Skilled Maintenance Worker / Mechanic

Skilled Maintenance Worker / Mechanic

Salary

$68,200.08 - $95,977.80 Annually

Location

Palm Desert, CA

Job Type

FULL TIME

Job Number

2500048

Division

Administrative Services

Department

Maintenance & Operations

Opening Date

07/10/2025

Closing Date

8/3/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Bargaining Unit

CSEA-California School Employees Association

DESCRIPTION

BENEFITS

QUESTIONS

About College of the Desert

The College of the Desert, Desert Community College District enrolls approximately 15,000 students each academic year with steady enrollment growth each year. College of the Desert embraces diversity in all forms and the right of all people to have access to quality higher education in a safe learning environment. Designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), College of the Desert administers an array of student programs specifically focused on student support and helping students achieve their educational and career goals. As a two-year college, we offer Associates Degree for Transfer, both in Art and Sciences, Associates Degrees, and Certificates across a wide range of disciplines.

College of the Desert is a district that consists of leadership, staff, and faculty who are committed to enhancing our community through supporting the academic success of all of our students including students of color, students with disabilities, students who are first generation to college, veterans, students of all ages, students with diverse socio-economic backgrounds, dreamers, and students of diverse sexual orientation and gender expression.

When you join College of the Desert you can expect to be part of a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative community. We provide students with a rich and dynamic learning experience that embraces differences, emphasizes collaboration, and engages students in and out of the classroom. We are committed to ensuring that College of the Desert is a welcoming place for the success of all students.

Interested in learning more about College of the Desert and the Coachella Valley? Visit the links below.

The Community - Coachella Valley

College of the Desert

Who We Want:

College of the Desert is seeking individuals from a broad range of cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. As such, we prioritize individuals who fully demonstrate their understanding of the community we serve, the benefits of diversity in a professional and educational setting, and values creating a culture that brings people together. A successful candidate will value working in a collegial, collaborative environment that is guided by a commitment to inclusion, student education, and equity. An equity-minded individual is a person who already does or has demonstrated the desire to:

Understand the importance of holding ourselves accountable as faculty, staff and leadership for closing equity gaps and engaging in equitable practices;

Reframe inequities as a problem of practice and view the elimination of inequities as an individual and collective responsibility;

Encourage positive race-consciousness and embrace human difference;

Reflect on institutional and teaching practices and aim to make them more culturally responsive; and

Strategically build buy-in and participation among colleagues for equity-related initiatives.

BASIC FUNCTION

BASIC FUNCTION

Under the direction of the Director, Maintenance and Operations or assigned supervisor, perform journey-level duties in the diagnoses, overhaul, repair and preventive maintenance of diesel, gasoline, and electric powered vehicles and equipment; repair, rebuild and replace transmissions, drive trains, brakes, steering, air conditioning, fuel and electrical systems, and other vehicle components. Perform skilled maintenance, repair and construction of District buildings, furniture, fixtures, and equipment in one or more of the building maintenance trades.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

1. Troubleshoot, research, overhaul, maintain, service and repair gasoline/diesel/electric powered automobiles, trucks, skip loaders, backhoes, tractors, fork lifts, and other mechanical equipment. E

2. Perform various types of mechanical repair, replacement and service to brake systems, transmissions, clutch and fly wheel assemblies, drive line assemblies including replacement of universal joints, differentials, steering systems hydraulic and air systems, water and fuel pumps, air conditioning systems, electrical systems, and other vehicle components. E

3. Perform safety inspections, diagnostic tests, establish and perform preventive maintenance plans on District vehicles. E

4. Conduct and participate in various safety and equipment operation trainings. E

5. Read, interpret, and follow schematic drawings and diagrams; maintain routine records such as oil, gas and diesel fuel use, mileage, service records and vehicle usage. E

6. Work from verbal instructions, technical manuals, sketches and work orders; maintain time, labor and material records. Meet schedules, timelines, and complete work orders in a timely manner E

7. Operate a variety of equipment and tools including drill press, hydraulic press, welders, grinders, tire changer, sander, saws, diagnostic/test equipment, vehicle lift, various hand and power tools used in the maintenance trades and motor vehicles. E

8. Assist in providing road and towing service in event of vehicle breakdown; fabricate parts and equipment using arc welding equipment as necessary. E

9. Estimate the amount of materials and labor needed for repair jobs; conduct inventories as necessary, order parts and supplies according to established guidelines. E 10. Repair minor vehicle damage, replace broken windows, repair and refinish minor scrapes and dents. E

11. Repair and maintain a variety of gasoline and battery powered portable equipment, grounds machinery, and custodial cleaning equipment. E.

12. Determine and recommend need for outside assistance in major repairs involving District-owned vehicles and equipment. Coordinate outside repairs, seeking approval as necessary. Work with vendors according to established guidelines

13. Perform skilled maintenance, repair and construction of District buildings, furniture, fixtures, and equipment in one or more of the building maintenance trades. E

14. Weld and fabricate various metal panels, gates, and fences. E

15. Perform painting projects; paint facilities, equipment and furniture; order and mix paint; perform touchups and paint signs. E

16. Perform installation, maintenance and repair of roofs, floors, windows, doors, locks and other building facilities; install and replace broken glass and plexiglass wind breakers. E

17. Perform installation, maintenance, and repair of motors, pumps, bearings, floats, belts, meters, filters, heaters, and appliances.

18. Assist other specialized maintenance personnel with a variety of duties including the installation, maintenance and repair of plumbing, electrical and mechanical systems, equipment and vehicles. E

19. Basic computer skills in MS Outlook, Excel and Word. Receive, complete, and close work orders electronically. E

20. Maintain and organize a safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, regulations and established safety guidelines.

21. Assist and/or perform water testing at well sites; monitor chemical containers and add chemicals as needed. E

22. Assemble, deliver, and move furniture and equipment as needed. E

23. Set up facilities for special events; deliver and pick up equipment, items and materials. E

24. Operate district vehicles and equipment to transport students and staff as required. E

25. Participates in District-provided training programs.

26. Perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school and three years responsible, journey-level experience in automobile, truck, diesel, electrical and small gasoline-powered equipment mechanical repair work. Additional experience in general maintenance and ASE certifications preferred.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Valid California driver's license and must have an acceptable driving record and qualify for insurability by the District's insurance carrier. EPA 609 certification required within 1 year of hire date.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of: Principles of gasoline, diesel and electrically powered engines; methods, tools, equipment, and parts used in the repair and maintenance of District vehicles and equipment; operation and use of diagnostic equipment; provisions of the California Motor Vehicle code as applicable to school vehicles; proper methods of storing equipment, materials and supplies; health and safety regulations; basic record-keeping techniques; proper lifting techniques. Applicable codes, regulations and safety orders; hand and power tools used in the trade; appropriate safety precautions and procedures. Sensitivity to and understanding of the disabilities and diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic background of students and employees.

Ability to: Perform journey-level duties in the diagnoses, overhaul, repair and preventive maintenance of diesel and gasoline powered engines; repair, rebuild and replace transmissions, drive trains, brakes, steering, air conditioning, fuel and electrical systems and other vehicle components; operate a variety of equipment utilized in the assigned trade; diagnose mechanical and electrical malfunctions; understand and follow oral and written directions; work cooperatively with others; maintain routine records; observe legal and defensive driving practices; read and interpret technical manuals related to repair of vehicles and equipment work from wiring diagrams, electrical blueprints, plans and specifications; plan and lay out work including estimating labor and material costs maintain routine records; perform shop math. Meet established schedules and timelines. Perform skilled maintenance, repair and construction of District buildings and equipment; perform skilled work in one or more of the building maintenance trades; operate a variety of hand and power tools, welders, and equipment used in the repair and maintenance of District buildings, facilities, and equipment; work cooperatively with individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds; understand and follow oral and written instructions; observe health and safety regulations; lift heavy objects; bend at the waist, kneel ,or crouch; reach overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally; to perform heavy physical labor and lift and maneuver objects weighing 50 pounds unassisted and occasionally up to 100 pounds with assistance; perform work over rough or uneven surfaces; climb ladders and work from heights; walk or stand for extended periods of time; work in a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions.

EMPLOYMENT STATUS

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:

Classified Bargaining Unit Position

Classified Staff Range 14

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Environment: Indoor, outdoor, and shop environment in all weather conditions. Driving a vehicle to conduct work. Subject to noise and fumes from equipment operations. Response to emergency situations as required.

Hazards: Working around and with machinery having moving parts. Working in a cramped or restrictive work chamber. Exposure to chemicals solvents, cleaning solutions, refrigerants, and oils. Exposure to electrical power supply and high voltage. Working at heights.

SCHEDULE & LOCATION:

This position is scheduled 40 hours per week, 12 months a year.

The schedule is Mondays - Fridays, 6:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

The primary location is Palm Desert Campus.

The schedule and location is subject to change based on District need.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

RESUME: Must include length of employment (month/year start and end dates) for each employer.

Cover Letter: Please address how you meet the minimum requirements for this position and any special qualifications you possess.

OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS:

College Transcripts: Diplomas will not be accepted in lieu of the required transcripts.

REQUIRED IN YOUR APPLICATION:

List of References: References should include at least two supervisors and two colleagues. Please include name, title, email and current phone numbers. Letters of reference will not be accepted in lieu of the required List of References.

TIMELINES:

First-level interviews are tentatively scheduled in-person on Friday, September 5, 2025.

The tentative schedule is subject to change based on District need.

FAQs: For additional information, click here: Recruitment - Frequently Asked Questions

PLEASE NOTE:

Employment is contingent on residence in California.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

College of the Desert does not offer sponsorship nor take over sponsorship for an employment VISA.

Notice to all Candidates for Employment:

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, requires that employers obtain documentation from every new employee which authorizes that individual to accept employment in this country. The Desert Community College District (DCCD) will not sponsor any VISA applications nor take over any VISA.

Employees must reside in California while employed with the Desert Community College District (DCCD).

California Public Employees Retirement System and California State Teachers Retirement System:

A California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) retiree may not accept employment until after the first 180 days of retirement. Anyone retired from CalPERS accepting permanent employment with the DCCD will be required to reinstate as an active CalPERS member. Please contact CalPERS for additional information regarding your retirement status.

Any active vested member of California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), who accepts employment with the DCCD to perform service that requires membership in CalPERS, is eligible to elect to continue retirement system coverage under CalSTRS

Disability Accommodations:

If you require special accommodations in the application and/or evaluation process, please notify Human Resources at least two (2) business days prior to the job posting close or initial screening date, by either calling (760) 773 -2529 or sending an e-mail to ....

Attendance Requirement:

All DCCD employees are required to report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job.

Campus Crime and Safety Awareness:

Information regarding campus crime and safety awareness can be found at

Non-Discrimination Notice:

The DCCD provides access to its services, classes, and programs without regard to national origin, immigration status, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, color, medical condition, military and veteran status, genetic information, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, or because they are perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

California Fair Chance Act:

The DCCD will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the DCCD is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Equal Employment Opportunity:

The DCCD is committed to creating an academic and work environment that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all, and ensures that students, faculty, staff, and managers of all backgrounds feel welcome, included, supported, and safe. Our culture of belonging, openness, and inclusion, makes the DCCD a unique and special place for individuals of all backgrounds.

The DCCD is looking for equity and inclusion-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to the understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present within our community. When you join the DCCD, you can expect to be part of an exciting, thriving, equity-focused, and inclusive community that approaches higher education with the lens of social justice and collaboration among students, faculty, staff, managers, and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at the DCCD, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with the DCCD's mission and goals for DEIA and EEO.