HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 01-18-2001-8dORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: January 18, 2001
Action Agenda
Item No. &
SUBJECT: Classification Plan Amendment - Heavy Equipment Mechanic
DEPARTMENT: Solid Waste PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No
ATTACHMENT(S):
Class Specifications
- Heavy Equipment Mechanic I
- Heavy Equipment Mechanic II
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Gayle Wilson, Solid Waste Management
Director, 968-2788
Elaine Holmes, Personnel Director
Extension 2550
TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Hillsborough
Chapel Hill
Durham
Mebane
732-8181
968-4501
688-7331
336-227-2031
PURPOSE: To consider amending the Orange County Classification and Pay Plan by:
• Establishing a new class of Heavy Equipment Mechanic I at Salary Grade 64. Salary Grade
64 has a hiring range of $25,898 to $31,478.
• Establishing a new class of Heavy Equipment Mechanic II at Salary Grade 65. Salary
Grade 65 has a hiring range of $27,192 to $33,052.
BACKGROUND: The Solid Waste Department has two Automotive Mechanic positions that
are primarily responsible for the maintenance and repair of heavy construction equipment at the
Landfill. One of the positions currently is vacant and previous recruitment has been
unsuccessful. Prior to opening recruitment for a second time, the Solid Waste Management
Director requested that Personnel complete a current classification and pay study of both
Automotive Mechanic positions.
The Solid Waste Department has experienced difficulty in attracting qualified candidates for the
vacant Automotive Mechanic position. The class title of "Automotive Mechanic" has attracted
applicants that are experienced in the repair of automotive equipment but not those with
knowledge and expertise in repairing heavy construction equipment. While the mechanics do
maintain and repair a small fleet of automotive equipment, the primary focus is on the repair of
heavy construction equipment. Heavy construction equipment at the Landfill consists of
bulldozers, earth moving pans, landfill compactors, track hoes, wheel loaders, farm tractors,
road graders, garbage trucks, recycling flat bed trucks, and the like.
Although the repair of automotive equipment is similar to the repair of heavy construction
equipment, a different set of skills are needed to maintain and repair heavy construction
equipment. For example:
• With both automotive and heavy equipment, the mechanic diagnoses the mechanical and
electrical component of a piece of equipment, but with heavy equipment the Mechanic must
be experienced in working with the hydraulic controls on each piece of equipment, including
hydraulic pumps.
• With heavy equipment, the mechanic must be familiar with multiple engines and
transmissions which must work in conjunction with each other; external drive systems;
specialized steering controls; specialized loading and unloading procedures with electronic
controls; and specialized propulsion systems, such as cleated and non-cleated tracks.
• The cost of heavy equipment parts is extremely high due to the extra weight and strength
that is needed to build them. Therefore, an error on replacement of a good part can cost
hundreds to thousands of dollars each.
• While repairing heavy equipment, the mechanic spends about 75 percent of time repairing
equipment outside in conditions that are unpleasant or hazardous due to the fact that heavy
equipment cannot be towed to a garage when it breaks down.
Personnel has completed the classification review. Based on the classification study,
Personnel is recommending that the;
• Existing vacant position be reclassified from Automotive Mechanic at Salary Grade 64 to a
new class of Heavy Equipment Mechanic I, still at Salary Grade 64 to recognize the fact that
the position is primarily responsible for the repair of heavy construction equipment.
Existing filled Automotive Mechanic position be reclassified from Automotive Mechanic at
Salary Grade 64 to Heavy Equipment Mechanic II, at Salary Grade 65 to recognize a higher
level of duties and responsibilities. That position oversees the maintenance and repair of all
equipment, including serving as Leadworker to the other Mechanic, as well as continuing to
provide guidance and training to Landfill Equipment Operators, and perform administrative,
purchasing and budgetary tasks.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Funds to implement the results of the classification and pay study are
available within the approved budget for 2000-01.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board amend the Classification
and Pay Plan by:
Establishing the new class of Heavy Equipment Mechanic I at Salary Grade 64.
• Establishing the new class of Heavy Equipment Mechanic 11 at Salary Grade 65.
Attachment 1
C4105-1/01
HEAVY EQUIPMENT MECHANIC I
GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK:
Performs difficult semiskilled and skilled work maintaining and repairing a variety of
automotive and heavy construction equipment; does related work as required.
Work is performed under regular supervision.
TYPICAL TASKS:
Maintains and repairs a variety of automotive and heavy construction equipment and
other support equipment with engines and motors on them;
Performs detailed preventive maintenance on all vehicles and equipment;
Works with the established maintenance schedule for each piece of equipment;
Diagnoses the mechanical, electrical and hydraulic component of any breakdown on all
equipment which may include reviewing flow charts, schematics, manuals, etc.
Performs mechanical repairs which may include engine, transmission, front and rear
differential, brakes, final drives, hydraulic pumps, motors, starters, electrical problems,
fabrication, etc.;
Repairs the recycling pad's electrical and mechanical equipment when needed;
Responds to road call repairs when vehicle breaks down away from the landfill;
Completes work orders and enters information into computer;
Performs related tasks as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
General knowledge of the methods, tools and equipment used in the repair of heavy
equipment; general knowledge and skill in the use and operation of shop tools and
machinery; ability to diagnose defects in drive trains, air conditioning systems, electrical,
hydraulic, and other major components of heavy equipment; ability to interpret work
from sketches, diagrams, and installation and repair charts; ability to understand and
follow instructions in both oral and written form; ability to establish and maintain
effective working relationships with associates and outside vendors; ability to work
safely in all types of situations and hazardous conditions.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school
and at least 2 years experience repairing heavy construction equipment.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Possession of a valid appropriate driver's license issued by the State of North Carolina.
Must obtain a CDL class B license within 60 days of employment. Must possess
certification in freon handling.
Attachment 2 4
C4107-1/01
HEAVY EQUIPMENT MECHANIC II
GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK:
Performs difficult skilled work maintaining and repairing a variety of automotive and
heavy construction equipment and responsible administrative work providing guidance
and training to subordinates, as well as other purchasing, personnel, and budgetary
functions; does related work as required.
Work is performed under general supervision.
TYPICAL TASKS:
Serves as leadworker to lower level Mechanic, including training, scheduling and
prioritizing work.
Trains Equipment Operators on the usage, maintenance and care of all equipment;.
Maintains and repairs a variety of automotive and heavy construction equipment and
other support equipment with engines and motors on them;
Completes work orders and enters information into computer;
Uses reports generated from computer to prepare expenditures and budget projections;
Coordinates with Purchasing on bid sheets, specifications, invoices for new equipment
and purchase order balances;
Performs detailed preventive maintenance on all vehicles and equipment;
Sets up maintenance schedules for each piece of equipment;
Diagnoses the mechanical, electrical and hydraulic component of any breakdown on all
equipment which may include reviewing flow charts, schematics, manuals, etc.
Performs mechanical repairs which may include engine, transmission, front and rear
differential, brakes, final drives, hydraulic pumps, motors, starters, electrical problems,
fabrication, etc.;
Repairs the recycling pad's electrical and mechanical equipment when needed;
Responds to road call repairs when vehicle breaks down away from the landfill;
Ensures that maintenance facility is clean and safe at all times;
Performs related tasks as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Thorough knowledge of the methods, tools and equipment used in the repair of heavy
equipment; thorough knowledge and skill in the use and operation of shop tools and
machinery; ability to diagnose defects in drive trains, air conditioning systems, electrical,
hydraulic, and other major components of heavy equipment; ability to interpret work
from sketches, diagrams, and installation and repair charts; ability to train and guide
subordinates; ability to understand and follow instructions in both oral and written form;
ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and
outside vendors; ability to work safely in all types of situations and hazardous conditions.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school
supplemented by vocational/technical training in mechanical repair or related field and
two years experience repairing heavy construction equipment or graduation from high
school and at least 4 years experience repairing heavy construction equipment.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Possession of a valid appropriate driver's license issued by the State of North Carolina.
Must possess a CDL class B license. Must possess certification in freon handling.