Fire Apparatus Technician

The County of Riverside’s Fire Department has an opportunity for a Fire Apparatus Technician I who will be assigned to the Fleet Division in Perris.

The Fire Apparatus Technician I is assigned to maintain, diagnose and make necessary repairs on fire apparatus and related equipment in the field, often under adverse conditions, or in a repair shop under the supervision of a shop supervisor. While on field assignment, the Fire Apparatus Technician I must determine whether the equipment can be repaired in the field or must be sent to the garage for repairs.

Competitive candidates will possess demonstrated experience in the maintenance, diagnosis, and repair of 1500 GPM fire‑service water pumps on fire apparatus. Experience and comprehensive knowledge in the maintenance, repair, diagnosis, and troubleshooting of gasoline‑ and diesel‑powered trucks, air brake systems and heavy‑duty vehicles is highly desired.

Incumbents are required to fulfill and maintain the educational and certification requirements of California Emergency Vehicle Technician I within two years from the date of hire.

The Fire Apparatus Technician I is a natural progression underfill for the class of Fire Apparatus Technician II.

• Inspect, diagnose and repair mechanical failures and defects in fire apparatus and other equipment.
• Adjust, repair, replace or overhaul diesel and automotive engines, transmissions, clutches, rear ends, differentials, transfer cases, hydraulic brake systems, axles, pumps, injectors, carburetors, final drives, sprockets, rollers, and truck and steering systems.
• Maintain, diagnose and repair electrical defects, and repair or replace starting motors, generators, and ignition systems. Repair and overhaul fire suppression components and related equipment.
• Fabricate and repair, alter or maintain Fire Department equipment and trucks; perform routine maintenance including oil changes and lubrication services; perform California Highway Patrol 90‑day compliance inspections and fire pump tests.

• Completion of an accredited heavy equipment mechanic apprenticeship‑training program or successful completion of the California Fire Mechanics Academy, Inc. Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) I course of instruction.
• One year of successful experience as a Heavy Equipment Mechanic or Senior Heavy Equipment Mechanic with Riverside County, or an equivalent class in another jurisdiction may substitute for the apprenticeship or EVT I certification.

The department will permit the selected candidate to obtain the required licensure within six months of hire. Candidates must possess or be able to obtain within six months of hire a valid California Class A or Class B Commercial Driver’s License, depending on the area of assignment.

• Position designated by the Department of Transportation as safety‑sensitive.
• Applicants must complete a DOT mandated alcohol and drug screening. A positive test or refusal to test within the past two years disqualifies an applicant.
• Reference checks from former DOT regulated employers are required.
• Employees in safety‑sensitive positions are subject to DOT alcohol/drug testing in the following situations: random, reasonable suspicion/cause, return‑to‑duty, and post‑accident.

• Principles of gasoline and diesel engines.
• Heavy equipment maintenance and repair.
• Methods, tools, equipment, and parts used in the repair and maintenance of construction equipment.
• Operation and application of mechanical diagnostic equipment.

• Perform repair and maintenance work on heavy equipment.
• Diagnose and repair mechanical defects in a variety of heavy‑duty gasoline and diesel construction equipment in both the field and shop.
• Operate equipment used in repairing or servicing construction equipment.
• Read and understand shop manuals and mechanical diagrams.
• Follow written and oral directions, perform work safely, and work with minimal supervision.