PUBLIC WORKS HEAD MECHANIC - FT in Vandalia, Ohio at City of Vandalia

Position Description:

Join the City of Vandalia as a full-time Head Mechanic. Under general supervision, the Head Mechanic performs skilled diagnostic, maintenance, and repair work on a diverse fleet of municipal vehicles and equipment used by the Public Works, Development and Engineering Services, and Fire divisions. This position is responsible for inspecting, troubleshooting, repairing, and overhauling light- and heavy-duty vehicles, specialized equipment, and emergency apparatus while helping ensure the City's fleet remains safe, reliable, and ready to serve the community. The Head Mechanic also assists with shop operations, parts procurement, equipment specifications, snow and ice response, and supervision of assigned personnel in a professional and service-oriented environment.

This position offers a rare opportunity to influence the layout and functionality of a new municipal service bay as the City moves forward with plans for a new Public Works facility.

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Position Responsibilities: 60.00% - Repairs and maintains all public works and fire department vehicles and equipment; performs general overhaul and repair work on automobiles, light and heavy duty trucks, tractors, mowers, loaders and other automotive and mechanical equipment, including small engine repairs (e.g., services automotive equipment with gasoline and oil, checks batteries, and tires and repairs as necessary; examines vehicle and determines nature and extent of damage or malfunction and plans the work procedure; repairs or replaces parts; overhauls or replaces brakes, differentials, front and rear-end assemblies, carburetors, blowers, generators, distributors, starters, and pumps; designs, installs, and repairs hydraulic controls, air compressors, and related equipment; tunes motors; inspects, repairs, and overhauls automotive electrical equipment; removes unit such as engine, transmission, or differential; disassembles unit and inspects parts for wear; rebuilds parts; repairs damaged body and fenders by hammering out or filling in dents and welding broken parts; performs mig and tig welding; hydraulic design and repair; replaces and adjusts headlights and installs and repairs accessories such as radios, heaters, mirrors, and windshield wipers; mounts, dismounts and repairs auto, light and heavy duty truck and equipment tires. 15.00% - Inspects newly purchased vehicles and equipment and performs safety inspections; meets with vendors; researches new vehicles and equipment for current and future purchases; writes specs and assists with the review of written specifications for purchase of equipment; orders new shop equipment, replacement parts, and supplies. 10.00% - Manages and supervises all assigned employees (e.g., schedules and assigns tasks; interviews job applicants; recommends the hiring of job applicants; evaluates performance; receives grievances or employee complaints; approves and recommends the approval of leave requests, etc.). 5.00% - Performs duties to maintain the organization and cleanliness of the shop. 5.00% -

-Must be able to perform all of the duties of a Public Works Technician.

5.00% - Performs other duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge Of - Interviewing; *City/department goals and objectives; *City/department policies and procedures; *workplace safety practices and procedures; *personnel rules and regulations; supervisory principles and practices; electrical codes; community resources and services; government structure and process; state, federal, and local laws and/or regulations; employee training and development; local geographical area; English grammar and spelling; water treatment plant operating procedures; water treatment regulations; wastewater treatment plant operating procedures; wastewater treatment regulations; road construction, maintenance, and repair; utility construction, maintenance, and repair; sewer construction, maintenance, and repair; snow and ice removal; grounds maintenance and repair; traffic control device preparation, maintenance, and repair; vehicle maintenance and repair; light, heavy and medium duty equipment maintenance and repair. (*indicates developed after employment) Skill In - Computer operation; use of modern office equipment; motor vehicle operation; painting; use of bench and/or hand tools; snowplow operation; vehicle maintenance; auto body repair. Ability To - Carry out instructions in written, oral, or picture form; interpret a variety of instructions in written, oral, picture, or schedule form; deal with problems involving several variables within familiar context; apply management principles to solve agency problems; define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; exercise independent judgment and discretion; understand, interpret, and apply laws, rules, or regulations to specific situations; select most qualified applicant according to specifications for referral; read, copy, and records figures accurately; add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole numbers; calculate fractions, decimals, and percentages; complete routine forms; respond to routine inquiries from public and/or officials; conduct effective interviews; communicate effectively; train or instruct others; understand a variety of written and/or verbal communications; maintain records according to established procedures; develop and maintain effective working relationships; resolve complaints; travel to and gain access to work site. Additional Information:

Please include a cover letter and resume for consideration. The pay rate for this position is $38.83/hour for 2026, $40.00/hour in 2027.

Minimum qualifications include:

o Six years of mechanic experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education, experience and training.

o Valid State of Ohio driver's license, with the ability to remain insurable under the City's vehicle insurance plan.

o Class A Commercial Driver's License with Tanker endorsement, or the ability to obtain it within six months of appointment.

o Demonstrated knowledge of vehicle maintenance and repair, including light, medium and heavy-duty equipment.

o Ability to diagnose mechanical problems, perform repairs, maintain records, order parts and use modern shop tools & equipment.

o Ability to perform heavy work and safely operate in physically demanding conditions, including work around moving

mechanical parts, elevated platforms, confined spaces, hazardous driving conditions and varying weather conditions.

Preferred qualifications include:

o Automotive Service Excellence certification as a Master Heavy Duty Technician.

o Experience maintaining fire equipment and systems.

o . Experience with municipal equipment such as snowplows, street sweepers, sewer equipment, loaders, backhoes,

bucket trucks and related specialized vehicles.

o Strong leadership, communication and organizational skills.

o Good attitude, strong work ethic, commitment to safety and a high level of customer service.

The successful candidate will bring mechanical expertise, practical leadership and a service-minded approach to a position that

directly supports essential City operations. This is an opportunity for a qualified mechanic to take ownership of a diverse municipal

fleet, support the work of multiple departments and help ensure Vandalia's public service teams have the equipment they need to

serve residents effectively.

Click here to review job brochure!