Lead Equipment Mechanic; CLOSED​/PROMOTIONAL

The Position

This recruitment is a closed/promotional opportunity for current City of Santee employees only. Under general supervision of the Fleet Supervisor, the Lead Equipment Mechanic leads and participates in a variety of routine to difficult technical and mechanic work involving the repair and maintenance of the City's fleet, including automobiles, trucks, graders and power driven, mechanical and diesel equipment, including fire vehicles and firefighting apparatus;

and performs other related duties. This is an advanced journey-level class and incumbents are expected to perform the full range of assigned activities without detailed instructions as to specific procedures to be followed. This is a non-telecommuting position.

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Plans, prioritizes, assigns, supervises, reviews and participates in the work of staff responsible for performing maintenance and repair work on City vehicles, automobiles, trucks, emergency response vehicles, and other light and heavy gasoline and diesel power-driven equipment;
• Inspects, adjusts and replaces necessary parts including wheel bearings, oil seals, shock absorbers, steering mechanisms, valves and pistons;
• Overhauls and repairs automobiles, light and heavy trucks, gasoline, diesel and small engines, firefighting apparatus, tractors, graders, backhoe/loader and other automotive and mechanical equipment;
• Performs the more advanced, technical, and complex tasks assigned, including troubleshooting and diagnosing complex vehicle problems and designing and fabricating special parts, tools and equipment;
• Establishes schedules and methods for providing fleet maintenance and repair services; identifies resource needs; reviews needs with appropriate management staff; allocates resources accordingly;
• Reads and interprets technical manuals, specifications, blueprints and schematic diagrams;
• Assumes responsibility for the purchase and control of parts and replacement equipment necessary to facilitate repairs and maintenance of vehicles; maintains an accurate inventory of parts and equipment;
• Monitors work performed by contractors to ensure it is performed according to specs and City standards;
• Trains and instructs less experienced employees in proper work methods, use of tools, and equipment and relevant safety precautions;
• Participates in the development of policies and procedures; monitors work activities to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures; makes recommendations for changes and improvements to existing standards and procedures; and
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Any combination of education and experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of this classification. An example would be:

Education:

Graduation from high school or equivalent; and

Experience:

Four (4) years of recent journey-level experience in the overall repair of automotive, light and heavy power-driven equipment, including emergency response vehicles. Equipment repair experience with diesel and small engines is required. Recent experience working for a public agency is preferred. A Level II or III Fire Mechanic certification from the Office of State Fire Marshal is highly desirable. Applicants must possess a valid Level II Fire Mechanic certification through the Office of State Fire Marshal OR all of the following ASE certifications at time of application (copies must be attached): T1:
Gasoline Engines T2:
Diesel Engines T3:
Drive Train T4:
Brakes T5:
Suspension and Steering T6:
Electrical/Electronic Systems T7: A/C, Ventilation and Heat Systems T8:
Preventive Maintenance. Inspection Level II and III Fire Mechanic certification must be obtained by a date set at the Fleet Supervisor's discretion and maintained as a condition of employment. Recent is defined as relevant experience obtained within the last five years.

Evaluation Process:
This recruitment is a closed/promotional opportunity for current City of Santee employees only. Interested applicants must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire by the closing deadline, which is Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Candidates whose qualifications most closely meet the needs of the City will be invited to participate in the recruitment process for this position. The City may change these testing and interview dates at its discretion due to departmental staffing and operational needs.

The applicant selected will be subject to a criminal history investigation through the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and a thorough background check. A waiver for reference and background information must be completed. Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Class B California driver's license at time of…