Mechanics Division - Highway North Barn - Chief Mechanic

Under the direction of the Fleet Manager, the Chief Mechanic manages equipment and supervises the Mechanics and Parts Manager at the North Barn. This role oversees maintenance and repairs of County vehicles and equipment, schedules preventative maintenance, manages inventory, and maintains essential records to ensure the fleet operates efficiently.  This position is Not Covered (At-will) as defined by The Board of Commissioners of the County of Allen Employee Handbook. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assigns daily work of employees regarding vehicle repairs.
• Responds to breakdowns at job sites.
• Schedules preventative maintenance.
• Assists with vehicle and equipment specifications for new purchases. Keeps up to date with new vehicle and equipment information and technologies.
• Researches information for repair estimates and recommends repair actions.
• Monitors building condition.
• Calculates cost per mile, capital depreciation, and disposition.
• Communicates with vendors and suppliers for pricing of new equipment, supplies, parts, tools, vehicles, outside repairs, and training of personnel.
• Orders gasoline and diesel fuel.
• Maintains IDEM records of the facility.
• Oversees all repairs and maintenance performed.
• Maintains North Barn fleet inventory and accurate vehicle records.
• Implements preventative maintenance program for vehicles and equipment.
• Diagnoses problems with vehicles, trucks, and equipment.
• Instructs and trains mechanics and mechanic helpers.
• Performs maintenance and repair duties.
• Transports equipment and vehicles to and from worksite as needed.
• Performs all other duties as assigned, including overtime and the ability to be on call 24 hours for emergencies.

REQUIREMENTS:

• High School Diploma or GED with additional degree, diploma, or certification in Mechanical Repair and at least three years of experience in heavy equipment repair
• Must have a basic set of tools. A $1,200 annual allowance for upgrades
• Valid Commercial Driver’s License, Class B, for operating County vehicles and heavy equipment
• Must be available on-call 24 hours for emergencies
• Working knowledge of diesel and gasoline repair and maintenance
• Strong computer skills, with the ability to use Microsoft Office and other job-related software programs
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

REQUIREMENTS (Continued):

• Knowledge of bookkeeping
• Strong organizational skills
• Strong supervisory skills

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:

The Chief Mechanic is expected to manage the maintenance and repair of County vehicles and equipment, ensuring timely, high-quality work. They will supervise the Mechanics and Parts Manager, schedule preventative maintenance, maintain accurate records, and oversee inventory at the assigned barn. Strong problem-solving skills are required for diagnosing issues, and the Chief Mechanic must be responsive to emergencies with on-call availability.

RESPONSIBILITY:

The Chief Mechanic is responsible for managing the maintenance and repair of County vehicles and equipment, supervising the Mechanics and Parts Manager, and overseeing inventory and recordkeeping. They handle fuel ordering, vendor communications, and diagnosing mechanical issues, while also training staff and providing emergency on-call support.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The Chief Mechanic works in a combination of a garage, office, and field environment. The role requires a variety of physical tasks, including lifting, bending, crawling, climbing, and frequent movement within the worksite. The position involves exposure to temperature extremes, chemicals, hazardous equipment, noise, and noxious odors or fumes. The individual must be able to perform physical tasks, such as lifting up to 60 pounds, and be agile enough for tasks that require kneeling, bending, reaching, and crawling.

• • Lift up to 60 lbs, bend, kneel, and climb ladders.
  • Operate and transport equipment in a shop environment.
  • Work in hazardous conditions with noise, fumes, and chemicals.

The description below outlines the physical requirements specific to the Chief Mechanic’s role:

SUPERVISION:

The Chief Mechanic is responsible for supervising seven non-supervisory employees including hiring, training, evaluating performance and providing corrective discipline

LICENSING:

Valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class B

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR:

This position reports to the Fleet Manager

HOURS:

7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, 40-hour workweek with overtime and 24-hour on-call availability for emergencies.

EEO CATEGORY:

0207

WORKERS’S COMP CODE:

5506

I agree that the contents of this job description are a fair and accurate representation of the duties of this position being described.

Employee Printed Name: ____________________________________________

Employee Signature: ____________________________________________ Date: ____________________

Supervisor Signature: ____________________________________________ Date: ____________________