Mechanic I

The City of La Crosse is accepting applications for a full-time Mechanic I to become an essential member of the Street Department team. The Street Department is responsible for the maintenance and repair of streets, snow removal, and oversees the refuse and recycling program. The individual in this position will work with a dedicated team of employees whose actions improve the lives of the citizens of La Crosse daily.

The purpose of this position is to maintain and repair city vehicles, motorized and non-motorized equipment. Incumbents perform routine to complex skilled maintenance and repairs to gasoline, hybrid, alternative fuel, and diesel vehicles and powered equipment. Incumbents inspect vehicles and equipment, diagnose, and repair operating problems, and perform preventative maintenance tasks. Position responds to emergencies during non-working hours and assists with plowing snow as needed.

Selected candidate subject to participation in DOT regulated random drug and alcohol program. The starting wage for this non-exempt position ranges between $25.00 to $28.65 per hour (80 hours bi-weekly).

Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, vocational/technical training in automotive and diesel mechanics, three years vehicle/equipment mechanic experience, or any combination of education and experience which provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities. A valid commercial driver's license class B required or ability to successfully obtain commercial driver's license within 60 days on the job. IMMACA air conditioning certification required.

Benefits: The City of La Crosse offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical benefit plans, Wisconsin Retirement Plan, deferred compensation, Roth IRA, life insurance, income continuation insurance, voluntary dental and vision plans, paid holidays, vacations and sick leave. Benefit perks: traditional or high deductible (with HSA) medical plan options available, participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System with a 6.95% employer contribution, 10 paid holidays, ability to earn up to 12 sick days per year and vacation time available as of date of hire.

The selected candidate is subject to background check, post-offer/pre-employment drug screen, physical and job screen. Applications are accepted until September 3, 2025. To be considered, submit an employment application by visiting the City of La Crosse website and clicking on City Services, then clicking Career Opportunities or by visiting .

Purpose of Position

The purpose of positions in this classification is to maintain and repair city vehicle and motorized and non-motorized equipment.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Incumbents perform routine to complex skilled maintenance and repairs to gasoline, hybrid, alternative fuel, and diesel vehicles and powered equipment. Incumbents inspect vehicles and equipment, diagnose and repair operating problems. The work is performed under the limited supervision of a repair shop supervisor.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this classification. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Inspects vehicles and motorized equipment such as cars, trucks, tractors, motorcycles, mowers, etc., for operating problems and wear. Analyzes operator complaints to determine problems. Tests vehicles and equipment with test drives, engine analyzers and other methods.

Adjusts, lubricates, repairs and replaces parts and components such as belts, ignition, transmissions, suspension components, brakes, wheels, exhaust, emission controls, electronic controls, hydraulics, heaters, compressors and other vehicle/equipment parts and systems.

Performs preventive maintenance. Tunes engines. Replaces wiper blades, lights and fuses. Changes engine oil and transmission and hydraulic fluids.

Rebuilds vehicle and equipment systems and components. Overhauls engines and transmissions.

Fabricates parts from metal. Performs welding.

Installs specialized equipment such as police squad emergency car lights, antennae, radios, screens, safety equipment, salt spreaders, etc.

May respond to emergencies during non-working hours.

Maintains regular and predictable on-site attendance.

Additional Tasks and Responsibilities

While the following tasks are necessary for the work of the unit, they are not an essential part of the purpose of this classification and may also be performed by other unit members.

Cleans shop area and tools.

Washes equipment and vehicles.

Maintains equipment/vehicle repair and maintenance records.

Plows snow as needed. Salts as needed.

Minimum Training and Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

High school diploma or equivalent, vocational/technical training in automotive and diesel mechanics, three years vehicle/equipment mechanic experience, or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities. A valid commercial driver's license required or ability to successfully obtain commercial driver's license within 30 days on the job in the position. IMMACA air conditioning certification required.

Physical and Mental Abilities Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

Language Ability and Interpersonal Communication

Ability to classify, compute and tabulate data and information, following a prescribed plan requiring the exercise of some judgment. Ability to compare, count, differentiate, measure and sort information. Ability to assemble, copy, record and transcribe data and information.

Ability to explain, demonstrate and clarify to others within well established policies, procedures and standards. Ability to follow specific instructions and respond to simple requests from others.

Ability to utilize a variety of advisory data and information such as maintenance records, work requests, maintenance reports, equipment operating/repair manuals, parts manuals, electrical diagrams, hydraulic system schematics, procedures and guidelines.

Ability to communicate effectively with city vehicle and equipment operators, parts vendor representatives, vehicle/equipment manufacturer representatives and other mechanics.

Mathematical Ability

Ability to add and subtract, multiply and divide, and calculate percentages, fractions, and decimals.

Judgment and Situational Reasoning Ability

Ability to use functional reasoning and apply rational judgment in performing diversified work activities.

Ability to exercise the judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in situations involving the evaluation of information against sensory and/or judgmental criteria, as opposed to criteria which are clearly measurable.

Physical Requirements

Ability to operate equipment and machinery requiring monitoring multiple conditions and making multiple, complex and rapid adjustments, such as city vehicles/equipment, mechanic's and shop bench tools, welder, cutting torch, engine analyzers, air conditioning coolant recovery equipment and electrical circuit testers. Ability to repair complex equipment and machinery.

Ability to coordinate eyes, hands, feet and limbs in performing skilled movements such as assembling complex machinery.

Ability to exert heavy physical effort in moderate to heavy work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling.

Ability to recognize and identify degrees of similarities or differences between characteristics of colors, shapes, sounds, odors and textures associated with job-related objects, materials and tasks.

Environmental Adaptability

Ability to work under often unsafe and uncomfortable conditions where exposure to environmental factors such as temperature variations, odors, toxic agents, noise, vibrations, machinery, electrical currents, traffic hazards and/or dust can cause discomfort and where there is a risk of injury.

The City of La Crosse is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.