What are the responsibilities and job description for the Vehicle/Equipment Mechanic / Senior Vehicle/Equipment Mechanic position at Irvine Ranch Water District?
The District:
Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) is a progressive, values-driven agency, with an international reputation for its leading-edge financial management practices, water recycling program, water use efficiency practices, water banking, urban runoff treatment, and energy generation and storage. Established in 1961 as a California Water District under the provisions of the California Water Code, IRWD is an independent special district serving central Orange County. IRWD provides high-quality drinking water, reliable sewage collection and treatment, ground-breaking recycled water programs, and environmentally sound urban runoff treatment to its customers. As an independent, not-for-profit public agency, IRWD is governed by a publicly elected five-member Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the District's policies and decision-making. Day-to-day operations are supervised by the General Manager. Additional information can be found at the District's website: www.IRWD.com.
IRWD Values
Irvine Ranch Water District believes that its values drive the character, culture, and capacity of our organization. IRWD was built on values, and we weave them into the fabric of everything we do. Values are the ingredients in our recipe for both institutional and individual success. They are a code of conduct to promote positive outcomes for others and ourselves. They are more than words on a wall or a website. We live by them every day. We pledge to keep them relevant in an ever-changing world.
IRWD's employees enjoy working in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where they form strong bonds with fellow employees. To ensure effective communication and promote a collaborative team environment, employees report to work each day in the office or in the field, depending on their positions.
The Position:
Under general supervision, performs preventive maintenance, major mechanical and systems diagnostics and repair of light, medium and heavy vehicles, equipment, and shop tools. Maintain productivity level equal to or above industry standard. Maintain preventive maintenance, repair, and inspection records per federal, state, and local agency requirements.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Vehicle/Equipment Mechanic: This is a skilled journey level position in this job series. Under general supervision, incumbents at this classification perform maintenance, repair, modification, and fabrication of fuel and water systems, light and medium vehicles, commercial vehicles, etc.
Senior Vehicle/Equipment Mechanic: This is an advanced journey level classification with minimal supervision and direction, which performs independent, high- level diagnosis and repair of mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and electronic vehicle systems. Incumbents in this classification may exercise lead responsibilities. This classification differs from the Vehicle Equipment Mechanic in the skill level required and the complexity of the assigned work.
Positions in the Vehicle/Equipment Mechanic/Senior Vehicle/Equipment Mechanic classification may be filled at either level, depending on the District’s needs and the qualifications of the applicant. These positions are flexibly staffed, and advancement from Vehicle/Equipment Mechanic to Senior Vehicle/Equipment Mechanic is possible upon meeting the minimum qualifications, demonstrating successful job performance, and receiving a recommendation from management.
Perform maintenance and repair on light and medium vehicles, tools, and equipment. Service vehicles and equipment including but not limited to changing oil and filters, lubricating, checking systems for proper adjustment, fueling, and washing vehicles.
Diagnose mechanical, electrical, and fuel system malfunctions of vehicles and other mechanical equipment using diagnostic equipment and shop tools.
Perform all repairs, replacement, or adjustment of vehicle and equipment systems, such as brake overhaul, clutch and transmission repair, general overhaul, and major tune-ups.
Perform preventive maintenance safety inspections.
Perform service, maintenance, and repair of hydraulic, electrical, pneumatic, fuel and water systems.
Perform welding and fabrication for vehicle and equipment repairs and systems modifications.
Perform maintenance and repair on commercial vehicles and construction equipment and specialty equipment, under minimal supervision.
Service, maintain, and repair hydraulic, electrical, pneumatic, fuel, and water systems.
Install cellular telephone hardware in District vehicles.
Coordinate vehicle and equipment repairs with outside repair shops and oversee the daily operation of the vehicle shop including daily/weekly reporting.
Read and interpret schematics and technical drawings, shop manuals and repair guides for mechanical specifications, and instructions on how to adjust and/or repair vehicles and equipment.
Per applicable job level, required to supply appropriate tools, not including specialty tools or testing equipment.
Must maintain knowledge of passive restraints, anti-lock brakes, traction control systems, climate control systems, and vehicle communications systems.
Provide new equipment orientation.
Maintain fuel dispensing and vehicle cleaning systems.
Provide emergency road call service.
Ensure the professional appearance of all District vehicles and equipment.
Comply with District safety work-related practices and attend relevant safety training.
Participate in internal/external committees and organizations.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, Irvine Ranch Water District employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.
Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Education:
High school graduation or equivalent required.
Experience:
Vehicle/Equipment Mechanic:
Three (3) years related hands-on experience at journeyman level on light and medium vehicles and equipment required.
Senior Vehicle/Equipment Mechanic:
Six (6) years experience at journeyman level on light, medium, heavy commercial vehicles, and construction/specialty equipment required, plus one (1) year lead/supervisory experience preferred.
Licenses and Certifications:
Vehicle / Equipment Mechanic:
Valid Class “C” California Driver’s License.
Class “A” California Driver’s License required within one (1) year of hire date.
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Series Test - either car and light truck series A1, A5, A6, and A7 or Medium-Heavy truck series T2, T4, and T6 highly desirable.
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certified Master Automobile Technician is highly desirable
Senior Vehicle / Equipment Mechanic:
Class “A” California Driver’s License required.
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Series Medium-Heavy Truck Certification Tests T2-T8, or an associate’s degree (or higher) in automotive technology, is required.
Knowledge of:
- Current vehicle technology, on-board computerized systems, brake systems, maintenance programs, specialty, and safety equipment.
- Basic computer knowledge to operate a Fleet Maintenance Management System.
Ability to:
- Effectively communicate both orally and in writing with all levels of office and field employees, management, and vendors.
- Represent the District in a professional manner when dealing with outside contractors and agency officials.
- Advise and provide interpretation to others on how to apply policies, procedures, and standards to specific situations.
- Add, subtract, multiply, divide, and calculate percentages, fractions, and decimals.
- Apply and interpret appropriate formulas and convert metric measurements and formulas.
- Exercise good personal judgment and discretion in performing all job functions.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Ability to lift 50 lbs. on a routine basis. Ability to exert moderate to heavy physical effort, typically involving some combination of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, lifting, carrying, pushing, twisting, and pulling. Ability to work in confined spaces such as engine compartments, etc., and work at a variety of angles and positions.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Ability to work under uncomfortable conditions with exposure to environmental factors such as fumes, odors, noise, chemicals, toxins, hazardous materials and conditions, extreme temperatures, electrical voltage, explosives, high-pressure systems, or moving machinery.
New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide
Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department and the subject matter expert. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include an:
Oral Interview Examination (tentatively scheduled for May 6, 2026): will assess candidates’ experiences, qualifications, and abilities that are crucial for success in this role. During this examination, candidates will have the opportunity to discuss their background, including education, training, and relevant professional experiences. This in-person interview will allow evaluators to assess the candidate’s interpersonal communication skills and evaluate their overall qualification for the position.
Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communications by any other method.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Irvine Ranch Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department for a reasonable accommodation.
Salary : $6,290 - $10,847