Master Mechanic (AFSCME)

About the Position

Under general supervision, performs skilled mechanical tasks including diagnosing malfunctions, performing preventative maintenance, and repairing and overhauling electric, diesel and gasoline powered vehicles and equipment.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Experience with diagnosing malfunctions and repairing diesel, gasoline, and electric vehicle engines, fuel systems, ignition systems, electrical systems, exhaust systems, drive trains, brake systems, hydraulic systems, suspension, and steering systems.
• Experience with generating and maintaining vehicle and equipment maintenance records and work orders using automated fleet software (preferred).
• Experience with light-duty and heavy-duty equipment (preferred).
• Able to work independently and as part of an effective team, with broad direction and general supervision.
• Detail‐oriented, organized, and proactive.

To Apply

• Submit an electronic application, including your resume and a cover letter outlining how you meet the above-listed Ideal Candidate Profile. Your cover letter should be no more than 2 pages long.
• Open Continuous. Apply by midnight on July 31, 2026 , to be considered in the first review of applications.
• Only Electronic Applications are accepted.

Contact Information

If you have questions about the position and/or requirements, please contact Jaime Mastache, Fleet Operations Supervisor at 360.709.2782 or via email at jmastach@ci.olympia.wa.us .

Essential Functions

The essential functions of this position include but are not limited to

1. Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on City-owned light-duty and heavy equipment.
2. Diagnoses malfunctions and repairs diesel and gasoline-powered engines, automatic electronic transmissions and transaxles, manual drive trains and axles, drive shafts, differentials, suspension and steering systems, hydraulic/air/anti-lock brake systems, electrical and electronic systems, heating and air conditioning systems, low-pressure air systems, fuel systems, lubrication systems, exhaust systems, hydraulic systems, radio systems, and other types of communication equipment.
3. Performs preventive maintenance, repairs and overhauls diesel and gasoline-powered vehicles and equipment.
4. Generates and maintains vehicle and equipment maintenance records and work orders; makes emergency service calls when necessary and assists other Mechanics as needed.
5. Punctual, regular and reliable attendance is essential for successful job performance.

Typical Qualifications

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

1. Effectively manage assigned responsibilities with competing demands, changing priorities, stringent timelines, and constant interpersonal/team interactions; independently organize and prioritize work and schedule work.
2. Communicate for the purpose of providing clear, concise information to co-workers, team members, and customers.
3. Work independently and effectively from broad direction and general supervision.
4. Work effectively in a high production environment and successfully manage the stress associated with intense productivity standards and interpersonal interactions.
5. Read and understand complex mechanical and maintenance information.
6. Maintain physical ability and dexterity necessary to repair, replace, and install a variety of equipment, vehicles, and electronic equipment.
7. Perform work outdoors and indoors, with exposure to cold, all types of weather, chemicals and hazardous substances, and dangerous equipment.
8. Independently apply knowledge, make decisions, and complete appropriate diagnosis, repair and maintenance of equipment, vehicles, and electrical systems.
9. Maintain reasonable, predictable, and regular attendance during scheduled work hours; respond to emergencies as required on a regularly scheduled on-call basis.
10. Comprehensive knowledge of operating principles of diesel and gasoline electronic engines.
11. Comprehensive knowledge of automatic electronic transmissions/transaxles and manual transmissions.
12. Comprehensive knowledge of electronic/electrical systems, vehicle and equipment computer systems, suspension and steering systems, anti-lock brakes, heating and air conditioning systems, hydraulic systems, and fuel injection systems.
13. Extensive knowledge of the practices, methods, tools, and materials used in troubleshooting and repair of light-duty vehicles and heavy-duty equipment including comprehensive knowledge of the use of laptops and scan tools.
14. Skill in the use of power tools, equipment, and materials used in maintenance and repair of light duty vehicles and heavy-duty equipment.
15. Skill in diagnosis and troubleshooting of complex mechanical, electrical/electronic, and hydraulic systems.
16. Ability to troubleshoot and repair major and minor electrical and mechanical defects on vehicles and equipment.
17. Ability to perform structural repairs on equipment.
18. Ability to operate electronic diagnosis equipment to troubleshoot and repair defects.
19. Ability to read and understand manufacturers' repair manuals, blueprints, schematics, and parts manuals.
20. Ability to drive and operate various types of equipment, compressor systems, and generator sets.
21. Ability to operate arc, air, wire-feed welders, oxygen and acetylene equipment, and a plasma cutter.
22. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees.
23. Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely.
24. Ability to communicate technical information in a clear and concise manner to audiences of varying degrees of subject familiarity.

Experience/Education

1. High school diploma or GED required.
2. Three years journey-level experience in the repair and maintenance of heavy-duty equipment required.
3. Master Medium/Heavy/Truck ASE Certification or Master Automobile Technician ASE Certification is required.
4. Any combination of education, experience, and certification which demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of this position may be considered.

Special Requirements

1. A valid Washington State Driver's License and Class A Commercial Driver's License must be obtained within 6 months of appointment.
2. Mechanics are required to furnish their own tools.

Supplemental Information

Contacts

1. Contacts are primarily limited to co-workers and equipment users and involve the exchange of information and sharing of ideas on how to approach difficult maintenance problems and the discussion of equipment performance problems.

Supervision

1. None

Accountability

1. Master Mechanics are accountable for the quality and timely completion of assigned maintenance and repair assignments.

Working Conditions

1. The Master Mechanic works primarily at the City shop.
2. While most work is performed inside the shop area, repairs are made in the field when necessary.
3. Field work is performed during all types of weather and may be on a work site with other hazards.
4. The work requires significant mobility and agility to complete repairs.
5. Due to large shop doors and the size of some equipment, some work may be performed in damp, cool surroundings.
6. The work also requires contact with several corrosive solvents and cleaning solutions; hazardous substances such as battery acid; and the inhalation of exhaust.

Olympia is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Union

American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)

Compensation (minimum-maximum)

$94,361.00 - $114,696.39

Exempt

No

For general application or position questions please contact the hiring supervisor or Human Resources at humanresources@ci.olympia.wa.us.

The City of Olympia complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Manny Bosser, Director of Human Resources, at (360)753-8309 or mbosser@ci.olympia.wa.us. This contact is for ADA accommodations only. If you have questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the manager noted in the Contact section near the top of this recruitment.