Fire Mechanic Lead

The City of Berkeley invites you to apply for the position of Fire Mechanic Lead in the Fire Department! In this role, you will have the opportunity to lead the maintenance of our heavy-duty fire engines and trucks. You will receive the opportunity to get the latest training from Pierce on their TAC 4 suspension, pump and valve training, computer diagnostics, aerial ladder inspection and repair.

The Fire Mechanic Lead will be instrumental in developing a new maintenance program at Berkeley Fire Department. This position will work closely with our Logistics Captain to manage our fleet, help design future Fire Engine and Truck build specs, and design an efficient maintenance and repair program.

See the full job class specification here:

A typical way of gaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position is:

At Time of Application:

1. Graduation from high school or equivalent.

2. Three years of experience maintaining and repairing heavy-duty vehicles, ideally including fire engines and aerial ladder trucks.

3. California Commercial Class B commercial driver's license, or Class C with a firefighter endorsement license with air brake and tank endorsements.

By Completion of Probation:

1. Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certified Master Medium-Heavy Truck Technician.

2. Completion of specialized courses in fire apparatus maintenance and repair:

• General:

• Chassis Electrical - Understand the location and function of (non-multiplex) electrical systems and components used on Pierce chassis.

• Command Zone Systems - Get detailed instruction on the Pierce Command Zone electrical systems including the new Command Zone III.

• Preventative Maintenance - Become an expert in preventive maintenance procedures required for fire apparatus based on NFPA and DOT Standards.

• TAK-4 Suspension Maintenance - Learn the basic design and principles of the TAK-4 Independent Front Suspension system, including proper maintenance and repair.

• SRP/Frontal Protection - Get expert instruction on the installation, repair, and troubleshooting of the SRP/FIP system.

• Air Conditioning Systems - Get the basics on repairs, troubleshooting and maintenance needs of Pierce installed components.

• Chassis Diagnosis - Evaluate drivability issues, including how to do advanced troubleshooting, perform failure analysis, determine the causes of chassis component failures and learn how to repair and prevent issues properly.

• Air Brakes, ESC, ABS Troubleshooting - Learn basic air brake theory and proper repair and maintenance procedures on chassis air brake systems

• Pierce Type I/III Engine:

• California Fire Mechanics Academy: CFM115-Fire Pumps & Accessories or SFT Equivalent

• CAFS/Husky Maintenance - Learn the principles of operation, maintenance, and repair of all the Pierce Husky Foam Systems and the Hercules Compressed Air Foam Systems (CAFS).

• Pierce PUC Pump Maintenance - Learn the basic principles of operation, maintenance and complete disassembly of the REPTO driven water pump and gearbox.

• Pierce Aerial Ladder Truck:

• Aerial Maintenance - Understand the proper repair and maintenance of Pierce aerial ladders and platforms.

• Ascendant Class Aerial Maintenance - Learn proper repair and maintenance of Ascendant Class Aerials, including the aerial electrical and hydraulic systems.

• Advanced Aerial Maintenance - Get detailed information about advanced repair and maintenance of Pierce aerial systems.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Tools & Equipment Used

Diagnostic tools, hammers, screwdrivers, pry bars, wrenches, pliers, ratchets, sockets, electrical meters, code readers, drills, welding equipment, hydraulic lifts, overhead cranes, fleet management software, computers, and phones.

Physical Requirements

Frequent walking, standing, sitting, kneeling, squatting, twisting, and bending at the waist. Ability to hear automotive sounds, read fine print, and view a computer monitor. Sufficient strength and stamina to lift and install parts weighing up to 80 pounds. Manual dexterity for detailed mechanical work and computer use.

Working Conditions

Work is performed indoors and outdoors with exposure to hot and cold environments. Noise level ranges from moderate to high. Potential exposure to hazardous materials and emergency conditions.

In addition to the qualifications above, the ideal candidate will demonstrate being a self starter, will poses strong leadership skills, and be a strong communicator. The ability to listen to the requests of our crews, filter and set repair priorities, and be able to multitask and manage multiple repairs will be important.

Applications must be received by Monday, July 28, 2025 at 5:00 PM PST and must include a completed application, all required attachments listed below, and responses to any supplemental questions. Please note that resumes are not a substitute for a completed application.

Required attachments in application:

• High School Information within the Education Section of your Application
• Upload photo attachments of both the FRONT and BACK of your California Driver's License

Applications are available in alternative formats (audio-format, braille, large print, electronic text, etc.) upon request to .... Please allow 10 days for production of the material in an alternative format.

The exam process will include, but may not be limited to:

• Application review for minimum qualifications and required documents (qualifying experience will be calculated based on the administrative review date)

• Performance Exam - Tentatively schedule for August 20, 2025 and/or August 22, 2025

Tests may consist of any combination of written, oral or other exercises or assessment procedures that test content and may include, but are not necessarily limited to, typing, math, reading, writing and analytical skills; problem solving ability; computer and software proficiency, or any other job-related knowledge, skill, ability or qualification. The examination process and dates are subject to change. The City may, without notice, change or eliminate any assessment component as needs dictate. Applicants passing all examination phases will have their names placed on an employment eligible list that hiring departments will use to conduct final selection interviews slated for September 8, 2025 and/or September 09, 2025.

Reasonable Accommodations: The City is committed to making reasonable accommodations in the examination process and in the work environment. Individuals requesting reasonable accommodations in the examination process must submit a request in writing to ... at the time of application.