EQUIPMENT OPERATOR / MECHANIC'S HELPER

Code: 05719 Local Non-Competitive Range: O9 (FY 2027)

Salary: $38,640.95 - $55,447.65/year FY 2027 schedule (last updated 2026-07-27)

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 the direction of a supervisor, mechanic or other craftsman, assists as a semi-skilled service attendant with the repair and maintenance of departmental equipment; performs various related supporting functions in plant and service work; does other related work.

Examples of work

• Operates equipment such as front end loaders and bulldozers to pull, pile, move, turn, lift, and load sand, gravel, leaves and refuse at various work sites on flat or rolling terrain.
• Operates equipment towed by a tractor such as a gang mower, and mows grass, and/or hauls or digs dirt with scrapers or pans.
• Clears brush, stumps, and rocks on flat and rolling terrain or levels earth to rough specification at construction sites with simple terrain problems.
• Excavates trenches and drainage ditches for culverts or streams, and utilizes manipulative control equipment to adjust attachments.
• Smooths surfaces, repairs small bumps, and fills holes.
• Operates truck-mounted hydraulic crane to lift/dump container into truck body.
• Ensures that equipment is ready for operation at all times by inspecting/lubricating moving parts, inspecting tires for proper inflation, checking brake hydraulic reservoir level and oil level, and conducting a general inspection of equipment for obvious deficiencies.
• Reads instructions and operation manuals to learn correct lubrication, adjustment, and repair procedures for assigned equipment.
• Performs a variety of manual unskilled laboring tasks and work assignments when not engaged in operation of equipment.
• May occasionally drive a truck.
• Reports any problems that cause a delay in completion of work assignment to the supervisor, either in writing or verbally.
• Receives assignments either in writing or orally explaining work to be done and equipment to be used to know the specifics of the assigned tasks.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Primarily as a learner, assists as directed in the overhaul, adjustment, maintenance and repair of varied types of motors and mechanical and motorized equipment.
• May teardown and assemble engines, transmissions, final drives and other component parts.
• Performs minor preventive maintenance inspections; oils and lubricates equipment.
• Unloads and carries bricks, mortar and other building materials; assists in general masonry and plastering work, including digging foundations, constructing forms and mixing cement and plaster; breaks up old concrete walks and makes preparations for repair work.
• Helps to lay and cut materials.
• Assists in fitting and threading pipes; melts and pours lead for joints.
• Helps cut and form sheet metal.
• Assists with the work involved in making mattresses and in performing other tasks in institution upholstery shops.
• Performs varied types of semi-skilled tasks in trades and crafts in hospitals, schools and other state institutions, depending on the area of assignment..
• Performs service and maintenance related driving tasks as required.
• Performs tire repairs and service in the shop or field.
• Completes minor preventive maintenance and other minor service and inspections on department equipment in shop and field.
• Completes necessary service forms and reports.
• Maintains records.
• Performs service station attendant tasks, lubricates equipment, and dispenses fuel, oil and other supplies.
• Operates various cleaning equipment.
• Performs tasks to maintain work area in a neat and orderly manner.
• Learns the use, cleaning and care of shop tools and equipment.
• In the Department of Human Services, may be required to undergo fire-training classes.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.

Requirements

<b>LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION</b>

In accordance with the New Jersey Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulation 29 CFR 1910.178(1) (1), appointees may 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 refresher training.

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Appointee will be required to possess a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) only if it is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Experience

One (1) year of experience in the operation and maintenance of construction and maintenance equipment.

License

Appointees must 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 use of multiple controls on operating equipment and attachments.
• Knowledge of adjusting, oiling, greasing, and maintaining various equipment to ensure good working conditions.
• Knowledge of equipment utilized to push, pull, pile, lift, and load materials, clear brush and debris, and level earth or surfaces.
• Ability to handle different sets of controls that require good hand, foot, and eye coordination needed to operate/maneuver a variety of equipment.
• Ability to move equipment in confined areas.
• Ability to follow specific oral or written instructions.
• Ability to work without close/constant supervision in performing work assignments.
• Ability to manipulate different sets of controls used for operating various equipment.
• Ability to safely control movement of equipment and estimate distances.
• Ability to sight inspect equipment for tire/brake wear to ensure safe operation to equipment.
• Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform 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 after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
• CODES: LG - MER 04/18/08
• This job specification is for local government use only.
• <b>MECHANIC HELPER</b>
• Knowledge of basic tools and their use.
• Ability to learn the use, care and adjustment of the tools unique to the area of assignment.
• Ability to understand, remember and carry out oral and written directions and to learn quickly from instructions and demonstrations.
• Ability to learn the semi-skilled tasks specific to the area of assignment.
• Ability to maintain records.
• Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and 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 the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
• CODES: 08/O09 - MCK 02/18/06
• This job specification is for local government use only.
• TITLE CODE FOR DUAL TITLE:

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.

Appropriate formal training in the operation of maintenance/construction equipment may be substituted for the indicated experience.

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.

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.

Appointees in the Department of Transportation will be required to obtain a Commercial Driver's License and applicable endorsements within six (6) months of appointment. The inability of an employee to attain a CDL and necessary endorsements within six (6) months of hire shall constitute grounds for removal.

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.