Maintenance Mechanic

Forest Preserve District of Cook County

Job Summary

This position is a vehicle mechanic, who under general direction, maintains various types of automotive engines used on various types of automotive and light, medium and heavy-duty trucks and equipment. Provides diagnostic tests on equipment by operating said equipment to identify problems needing repairs. Overhauls and repairs gas and diesel engines, automatic and standard transmissions, clutch and air brake systems, alternator and starter systems, differentials, pumps, electrical systems, steering systems and other major components of automobiles and light trucks. Orders supplies, parts and tools needed to make the repairs, adjustments, or replacements. Prepares work orders and logs completed work in individual vehicle folders. This is a full time Local 700 position.

Typical Duties

Provides diagnostic tests by operating said equipment to verify problems needing repairs, locates the problem and advises or reports on the status of the problem as to the urgency of providing repair service.

Maintains work log records manually or via Computer Maintenance Management System (CMMS).

Overhauls and repairs engines, automatic and standard transmissions, clutch, air brake systems, alternator and starter systems, differentials, pumps, electrical systems, steering systems and other major components of automotive vehicles and light and heavy trucks.

Tunes up engines, takes compression tests, repairs standard, electronic and computerized ignition systems and adjusts timing and valves; repairs or replaces gasoline tanks, fuel lines and connections and automatic or manual chokes.

Removes engine from automotive and heavy-duty equipment, disassembles engines (gas and diesel), rebuilds, and reassembles and installs same in vehicle.

Performs front-end alignment and wheel balancing; repair or replaces exhaust systems; installs special equipment such as extra lights; light bars and related components.

Prepares parts requisitions, work time and materials records.

May drive tow truck and service-disabled vehicles.

Minimum Qualifications

Must possess a high school diploma, GED, or higher.

Must possess at least 1 year of full-time work experience working on diesel engines.

Must possess at least 3 years of full-time work experience as a professional vehicle mechanic at a licensed auto servicer or dealership; OR possess an automotive technical school mechanic certification; OR possess an automotive dealer mechanic certification.

Must possess a valid Class B or higher Commercial Driver's License.

Preferred Qualifications

Possess a valid Class A Commercial Driver's License; OR possess valid certification under Section 609 of the Clean Air Act through an EPA approved technician training and certification program; OR at least 1 season of work experience with the Forest Preserves of Cook County (FPCC); OR at least one season of work experience as a Conservation Corp Crew member; OR at least 1 season of work experience on FPCC property with partners such as the Chicago Zoological Society, Chicago Botanic Garden, Greencorps Chicago; OR at least 1 season of work experience with other partners such as, Friends of the Forest Preserves or the Student Conservation Association.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities And Other Characteristics

Knowledge of techniques and methods of overhauling and repairing automotive and truck equipment and related components including engines, transmissions, electrical systems, differentials, air conditioning and emission control systems.

Knowledge of theory, care and operation of gasoline and diesel powered automotive and truck engines and electrical and mechanical components for the maintenance and repair of all types of vehicles and equipment.

Knowledge of methods, materials, tools and equipment of the trade and their use in automotive maintenance and repairs.

Working background and knowledge of Ford, Sterling, International, CAT, and diesel- powered automotive trucks and engines.

Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Ability to diagnose mechanical and electrical problems and determine appropriate maintenance work.

Ability to repair and overhaul automotive and truck equipment and related components with a minimum of supervision.

Ability to furnish all tools required to satisfactorily perform the required duties.

Ability to use factory repair manuals to repair District vehicles.

Ability to diagnose engine trouble and have ready solution.

This position occasionally requires various types of physical exertion including, but not limited to climbing, lifting, pulling, pushing, and moving objects of moderate to heavy weight.

The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's normal line of work.

Benefits Package

Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage

Basic Term Life Insurance

Pension Plan and Deferred Compensation Program

Employee Assistance Program

Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time

You May Qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

For further information on our excellent benefits package, please click on the following link:

Veteran's Preference

When applying for employment with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, preference is given in the application process to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for more than 180 consecutive days or during War Time. To take advantage of this preference, a Veteran must:

Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.

Identify him/herself as a Veteran on his/her employment application by answering "Yes" to the question "Are you a military veteran?"

Attach a copy of his/her DD 214, DD 215, or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation) at the time of application by uploading it as part of your application. If there are multiple DD 214s, DD 215s, or NGB 22s, the one with the most recent date should be submitted. Coast Guard members must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the Department of Transportation (before 911) or the Department of Homeland Security (after 911).

Provide original applicable discharge papers at time of interview.

General District Employment Requirements

PROOF OF EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES WILL BE REQUIRED.

The Forest Preserve District of Cook County is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person's race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity. We value our employees and the different talents, expertise, and viewpoints that each brings to the table. We believe a robust exchange of ideas results in better decision-making and we commit to providing a constructive, safe, and positive work atmosphere that promotes mutual respect and empowers individuals to thrive in their jobs.