automotive equipment, City vehicles, school buses (public works), and other related equipment. Advanced knowledge and skill in the use and operation of shop tools and machinery, such as drills, presses, welding torches and cutting tools, grinders, brake lathe, and so forth in the repair and maintenance of medium/heavy truck, diesel, and industrial equipment. Thorough knowledge of the use and operations of related software programs specific to the duties of the position.

Reading Intermediate:

read and understand written materials such as technical instructions and documents, newspapers, technical journals, multi-step instruction manuals, and reference materials.

Writing Basic:

write simple letters, paragraphs and sentences containing subject, verb, and object, and/or series of numbers, names, and addresses, for the purpose of documentation and record-keeping related to routine and preventative maintenance.

Math Intermediate:

Ability to deal with number systems; simple formulas, practical application of fractions, percentages, ratios/proportions, and measurements related to the preparation of repair estimates, calibrating complex vehicle systems, and other related tasks.

Communication Skills Intermediate:

provides and receives complex information. May include interactions that involve stressful, negative situations requiring high levels of tact and the ability to diffuse aggressive behavior and reach consensus. Elements of persuasion may be necessary to gain cooperation and understanding. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with City staff, leaders, and the public.

Independence and Decision-Making Requires Limited Direction:

Normally completes work according to their own judgement, requesting supervisory assistance occasionally. Special projects are managed with little oversight and assignments may be reviewed upon completion. Performance is reviewed periodically.

Technical Skills Skilled:

Comprehensive, practical knowledge of a technical field with use of analytical judgement and decision-making abilities appropriate to the assigned and apparent job responsibilities. Examples include using and instructing others in using hand and power tools and equipment associated with the diagnosis, adjustment, repair, and maintenance of vehicles and equipment. Utilizes related software programs to complete job responsibilities. Fiscal Responsibilities No budgetary/fiscal responsibilities. Supervisory Responsibilities No responsibility for the supervision of others. Performs essentially the same work as those directed. May include guiding, quality control, assist in the training, and instructing of others. Other Characteristics Time pressures. Performs tedious or exacting work. Ability to remain calm in stressful situations. Establishes rapport with co-workers and others. Takes responsibility for finding answers to questions and responding appropriately. Works closely with others as part of a team. Performs multiple tasks simultaneously. May perform work with interruptions and requests for service. May require additional hours outside of normal schedule, which may include weeknights, weekends, holidays, and/or weather-related emergency on-call time periods. May require a non-traditional work schedule. May require dealing with angry, frustrated and/or upset individuals.

Physical Demands:

Very Heavy Work:

Exerts more than up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Work requires climbing (ascending/descending steps), lifting, balancing, bending, stooping, crawling, crouching, standing, walking, reaching, pushing/pulling, twisting, and grasping. Requires adequate vision, hearing, and talking. Must be able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in situations involving position duties. Ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Machines, Tools, Equipment, Software and Hardware:

Work also typically requires use of standard office equipment and telephone, and related industry-specific software. Specialized equipment used for shoring, lifting of vehicles, computer diagnosis equipment, welding, cutting torches, hand tools and other tools of the trade. Computer equipment for entering data on parts, repairs, and vehicle records. Work may require the use of plans and drawings, and the use of blueprints/design plans. Responsible for the vehicle(s)/equipment assigned.

Work Environment:

The employee is expected to use appropriate protective equipment for the assigned task and any other equipment as apparent or assigned. Work is typically performed inside, in a shop/garage environment. Work is subject to both inside and outside environmental conditions, loud noise, vibration, atmospheric conditions, and roadway safety hazards.

The position works:

Near moving mechanical parts. In and around fumes, gases/gas leaks, and/or airborne particles. In and around toxic chemicals and/or blood-borne pathogens. In areas where there is vibration and/or electrical currents. High and/or precarious places. In and around traffic/roadways. In confined spaces. In extreme temperatures and/or inadequate lighting. With acidic or harsh substances. With allergens and fuels.