Heavy Equipment Technician

Minimum Training & Experience

Graduation from high school supplemented by formal training in mechanical or related trades, and 5 years of experience as a heavy equipment mechanic including experience in maintenance of diesel and gasoline powered engines. Must possess a valid Florida Driver's License and maintain an acceptable driving record.

Possess a Florida Class B CDL or have the ability to obtain one within 12 months of hire. Must possess the hand tools required by the department.

Essential Employees may be required to work during an undeclared or declared emergency. On an incident‑by‑incident basis, the employee’s Department Head will make the determination as to who will be required to work.

Performs skilled mechanical work in the repair and maintenance of heavy equipment in the Fleet Services Division. Employee is responsible for assignments ranging from minor adjustments to complete engine overhauls and component rebuilds, including gasoline, diesel, and hydraulic equipment. Employee must exercise independent judgment and initiative in completing assigned tasks and must furnish a full complement of hand tools for performance of job functions.

Reports to the Fleet Services Supervisor.

• Under the current CBA, Heavy Equipment Technicians receive an annual tool allowance to purchase, replace, and update their hand tools.

• Performs preventive maintenance on departmental vehicles and heavy equipment.
• Completes computerized work orders and submits them to supervisors upon completion of each repair.
• Performs adjustments, repairs, and scheduled maintenance on air conditioning and heating systems.
• Adjusts and makes repairs to diesel engines; adjusts or repairs valves, carburetors, generators, and related units; replaces all worn or defective parts.
• Repairs and adjusts hydraulic and vacuum‑operated systems; replaces hydraulic motors, hoses, and fittings; installs and adjusts power takeoffs.
• Performs major and minor mechanical repairs and adjustments on power drive, brakes, steering mechanisms, and electrical, cooling and related systems on light and heavy motorized equipment and vehicles.
• Performs welding and fabrication/machine work incidental to completion of repair assignments.
• Diagnoses and repairs electrical problems in equipment, including electrical shorts, batteries, alternators, and lights.
• Performs emergency vehicle/equipment repair on an on‑call basis.

• May make emergency road calls to perform minor repairs on vehicles or equipment.
• Performs routine housekeeping and grounds maintenance work at the City garage.

The listed duties are only illustrative and are not intended to describe every function that may be performed by this job class. The omission of specific statements does not preclude management from assigning specific duties not listed if such duties are a logical assignment to the position.

• Health Insurance:
  Health care plan options include HDHP, OAPIN, and OAP through Cigna.
• Dental Insurance:
  Coverage offered in three plans that include DHMO and PPO High/Low plans.
• Vision Insurance:
  Coverage includes an annual eye exam, frames and lenses or contact lenses in lieu of eyeglasses.
• Life Insurance:
  The City of Palm Bay provides each employee with life insurance in the amount of one‑time their annual base salary at no cost. Additional coverage is available at the employee’s cost up to the Guaranteed Issue amount of 250,000.
• Dependent/Spouse Life Insurance:
  The City of Palm Bay provides each employee with dependent/spouse life insurance in the amount of 5,000 per dependent at no cost. Additional coverage is available at the employee’s cost.
• Short‑Term Disability:
  Coverage pays 66 2⁄3 % of employee's annual base salary during a short‑term disability period not to exceed 26 weeks.
• Long‑Term Disability:
  Coverage pays 66 2⁄3 % of employee's salary at time of disability after a 180 consecutive day waiting period.
• Defined Contribution Retirement Plan:
  City contributes a base of 3 %. Employees may contribute up to 6 % and the City will match the employee's contribution.
• Holidays: 11 holidays, 1 birthday holiday, and 1 anniversary holiday.
• Paid Leave:
  Employees accrue 96 hours of vacation per year, accrued hours increase after 5 years of service based on years of service. Employees accrue 96 hours of sick leave per year.
• Tuition Reimbursement:
  Upon completion of the initial probationary period, employees are eligible for tuition and book reimbursement for college level courses for Associate's, Bachelor's, and Master's Degrees (currently frozen due to budget).