MECHANIC FIRE APPARATUS

Code: 02441 Local Competitive

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under direction, performs a variety of skilled mechanical tasks involved in installation, maintenance, and repair of varied types of fire apparatus and equipment both diesel and gasoline operated; does other related work.

Examples of work

• Maintains fire department vehicles by lubricating, changing oil and oil filters, recharging batteries, performing tune-ups, and other minor repairs.
• Performs mechanical repairs to fire apparatus, fire pumps, hydraulic controls, and/or other machinery and equipment both diesel and gasoline operated.
• Makes final adjustments and minor repairs including setting governors, checking ignition, adjusting brakes, checking wheel alignments, and setting timing, adjusting valves and spark plugs, and testing the differential and transmission to ensure proper adjustments and sufficient lubricant.
• Checks and makes minor repairs to air packs and tanks, hand lights, fire extinguishers, and hand radios.
• Checks and maintains in operating condition portable generators and pumps by changing oil, repacking pumps, refueling, and making minor repairs.
• Provides recommendations for major vehicle repairs.
• Checks and makes minor repairs to municipal emergency generators by recharging batteries, changing oil and oil filters, and other minor repairs.
• Conducts road tests and other tests after the work has been completed to ensure proper performance of the vehicles and other apparatus.
• Maintains equipment, materials, and supplies.
• When not engaged in the performance of mechanical tasks, may perform a variety of custodial and maintenance duties to keep the fire house clean and in order.
• Maintains essential records and files.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording information systems used by the agency, office or related unit.

Requirements

<b>TRAINING</b>

Successful completion of one (1) year of training in automotive technology at an accredited community college or vocational school.

Experience

Two (2) years of experience in the maintenance and repair of diesel engines and hydraulic systems.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey.

Appointees may also be required to possess a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and applicable endorsements for the class and type of vehicle being operated.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of the various types of diesel and gasoline motors and their operation.
• Knowledge of the standard tools, materials, methods, and practices.
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions involved in performing general mechanical repair and maintenance work to fire vehicles and other apparatus.
• Ability to diagnose reasons for motor, hydraulic control, and fire pump failure and determine the steps necessary to correct the conditions.
• Ability to analyze mechanical problems, organize assigned work, and develops effective work procedures.
• Ability to perform mechanical repairs to fire apparatus, fire pumps, hydraulic controls, and other machinery and equipment both diesel and gasoline operated.
• Ability to take safety precautions in performing the work.
• Ability to obtain, store, safeguard, distribute, and properly use equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Ability to maintain records.
• Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording information systems used by the agency, office or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

Applicants who do not possess the required year of formal training may substitute one (1) additional year of experience as outlined above.

An Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification in one of the following specialties from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence may be substituted for the formal training: A-1 Engine Repair, A-6 Electrical/Electronic Systems, A-8 Engine Performance.

The responsibility for ensuring that employees possess the required motor vehicle license, commensurate with the class and type of vehicles they operate, rests with the Appointing Authority.

In accordance with Federal regulation 82:40, appointees responsible for the repair or servicing of motor vehicle air conditioners are required to possess and maintain a valid certification as an Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technician, commensurate with the type of equipment serviced, issued by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency.

In accordance with N.J.A.C. 13:20-46.8, appointees responsible for performing the emissions inspections on diesel-powered vehicles will be required to successfully complete a course of Instruction on Diesel Emission Inspection provided through the Appointing Authority. Appointees may be required to successfully complete re-training.

In accordance with the New Jersey Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulation 29 CFR 1910.178(l) (1), appointees responsible for the operation of industrial trucks (powered forklifts) will be required to obtain and maintain a current certification as a Powered Industrial Truck Operator issued by the New Jersey Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Appointees may be required to successfully complete re-training.

In accordance with N.J.A.C 13:20-45.16, appointees responsible for performing emissions repairs to gasoline-fueled vehicles will be required to successfully complete the Emissions Technical Educational Program, and maintain a current certification as an Emissions Repairer Technician.

In accordance with N.J.A.C. 13:20-43.17, appointees responsible for performing inspections to motor vehicles will be required to successfully complete the training and maintain a current certification as a Motor Vehicle Inspector.

Appointees responsible for repairing or servicing motor vehicles equipped for alternate fuel will be required to successfully complete training and obtain an Alternate Fuel Certification. Appointees who possess an ASE Certification in Alternate Fuel are considered to have met this requirement.

Appointees responsible for repair and servicing of suspension/steering systems are required to possess and maintain an Automobile Service Excellence (ASE) Certification in Suspension and Steering.

Appointees responsible for repair and servicing of brakes are required to possess and maintain a valid Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification in Brake Repairs.

Appointees may also be required to obtain ASE certifications in Engine Repair A-1 and Engine Performance A-8.