What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mechanic position at Kings County?
This classification is distinguished from Master Mechanic, which performs more complex work and requires additional certifications.
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
- Inspects, diagnoses, and repairs a wide range of County gasoline, diesel and alternative fuel powered vehicles, including automobiles, light trucks, mechanical equipment, heavy earth-moving equipment including graders, dozers, tractors and compactors, and fire vehicles and pumping equipment both in the shop and on road construction sites.
- Repairs and maintains manual and automatic two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive transmissions, differentials and related components.
- Diagnoses and repairs driveline components such as drive shafts, clutch assemblies, universal joints, and related components.
- Diagnoses, maintains. and repairs various steering systems, hydraulic and electric assist types.
- Diagnoses and repairs electrical systems, starting systems, charging systems, cooling systems, heating and air conditioning systems and general control systems.
- Diagnoses, maintains and/or repairs engine lubrication and fuel systems, electrical functions and emission control devices including computer diagnostics and test equipment operations.
- Diagnoses, maintains, and repairs hydraulic and air-brakes systems; replaces air brake components including brake pots/air chambers, linings, pads, air lines and valves, and related components.
- Diagnoses, repairs, rebuilds, and maintains various hydraulic operating systems, pumps, valves, hose fabrication and cylinders, and related components.
- Replaces various types of brake system components including brake shoes, disc brake pads, machines drums and rotors and related brake maintenance work.
- Sands and paints equipment.
- As assigned, performs a variety of welding and cutting operations including oxygen-acetylene and arc welding in the repair, strengthening and rebuilding of a wide range of equipment and vehicles; resurfaces buckets, blades, and rollers; designs and fabricates special parts, tools, and components from blueprints and drawings.
- Reads and interprets manuals, drawings, schematics, troubleshooting guides and specifications provided from manufacturer.
- Orders parts; Maintains records of work performed, preventative maintenance data, parts and supplies used in the course of work, timesheets, etc.; operates automotive diagnostic computer scanning equipment.
- Uses and maintains a full set of mechanic tools, hand and power tools, diagnostic test equipment and all shop tools.
- Conducts road tests and quality control checks of repairs as required.
- Performs emergency road calls and field repairs as required.
- Oversees, transports, and controls the work of incarcerated individuals, welfare-to-work, and/or other volunteer workers and alternative work forces, including assignments, oversight, training and instruction in safe, efficient operation of tools and equipment.
- Observes safe work methods and utilizes safety equipment; properly handles and disposes of hazardous materials.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
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 AND EXPERIENCE
Education:
- Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.
Experience:
- Two (2) years of journey-level experience in the maintenance and repair of vehicles and/or heavy construction equipment including road, construction, agricultural, and/or maintenance equipment including diesel engines. (Experience in welding a variety of light and heavy gauge applications including arc welding is desirable. Experience utilizing automotive diagnostic scanning equipment is preferred.)
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Licenses:
- Possession of a valid California driver's license issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles at the time of appointment.
- Possession of, or ability to obtain within the first 12 months of employment, a valid California Class B commercial driver’s license with tanker endorsements and no restrictions, to be maintained throughout employment.
Certifications:
- Possession of, or ability to obtain within the first 24 months of employment, ASE certification in the following designated areas, to be maintained throughout employment:
Automobile repair:
- Engine repair
- Brakes
- Electrical/electronic systems
- Heating/air conditioning
- Engine performance
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Qualify for security clearance through a background investigation and fingerprint check. Incumbents are required to submit to pre-employment, on-going random and other DOT-mandated drug and alcohol testing as a condition of employment. Qualify for deputization by the Sheriff for the purpose of supervising inmate trustees. Ability to work overtime as required. Ability to frequently travel to outlying locations throughout the County. Incumbents are required to maintain their personal toolbox and general automotive tools 1 ¼ and smaller for basic automotive repairs.
Veteran's Preference Application
You must submit a certified DD-214 and a new request form for each application submission prior to the closing date.
Closing Date: January 20, 2026
Human Resources Interview: Week of February 10, 2026
Department Interview: TBD
Salary : $55,182 - $67,330