Heavy Equipment Mechanic

This is skilled mechanical work in the maintenance and repair of all types of heavy construction equipment and some automotive equipment. Employees in this class perform all types of repairs on all types of diesel-powered vehicles and heavy construction equipment. Work may involve repairing of some automotive and gasoline-powered equipment. Employees may work independently while making on-the-road repairs; however, on divisional and larger garage assignments, supervision is available.

Oral and written instructions are received relative to the nature of work to be performed. Employees use independent judgment to determine the best method of repair. Supervisors or operators test and check the work upon its completion.

• Repairs, overhauls, and rebuilds all types of construction equipment, mass transit busses, busses, boats, tractors, tow trucks, backhoe, shovels, graders, bush hog, dump trucks, rock crushers, pay loader, asphalt plants, asphalt spreaders, distributors, rollers, cement mixers, and air compressors, etc.
• Dismantles, repairs, rebuilds, and replaces pistons, clutches, brakes, crankshafts, bearings, transmissions, steering clutches, ignition system, and defective parts, etc.
• Inspects and repairs engines, electrical systems, air condition systems, hydraulic system and lubricating systems to ensure proper functioning.
• Disassembles cylinder heads, reface valves, seats and reassembles, change fluids and filters of heavy equipment, automotive, busses and lube chassis and/or fittings.
• Rebuilds carburetors and repairs steering mechanism.
• Tunes and adjusts equipment; performs related welding, repairs automotive and truck equipment.
• Tests equipment before and after repair to ensure proper operation.
• Performs other related work as required.

Approved post secondary course from an accredited vocational or technical school in Diesel Mechanic, Diesel Technology or related field and two (2) years experience in maintenance and repair of diesel powered and automotive equipment. (experience may be obtained in the military or through formal apprenticeship training)

OR

Four (4) years of general mechanic experience, two (2) of which must have been in maintenance and repair of diesel powered and automotive equipment.

• Knowledge of the methods, techniques and tools used in the repair and maintenance of heavy equipment and automotive.
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards of the trade safety precautions applicable.
• Considerable knowledge of the principles of operation of diesel-powered and other highway construction equipment.
• Considerable knowledge of the principles of and practices applied in the safe and efficient repair of internal combustion equipment and in the safe and efficient use of mechanics tools and equipment.
• Considerable knowledge of the principles of operation of automotive and other diesel and gasoline-powered equipment.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Ability to work from technical manual, diagnostic machines and computers.
• Physical ability to perform heavy lifting and to work in awkward positions.
• Skill in the use of the tools and equipment used in diesel repair, rebuilding, and adjustment work.
• Skill in diagnosing and repairing defects in diesel, heavy equipment and automotive equipment.

The supervisor or shop foreman gives general supervision as needed. The incumbent is required to use his/her own judgment in carrying out specified duties. Special assignments are given required supervision and are checked upon completion.

Guidelines include complying with Federal and Territorial laws and the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) regulations, standard operating procedures and directives.

The assignment involves making repairs on all vehicles to ensure vehicle safety on the roadway and highways. The employee checks the required areas and documents all problems on the vehicles. He/she identifies all deficiencies to the heavy equipment shop foreman and/or supervisor for correction before vehicle is approved to go on schedule operation.

The purpose of this work is to schedule and perform repairs for all heavy equipment and automotive equipment in the U.S. Virgin Islands and assure safety on the roads and highways.

Contacts are made with co-workers, clients, general public and agency representative.

The purpose of the contacts is to obtain information needed to complete assignments.

Work at various times can become mentally and physically strenuous, where lifting, bending, crouching and climbing are required when conducting inspections and repairs of vehicles and equipment.

Work is mostly performed in a vehicle repair garage, some fieldwork is also required.