Senior Mechanic

The City of Des Moines is seeking a skilled and motivated Senior Mechanic to join our Public Works Department. This position provides lead direction to fleet staff and plays a key role in keeping the City's diverse fleet of vehicles, equipment, and tools safe, reliable, and operating at peak performance.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys turning a wrench but also values the organizational side of fleet management and making sure the right vehicles are ready at the right time!

Closing Date

Open Until Filled. Those that submit applications by October 02, 2025 will have first consideration.

Pay Range: $81,350.16 - $102,839.04 annually. DOE + Comprehensive benefit and retirement package.

To Apply:

Complete the online application at https://desmoineswa.applicantpro.com/jobs/and attach a resume and cover letter explaining how you meet the requirements.

In this role, you will:

• Perform inspections, diagnose issues, and complete repairs on a variety of City vehicles and equipment.
• Schedule and track preventative maintenance to minimize downtime and ensure vehicles are available when needed.
• Maintain accurate service records and assist with parts/equipment procurement and replacement planning.
• Coordinate with outside vendors for warranty work or specialized services.
• Support budgeting by monitoring repair costs and identifying trends in fleet maintenance needs.

This position combines hands-on mechanical work with essential administrative tasks to keep the City's fleet running smoothly.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent; AND
• Four years of progressively responsible experience as a journey level mechanic with knowledge and experience with a diversified fleet of heavy gasoline and diesel equipment and vehicles and the use of testing and service repair equipment utilized in mechanical, equipment, and automotive repair work; OR
• Associates of Applied Science (AA) Degree or above in automotive technology or equivalent accredited education in a similar field of study and two years of experience as a journey level mechanic.
• One year of lead experience in a maintenance facility to include planning, advising staff, overseeing and reviewing work, preferred.
• Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications to include hybrid/electric fleet, highly preferred.
• Experience with fleet management software and procurement preferred.

Special Requirements:

• Successful completion of a pre-employment background and criminal history check.
• Possession of a good driving record, and ability to maintain throughout employment.
• Possession of a Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or a CDL Learner's Permit (employees hired with a CDL Learner's Permit must obtain the full CDL within twelve months of hire date).
• Pre-employment, random, and post-accident drug and alcohol testing are required for this position.
• Possession of a valid First Aid/CPR card, or obtain within three months of hire date, and ability to maintain throughout employment.
• Possession of a current Washington State Department of Transportation Traffic Flagging Card, or obtain within three months of hire date, and ability to maintain throughout employment.
• Because of the known effects of tobacco use, the City of Des Moines does not hire applicants who use tobacco products.

Working Conditions and Physical Abilities:

• Shop work is accomplished indoors in a shop/garage environment repairing vehicles and equipment and occasionally in an office environment to complete necessary repair and maintenance logs and other paperwork. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne particles. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; toxic or caustic chemicals; outside weather conditions; and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud to very loud. Employee may be called out after normal hours for emergency work.
• Must be able to perform work in an outdoor environment and in all weather conditions. Ability to perform frequent lifting, stooping, reaching, and handling; sit, stand, and/or kneel for extended time periods is necessary. Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and more than 100 pounds with assistance.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

• The City of Des Moines is committed to hiring a diverse workforce, and all qualified applicants including those from all ethnic backgrounds and persons with disabilities, are encouraged to apply. The City is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate based on race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law.
• In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act an employer is obligated to make a reasonable accommodation only to the known limitations of an otherwise qualified individual with a disability. In general, it is the responsibility of the applicant or employee with a disability to inform the employer that accommodation is needed to participate in the application process, perform essential job functions, or receive equal benefits and employment privileges.

General Information:

• The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions for this job classification, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements
• The physical abilities described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The provisions of this job description do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.