Item 3.16 Lead Mechanic Position Job Description and Authorize Recruitment
Request for
City Council Action
DEPARTMENT INFORMATION
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT REQUESTOR: MEETING DATE:
Human Resources Assistant City Administrator/Human Resources Hille September 22, 2025
PRESENTER(s) REVIEWED BY: ITEM #:
Consent City Administrator/Finance Director Flaherty 3.16 – Job Description
STRATEGIC VISION
MEETS: THE CITY OF OTSEGO:
Is a strong organization that is committed to leading the community through innovative communication.
Has proactively expanded infrastructure to responsibly provide core services.
Is committed to delivery of quality emergency service responsive to community needs and expectations in a
cost-effective manner.
X Is a social community with diverse housing, service options, and employment opportunities.
Is a distinctive, connected community known for its beauty and natural surroundings.
AGENDA ITEM DETAILS
RECOMMENDATION:
City staff recommend the City Council approve a job description and authorize recruitment.
ARE YOU SEEKING APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT? IS A PUBLIC HEARING REQUIRED?
No No
BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:
The Public Works Department has been evaluating and exploring a restructuring of the Fleet division after the
resignation of the previous mechanic. Based on information collected and department goals, staff have drafted a new
job description to provide additional structure to the division.
The Lead Mechanic Job Description is an advancement from the current Mechanic Job Description. The position of
Mechanic will remain, but instead of two mechanics it will transition to one Lead Mechanic and one Mechanic. The
Lead Mechanic will provide work direction to the Mechanic, and have additional qualifications for budgeting,
procedures, policies and to provide work direction. This is not an addition of an FTE.
The draft job description has received a score of Grade 8 through the City’s third-party evaluator. Staff are requesting,
along with the approval of the job description, to authorize recruitment of the position. The proposed recruitment
schedule is as follows:
• Position Posted – 9/24/2025
• Position Closes – 10/9/2025
• Interviews – 10/15/2025
• Pre-Employment Screening – 10/21/2025
• Council Review – 10/27/2025
• Tentative Start – 11/10/2025
The Public Works Subcommittee was presented the request for a Lead Mechanic position at their August 13 and
September 17 meetings and supported consideration of approval by the City Council.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
• Lead Mechanic PWSC Memo
• Job Description – Lead Mechanic (DRAFT)
POSSIBLE MOTION
PLEASE WORD MOTION AS YOU WOULD LIKE IT TO APPEAR IN THE MINUTES:
Motion to approve the Lead Mechanic Job Description and authorize recruitment.
BUDGET INFORMATION
FUNDING: BUDGETED:
General Fund – Fleet Department (43240)
Yes
TO: Public Works Subcommittee
FROM: Sabrina Hille, Assistant City Administrator/Human Resources
Kevin Lamson, Streets Operation Manager
DATE: August 20, 2025
SUBJECT: Mechanic Role Transition
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
The City currently has two existing Mechanic positions, both classified as the same role, and overseen by the Streets
Operation Manager. City Staff previously proposed the hiring of two mechanics in 2024 – with the intention of one to
transition to a leadership role in the future. Based on the current staffing and operational challenges, City Staff is
recommending the City transition one of the Mechanic Roles to a Lead Mechanic; and keep the existing Mechanic in the
existing position.
This recommendation comes from months of gathering information from staff, department heads, and other
communities. City Staff feels this transition will further strengthen the Fleet Division and achieve long term goals. This
position impacts all of the Public Works Departments – as the Fleet staff service and maintain all city fleet. Below is a
summary of the information collected from city staff:
Identified Needs/Shortfalls:
• Fleet Point of contact
• Clear Work Direction and Scheduling
• Preventative Planning and Maintenance
• Capital Improvement Planning Involvement
• Utilize Existing Fleet Management System and Software
• Long-term Planning and Projections
• Specialization and Equipment Focus
• Inventory Management and Planning
After the collection of information and review, staff felt there was a need for a position to lead the fleet division, in work
direction to the mechanic. City Staff has identified the proposed items below to be the differences to the existing
Mechanic job description and the potential Lead Mechanic job description:
Lead Mechanic Core Differences:
• Consistent PW Department Communication
• Safety Committee Recommendations
• Provide further input for Budget and CIP
• Monitor spending and oversight of Fleet expenditures
• Lead Fleet Committee Meetings
• Define Roles and Responsibilities
Based on the needs above, City Staff has recommended a list of priority projects for a lead mechanic to be responsible
for. The projects identified are tasks related to a level that a lead mechanic would have the skills to complete:
Priority Projects
• Define Roles and Responsibilities of Fleet Staff
• Evaluate and Identify Technology Needs
• Define and improve Fleet workflow
• Service Order System
• Small Tool Inventory
City Staff have been working on this recommendation since the vacancy. During this meeting, staff will review the
included information. Based on Public Works Subcommittee review and direction, city staff could draft a job description
for review at a later date.
Position Description
Position: Lead Mechanic
Department: Streets
Position Status: Full-time
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Pay Grade: 86
Approved: DRAFTOctober 9, 2023
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
General Statement of Duties: Responsible for leading the management and maintenance of the City
fleet vehicles. Coordinates, prioritizes and Pperforms inspections, maintenance, manages software and
databases, ensures inventories and safety protocols, researches equipment and collaborates with
departments for equipment purchases; performs related duties as required.
Immediate Supervisor: Street Operations Manager
Supervises: None
Provides Work Direction to: MechanicNone
MAJOR JOB FUNCTIONS
1. Fleet Maintenance and Repairs:
a. Plans, manages and evaluates Schedule and perform preventative maintenance and
repairs on all department vehicles as needed; ensure vehicles operate safely, perform
DOT-required safety inspections and maintains appropriate documentation and
licensure
a.b. RecievesReceives repairs requests from other departments and is the point of contact
for the Fleet Division
c. Provides work direction to other mechanics to Ttroubleshoot and perform mechanical
repairs to vehicles and heavy (front-end loaders, dump trucks, grader, tractors, etc.) and
light equipment (pickups, skid steer, mowers) including: diagnosing electrical and
mechanical problems, replacing water and fuel pumps and filters, cleaning and replacing
injectors and injection pumps, repairing, replacing, rebuilding or adjusting hydraulic
systems and motors, engines, transmissions, exhaust system, differentials, air brakes,
drive shafts, U-joints, steering, heating and cooling systems, alternators, starters, etc.
b.d. WriteRecommends and manages the Fleet Division in shop procedures
c. Maintain and repair equipment including lawn mowers, generators, spraying
equipment, tractors, trailers, tillers, and ball field equipment
e. Maintains an inventory of parts and orders or recommend purchases from vendors to
ensure an adequate supply
d.f. Provides inputformation for Fleet Division annual budget and is responsible for the
effective and efficient use of department funds
e.g. Utilize technical service manuals, books, other text and individuals as resources in the
maintenance and repair of vehicles and equipment
f.h. Performs minor fabrication on new and used equipment and mount parts on equipment
g.i. Keep accurate records of all repairs and services for all equipment and vehicles
h.j. LeadAssist with the development, implementation and management of the City’s fleet
maintenance program and procedures
i.k. Evaluates and aAssists in preparation of the fleet vehicles and equipment capital
improvement plan, including but not limited to recommending additions or
replacements and obtaining quotes
l. Attend and Ccoordinate and attend related fleet committee meetings and present
incident and accident reviews
j.m. Attend Safety Committee meetings as the Fleet representative
k.n. Monitors and manages fuel and lubrication inventories, needs and purchases
2. Other Duties and Responsibilities:
a. Assist with miscellaneous repairs at the wastewater treatment plant, on occasion
Operate heavy and light equipment to perform a variety of street, parks and storm
sewer maintenance work and shop tasks
b. May assist with Remove snow removal from city streets, municipal parking lots and
trails, applies salt and sand, haul snow, clean up after storms, etc. as needed
c. May assist in maintaining and repairing streets including tearing out blacktop, patching
potholes, crack sealing and seal coating; sets up work zones, places cones or barricades
around hazardous work areas, etc.
d. May assist in reconstructing and maintaining pathways and maintaining storm sewer
ponds, inlets and outlets; maintain shoulders and mow ditches
e. May assist with catch basin repair and assist contractors in repair and maintenance of
storm sewer system
f. May assist in tree trimming using a chain saw and removing debris for chipping
g. Provides strong communication, teamwork and works closely with other departments
for the betterment of the City.
h. Participate in required safety training and adhere to safety requirements
3. General
a. Treat fellow employees with respect and integrity
b. Promote a positive and motivating environment
c. Provide exceptional customer service
d. Confer with supervisor, peers, and employees to discuss and resolve issues
e. Make decisions that are always in the best interest of the City
f. Perform other duties and projects as assigned
g. Follow all safety policies and procedures
h. Follow all City policies and procedures
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
• Considerable Kknowledge of equipment and vehicle repair, including procedures, methods, and
tools
• Demonstrable skill of the tools, equipment and standard practices of maintaining streets, and
storm water structures
• Working ability to operate a computer to maintain inventory and complete work records
• Working ability to work with moving or vibrating parts on equipment and to manipulate levers
and tools
• Considerable knowledge of traffic laws, ordinances and regulations involved in equipment
operation
• Considerable knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions involved in street, park,
storm sewer and vehicle and equipment repair and maintenance work
• Demonstrable skill in the operation of snow removal, street sweeping, light and heavy
equipment and other public works equipment and vehicles
• Considerable ability to follow oral and written instruction, prioritize work and perform duties
independently and as a member of a team
• Considerable ability to analyze repair and maintenance problems and determine appropriate
and cost-effective solutions
• Working ability to establish and maintain good working relationships and communicate
effectively with City staff and the general public
• Ability to effectively provide work direction to others
• Ability to communicate clearly, professionally, effectively, and precisely both verbally and in
writing
• Ability to resolve and diffuse conflicts
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team and to coordinate work with other
departments.
• Ability to plan, prioritize and organize the department’s work
• Working knowledge of current suite of Microsoft Office.
• Working knowledge of GPS software/asset management
• Strong sense of honesty, integrity, and credibility
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
1. High School Diploma or equivalent
2. FiveThree years professional experience in the repair of small engine and heavy
equipment/diesel equipment
3. DOT Commercial Vehicle Inspection Certification
1.4. ASE certified in Automobile/Light Truck (A Series) and Medium/Heavy Truck (T Series)
2. Two-year certificate of completion from a technical or vocational school with specialized
training in mechanics, maintenance management or related field.
3.5. Five years experience with computerized vehicle analysis and/or Fleet
Maintenance/management software experience
4.6. Valid Class B driver’s license with tanker and air brake endorsements – with the ability to obtain
a Class A license within six months of hire
5. Equivalent combination of education and experience
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
1. Valid Class A driver’s license with tanker and air brake endorsements
1.2. Two-year certificate of completion from a technical or vocational school with specialized
training in mechanics, maintenance management or related field.or the ability to obtain within 6
months
2. DOT Certified and ASE certified or ability to obtain within 6 months
3. Additional ASE Certifications
3.4. Experience working for a growing city or county.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to
perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable
individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Most work is completed within the mechanics garage which has various hazards and conditions within.
This includes varying level of effort for physical strength work frequently little to medium effort work;
occasionally ranging from heavy physical to very heavy work. Environmental conditions include frequent
exposure to extreme heat, humidity, and noise; occasional environmental conditions of extreme cold,
vibration and atmospheric conditions.
Activities that occur constantly (5–8 hours/shift): standing, walking, handling, grasping, feeling,
eye/hand/foot coordination
Activities that occur frequently (2–5 hours/shift): lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, stooping, reaching,
hearing
Activities that occur occasionally (up to 2 hours/shift): sitting, climbing, balancing, kneeling, crouching,
talking, repetitive motions
Activities that occur rarely (do not exist as regular part of job): crawling
City of Otsego is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act,
reasonable accommodations are offered to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current
employees are encouraged to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
Employee signature below constitutes employee’s understanding of the requirements, essential
functions, and duties of the position.
_______________________________________________
Employee Name
_______________________________________________ ______________________
Employee Signature Date