Heavy Equipment Mechanic

The City of Tacoma and Tacoma Public Utilities are accepting applications for Heavy Equipment Mechanic. Heavy Equipment Mechanics perform skilled journey-level work in the repair, maintenance, overhaul, and rebuilding of a wide variety of heavy‑diesel, hybrid, electric, compressed natural gas (CNG), and gasoline vehicles, including construction, specialized, and aerial equipment.

This recruitment will fill temporary and permanent Heavy Equipment Mechanic vacancies as they occur for a period of one year.

• Inspect, test, diagnose, and repair equipment’s electrical, electronic, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.
• Repair, overhaul, tune, and adjust various diesel, gas, and CNG engines, transmissions, pumps, and valves of heavy‑duty vehicles and power‑driven mechanical equipment.
• Perform safety inspections of vehicles and equipment; identify hazards and make necessary repairs and adjustments to assure safe operation.
• Perform major overhaul and rebuilding of aerial equipment.
• Perform metal fabrication involving gas and electric welding.
• Operate and maintain hand and power tools and diagnostic equipment.
• Maintain accurate computerized and written records of time, materials, parts, and work performed; order needed parts and supplies.
• Provide work direction and guidance to assigned workers; assure work is performed in accordance with established standards.
• Work safely and cooperatively with coworkers and the public.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

• Heavy manual labor, including lifting or moving objects up to 75 pounds and working in awkward positions under and around vehicles and equipment.
• Typical heavy maintenance garage subject to noise and potentially hazardous materials and solvents.
• May be required to work outdoors and away from the shop.

Graduation from high school or equivalent.

• Valid Washington State Driver’s License at time of appointment with maintenance thereafter.
• Valid Washington Class A Commercial Driver’s License with appropriate endorsements by the end of the probationary period, with maintenance thereafter.
• Employee must furnish their own full complement of hand and pneumatic tools.

• Health and safety requirements.
• Methods, equipment, and materials used in overhaul, repair, and maintenance of heavy diesel and gas equipment and vehicles.
• Operation and care of internal combustion engines, chassis, parts, and replacements.
• Repair and maintenance of chassis and body components.
• Ignition, electrical, and cooling systems; fuel injection systems; ABS brake systems; heating and air conditioning systems.
• Hydraulic, electric, and air brakes.
• Metal fabrication, welding, painting, and body work.
• Technical aspects of the field of specialty.
• Equipment modification and rebuild techniques.
• Computer information systems.
• Repair, overhaul, and maintain heavy gasoline and diesel vehicles and construction equipment.
• Operate, service, and make repairs on equipment.
• Maintain simple records and prepare reports.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
• Perform heavy manual labor.
• Diagnose and analyze problems with vehicles, equipment, and specialized equipment.
• Use shop tools and testing equipment safely and efficiently.
• Weld with gas and electric.
• Maintain organized and clean work area.
• Meet schedules and timelines.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Provide work direction to others.

Applicants who are separated or retired and are eligible for veteran’s scoring criteria must attach a copy of their DD‑214 at the time of application to be eligible for review for veteran’s preference points.

Hourly Rate: $43.75 – $48.24

Employee Benefits: City of Tacoma offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, retirement, and paid leave options. Specific details are available upon request.