Join the City of Chattanooga Team

Chattanooga, a vibrant and growing community of over 190,000 residents within a metropolitan area of nearly 600,000 is known as the "Scenic City" for a reason. Nestled along the Tennessee River and surrounded by the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, we are a hub of outdoor adventure and innovation. Home to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) and Chattanooga State Community College, our city blends a rich industrial history with a tech-forward future—famously powered by the nation’s first community-wide "Gig" fiber-optic network. The City of Chattanooga was also recently designated as a "National Park City,” the first of its kind in the United States.

Our Organization

As a City, we are powered by a dedicated workforce of approximately 2,600 employees committed to excellence in public service and making Chattanooga the best community in the country. Our team ensures our city thrives through a wide range of municipal services, including:

Public Safety: Chattanooga Police and Fire Departments.
Infrastructure & Utilities: Public Works, Waste Resources, and specialized Stormwater management.
Quality of Life: Award-winning Parks and Outdoors and Community Development systems and the Chattanooga Public Library.
Transportation: The Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) and citywide transit and pedestrian friendly initiatives.
Innovation: Leading-edge smart-city programs with a commitment to cutting edge workforce development policies to ensure all our residents can get ahead.

Why Choose Chattanooga?

The City of Chattanooga’s workforce is the heartbeat of our community. We don't just offer jobs; we offer careers with purpose: making Chattanooga the best city in America. We are committed to being the premier employer of choice in Southeast Tennessee by providing:

Competitive Compensation: Robust pay scales that reflect our commitment to our staff.
Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off and flexible scheduling where possible.
Exceptional Wellness: Comprehensive health benefits and wellness programs designed for you and your family that deliver savings to you beyond your paycheck, featuring a centralized health clinic and pharmacy for all City employees. .
Growth: A focus on professional development and upward mobility within the organization.
The Great Outdoors: Your Backyard Playground: Chattanooga isn't just near nature, it's immersed in it. As one of the most biodiverse cities in North America, the "Scenic City" offers an ecological richness that few places on earth can claim. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie or a weekend wanderer, world-class adventure is always less than an hour away.
Vertical Adventures: Scale legendary sandstone cliffs in what is widely considered the premier rock climbing hub of the Southeast.
Water & Rapids: From the high-octane whitewater kayaking of the Ocoee River to world-class bass fishing and peaceful paddling on the Tennessee River.
Trails for Miles: Explore a massive network of mountain biking and hiking trails that wind through lush ridges, hidden waterfalls, and deep river gorges.

In Chattanooga, "work-life balance" means you can finish your shift and be at a trailhead or on the water before the sun sets.

Our mission is to work together to build a safe, vibrant, and sustainable city for all Chattanoogans. To do that, it takes a team of skilled and passionate individuals. So, if you’d like to call Chattanooga home – or maybe you already do! – and want to further your career through meaningful work that makes a true impact where you live, we’d love to talk to you.

Salary:

Heavy Equipment Mechanic 1 - GS.08 $22.74  -  $27.47 per hour
Heavy Equipment Mechanic 2 - GS.09 $24.76  -  $29.91 per hour
Heavy Equipment Mechanic 3 - GS.10 $26.48  -  $31.99 per hour

Work Hours: Monday – Friday, 1:00 P.M. – 9:30 P.M. (EST)
*Hours may vary due to work assignments, or projects.*

Work Location: 1005 East 12th Street, Chattanooga, TN

FLSA Status: This is a Non-Exempt position.

Department: Public Works

CLASSIFICATION SUMMARY:

Incumbents in this classification are responsible for performing routine maintenance and repair of City vehicles and equipment. Duties may include performing preventive maintenance, changing starters, batteries and belts; changing fluids; performing alignments; assisting journey level mechanics and cleaning shop areas. Work is performed with moderate supervision.

SERIES LEVEL: The Heavy Equipment Mechanic is the first level of a three level fleet services series.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

(The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.)

Heavy Equipment Mechanic 1:

Performs vehicle servicing activities which includes changing oil, checking fluid levels, inspecting brakes, chassis components and tires and performing other related activities. Logs result in appropriate forms.

Responds to emergency calls for vehicle service in the field; may transport equipment and vehicles.

Changes and repairs tires on City trucks and vehicles.

Evaluates, detects and diagnoses major and/or minor electrical and mechanical problems on vehicles and/or equipment and implements required repairs which includes replacing starters and generators; realigning brakes and front ends; adjusting clutches; repairing air conditioning; installing thermostats and water pumps; greasing fittings and/or performing other related activities.

Performs preventive maintenance on vehicles and/or equipment which includes refilling lubricants; tuning up engines; replacing worn parts; inspecting vehicles and equipment for safety hazards and/or performing other related activities.

Participates in performing major overhauls which includes rebuilding alternators; removing and reinstalling transmissions and/or performing other related activities.

Installs and repairs auxiliary emergency lights, cameras and/or other related equipment.

Uses and maintains a full set of hand, power and shop tools and equipment related to the work; observes safe work methods and utilizes safety equipment related to the work.

Assists in performing welding, cutting and fabrication of metal materials for heavy and light equipment repairs and/or modifications.

Monitors and maintains inventory of applicable fleet maintenance supplies, inventory and equipment.

Assists in cleaning and maintaining fleet shop area.

May be required to use, carry and answer their cell phone as determined by their job duties and the department head.

Must meet regular attendance requirements.

Must be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with staff, co-workers, managers and citizens.

Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.

Performs other duties as assigned.

This position is deemed essential during inclement weather situations, and must report to or remain at work, even when administrative closings are announced, as determined by the Department Head.

Heavy Equipment Mechanic 2:

Overhauls, repairs, and maintains a wide variety of light and heavy vehicles and equipment and their component systems and computerized automotive systems; troubleshoots, diagnoses, and performs major repairs and overhauls to engines, involving inspection and replacement of broken or worn parts such as pistons, piston rings, valves, bearings, fittings, wrist pins, shafts, mufflers, blades, chains, cylinder heads and gaskets.

Diagnoses, repairs, cleans, adjusts, and installs fuel, ignition, electrical and cooling systems involving repair and replacement of such parts as fuel pumps, starter motors, distributors, generators/alternators, voltage regulators, wiring, switches, batteries, radiators, thermostats, and water pumps.

Diagnoses, repairs, overhauls, and rebuilds transmission systems and engines including such parts as clutches, standard transmissions, differential units, front and rear axles, gears, bearings, universal joints, and hydraulic units; removes, repairs, and replaces tires and wheels; diagnoses, adjusts steering mechanisms and other controls.

Performs preventive maintenance on equipment, trucks, automobiles and other vehicles and equipment which includes changing oil and lubricating parts; fueling vehicles and equipment; road testing vehicles; inspecting vehicles in the shop and field; modifying, fabricating, and installing new parts using welding equipment; maintaining and repairing small gasoline engines and similar equipment.

Installs and repairs auxiliary emergency lights, cameras and/or other related equipment.

Reads and interprets manuals, drawings, and specifications; estimates labor, material and equipment and orders parts required to complete assignments.

Picks up and delivers parts and equipment to and from vendors and/or applicable job sites. Completes forms and keeps accurate maintenance records.

Stores, maintains records and arranges for disposal of hazardous waste materials such as oil, tires, batteries and other supplies and equipment related to the work.

Uses and maintains a full set of hand, power and shop tools and equipment related to the work; observes safe work methods and utilizes safety equipment related to the work.

Assists in performing welding, cutting and fabrication of metal materials for heavy and light equipment repairs and/or modifications.

Monitors and maintains inventory of applicable fleet maintenance supplies, inventory, and equipment.

Assists in cleaning and maintaining fleet shop area.

May be required to use, carry, and answer their cell phone as determined by their job duties and the department head.

Must meet regular attendance requirements.

Must be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with staff, co-workers, managers and citizens.

Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.

Performs other duties as assigned.

This position is deemed essential during inclement weather situations, and must report to or remain at work, even when administrative closings are announced, as determined by the Department Head.

Heavy Equipment Mechanic 3:

Serves as a lead to lower-level fleet maintenance staff to include assigning and monitoring work, training staff on work methods and procedures and providing direction.

Diagnoses, repairs, cleans, adjusts, and installs fuel, ignition, electrical and cooling systems involving routine to complex repair and replacement of such parts as fuel pumps, starter motors, distributors, generators/alternators, voltage regulators, wiring, switches, batteries, radiators, thermostats, and water pumps.

Installs and repairs auxiliary emergency lights, cameras and/or other related equipment.

Reads and interprets manuals, drawings, and specifications; estimates labor, material and equipment and orders parts required to complete assignments.

Picks up and delivers parts and equipment to and from vendors and/or applicable job sites. Completes forms and keeps accurate maintenance records.

Stores, maintains records and arranges for disposal of hazardous waste materials such as oil, tires, batteries and other supplies and equipment related to the work.

Uses and maintains a full set of hand, power and shop tools and equipment related to the work; observes safe work methods and utilizes safety equipment related to the work.

Performs welding, cutting and fabrication of metal materials for heavy and light equipment repairs and/or modifications.

Monitors and maintains inventory of applicable fleet maintenance supplies, inventory, and equipment.

Assists in cleaning and maintaining fleet shop area. Must meet regular attendance requirements.

Must be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with staff, co-workers, managers and citizens.

Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.

Performs other duties as assigned.

This position is deemed essential during inclement weather situations, and must report to or remain at work, even when administrative closings are announced, as determined by the Department Head.

DEPARTMENT SPECIFIC DUTIES (if any):

When working as a Heavy Equipment Mechanic 1:

Performs diagnostic tests to identify and rebuild/repair malfunctions on all diesel, gasoline and electric equipment (Refuse trucks, Brush collection trucks, Sweepers; Dump trucks, Tractors, Mowers, Leaf collection systems, Salt spreaders, Construction equipment, etc). Makes repairs to include overhaul of major and minor sub-systems. Diagnose hydraulic malfunctions, engines, repairs pumps, cylinders and control valves.

Overhauls pumps, actuators, transmissions, compressors, vacuum and electric controls and components. May weld and cut parts using welding equipment. Tests overhauled equipment to ensure operating efficiency. Installs and repairs air-conditioning components.

Performs diagnostic tests and repairs/overhauls complete brake and steering systems. Performs inspections and serviceability/reliability checks/repairs/rebuilds on all brake, steering and driveline components. Performs in-depth preventative maintenance inspections and makes repairs to ensure reliability and safety.

Performs diagnostic tests and repairs on emission control systems. Must be able to make electrical system servicing and repairs on the majority of vehicles and equipment assigned.

Performs accurate documentation on repair work orders. Has ability to correctly open, document and close repair work orders. Correctly charges parts to work orders, completes all required documentation. Utilizes laptop computers to complete, verify parts/labor and inputs comments to detail repairs made.

Ensure a SAFE work environment, identifies/correct safety infractions, walks and talks safety. Wears PPE as required, performs job risk assessments.

Performs emergency road services to equipment outside the garage. Prepares and maintains records and reports relating to work accomplished. Performs other related work as required and assigned by supervisor.

When working as a Fire Apparatus Mechanic 1:

Performs preventive and corrective maintenance on vehicles and equipment. Files repair reports with the Shift Supervisor. Performs routine service duties, i.e. relines brakes, performs tune-ups and oil changes, replaces filters, lubricates chassis, replaces antifreeze, air filters, drive belts, and tires. Performs general repairs, tests and recharges/replaces batteries, replaces water pumps, fuel pumps, radiators, brake air lines, hydraulics, electrical wiring, headlights and warning lights.

Diagnoses problems with fire department vehicles, radios, apparatus and other types of equipment. Performs metal fabrication, fabricates high pressure hoses, fittings, hydraulic hoses and conducts field repairs as needed. Conducts welding on steel and aluminum, ensures repairs are made as required. Assembles plumbing and pumping apparatus. Repairs electric generators. Rebuilds air, water and hydraulic valves. Reviews technical drawings for compliance with NFPA.

Conducts preventive maintenance inspection/repair records, pump service test forms, emergency generator maintenance. Maintains emergency generators and makes repairs as required. Sets up tools and equipment; procures parts and supplies for repairs, cleans shop area, parts room, restrooms and office. Delivers apparatus to outside repair shops as necessary. Makes emergency repairs at fire scenes as necessary. Performs other related duties as required.

When working as a Heavy Equipment Mechanic 2:

Performs diagnostic tests to identify and rebuild/repair malfunctions on all diesel, gasoline and electric equipment (refuse trucks, brush collection trucks, sweepers, dump trucks, tractors, mowers, leaf collection systems, salt spreaders, and construction equipment). Makes repairs to include overhaul of major and minor sub-systems. Diagnose hydraulic malfunctions, engines, repairs pumps, cylinders and control valves.

Performs diagnostic tests and repairs on emission control systems. Must be able to make electrical system servicing and repairs on the majority of vehicles and equipment assigned.

Ensure a SAFE work environment, identifies/correct safety infractions, walks and talks safety. Wears PPE as required, performs job risk assessments.

Performs major and minor mechanical repairs and adjustments on power drive, brakes, steering mechanisms, and electrical, cooling and related systems on light and heavy motorized equipment and vehicles.

Repairs and adjusts hydraulic and vacuum operated systems; replaces hydraulic motors, hoses and fittings; installs and adjusts power takeoffs.

Performs welding, fabrication and machine work incidental to completion of repair assignments. Performs service calls for landfill equipment and on road equipment.

Adjusts and makes repairs to diesel engines; adjusts or repairs valves, carburetors, generators and related units; replaces all worn or defective parts. Performs daily housekeeping duties to ensure a clean and organized shop.

When working as a Fire Apparatus Mechanic 2:

When working as a Heavy Equipment Mechanic 3:

Performs diagnostic tests to identify and rebuild/repair malfunctions on all diesel, gasoline and electric equipment (refuse trucks, brush collection trucks, sweepers; dump trucks, tractors, mowers, leaf collection systems, salt spreaders, and construction equipment). Makes repairs to include overhaul of major and minor sub-systems. Diagnose hydraulic malfunctions, engines, repairs pumps, cylinders and control valves.

Performs diagnostic tests and repairs on emission control systems. Must be able to make electrical system servicing and repairs on the majority of vehicles and equipment assigned.

Ensure a SAFE work environment, identifies/correct safety infractions, walks and talks safety. Wears PPE as required, performs job risk assessments.

Repairs and adjusts hydraulic and vacuum operated systems; replaces hydraulic motors, hoses and fittings; installs and adjusts power takeoffs.

Performs welding, fabrication and machine work incidental to completion of repair assignments. Performs service calls for landfill equipment and on road equipment.

When working as a Fire Apparatus Mechanic 3,

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Heavy Equipment Mechanic 1: High School Diploma or GED and one (1) year of preventive maintenance experience required. Any combination of vocational/technical training in equipment or automotive mechanics and/or experience may be combined to satisfy the required experience, or any combination of equivalent experience and education.

This is a career ladder position. This position will receive an automatic progression to Heavy Mechanic 2 when the incumbent has achieved the required minimum qualifications and licenses/certifications for the next position in the series.

Heavy Equipment Mechanic 2: High School Diploma or GED and three (3) years of preventive maintenance experience required. Any combination of vocational/technical training in equipment or automotive mechanics and/or experience may be combined to satisfy the required experience, or any combination of equivalent experience and education.

This is a career ladder position. This position will receive an automatic progression to Heavy Mechanic 3 when the incumbent has achieved the required minimum qualifications and licenses/certifications for the next position in the series.

Heavy Equipment Mechanic 3: High School Diploma or GED and five (5) years of preventive maintenance experience required. Any combination of vocational/technical training in equipment or automotive mechanics and/or experience may be combined to satisfy the required experience, or any combination of equivalent experience and education.

LICENSING AND CERTIFICATIONS: Valid Driver's License.

When working as a Heavy Equipment Mechanic 1, attainment of ASE Certification T4 (Brakes) within one (1) year.

When working as a Fire Apparatus Mechanic 1, attainment of ASE Certification T4 (Brakes) within one (1) year.

When working as a Heavy Equipment Mechanic 2, attainment of any three (3) T Series ASE Certifications (one must be T4).

When working as a Fire Apparatus Mechanic 2, attainment of ASE Certifications T4 (Brakes) and T5 (Suspension and Steering) in addition to EVT EXAM F1 (Maintenance, Inspection, and Testing of Fire Apparatus) and F2 (Design & Performance Standards of Fire Apparatus)

When working as a Heavy Equipment Mechanic 3, attainment of any five (5) T Series ASE Certifications (one must be T4). Valid TN Class B or Class A CDL Required.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:
Heavy Equipment Mechanic 1:

Knowledge of methods, techniques, parts, tools and materials used in the maintenance and repair of diesel and gasoline powered vehicles; diagnostic devices utilized in identifying vehicle and/or equipment malfunctions; the operation and maintenance of a wide variety of hand, power and shop tools and equipment common to the field; safe work methods and safety regulations pertaining to the work; basic shop mathematics and tire changing techniques.

Skill in maintaining and repairing vehicles and equipment; detecting and diagnosing vehicle and equipment malfunctions; performing routine vehicle maintenance activities to applicable vehicles and equipment; operating and maintaining a wide variety of hand, power and shop tools and equipment used in the work; understanding and following oral and written instructions; preparing basic records and reports; reading and interpreting manuals, specifications and drawings and establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other employees and those contacted in the course of the work.

Ability to perform routine preventative maintenance and simple repairs on motorized equipment, including gas and diesel powered engines; use hand and power tools; read and understand technical service manuals; understand and follow oral and written directions; keep simple records; work cooperatively with others; recognize and report defects or malfunctions, upon inspection; perform tasks requiring strength, such as two people positioning 100 pound equipment blades, carrying equipment parts, climbing onto equipment, and mounting tires on trucks and construction equipment; hear and distinguish various sounds, such as voices of

co-workers in noisy environments and sounds of operating equipment; distinguish colors, such as color-coded wire and the color of fluids; distinguish temperatures of equipment, to avoid burns; use impact tools, such as tire guns and sledgehammers, which cause body vibration.

The City of Chattanooga provides an annual tool reimbursement of $1,200.00 after the first completed year of employment as a Heavy Equipment Mechanic 1 in addition to providing uniforms and safety boots at no cost to the employee.

Heavy Equipment Mechanic 2:

Knowledge of methods, techniques, parts, tools, and materials used in the maintenance and repair of diesel and gasoline powered vehicles; diagnostic devices utilized in identifying vehicle and/or equipment malfunctions; the operation and maintenance of a wide variety of hand, power and shop tools and equipment common to the field; safe work methods and safety regulations pertaining to the work; shop mathematics and tire changing techniques.

Skill in performing major vehicle and equipment repairs; maintaining and repairing vehicles and equipment; detecting and diagnosing vehicle and equipment malfunctions; performing routine vehicle maintenance activities to applicable vehicles and equipment; operating and maintaining a wide variety of hand, power and shop tools and equipment used in the work; understanding and following oral and written instructions; preparing records and reports; reading and interpreting manuals, specifications and drawings and establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other employees and those contacted in the course of the work.

The City of Chattanooga provides an annual tool reimbursement of $1,200.00 after the first completed year of employment as a Heavy Equipment Mechanic 2 in addition to providing uniforms and safety boots at no cost to the employee.

Heavy Equipment Mechanic 3:

Knowledge of welding techniques; braking, electrical and hydraulic systems; electrical circuit operations; advanced methods, techniques, parts, tools and materials used in the maintenance and repair of diesel and gasoline powered vehicles; diagnostic devices utilized in identifying vehicle and/or equipment malfunctions; the operation and maintenance of a wide variety of hand, power, shop tools and equipment common to the field; safe work methods and safety regulations pertaining to the work; shop mathematics and tire changing techniques.

Skill in prioritizing and assigning work; welding, cutting and modifying equipment and vehicle body parts; fabricating parts; performing major vehicle and equipment repairs; maintaining and repairing vehicles and equipment; detecting and diagnosing complex vehicle and equipment malfunctions; performing vehicle maintenance activities to applicable vehicles and equipment; operating and maintaining a wide variety of hand, power and shop tools and equipment used in the work; understanding and following oral and written instructions; preparing records and reports; reading and interpreting manuals, specifications and drawings and establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other employees and those contacted in the course of the work.

The City of Chattanooga provides an annual tool reimbursement of $1,200.00 after the first completed year of employment as an Heavy Equipment Mechanic 3 in addition to providing uniforms and safety boots at no cost to the employee.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Positions in this class typically require climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Heavy Work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of forces constantly to move objects. Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents , vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, chemicals , oil, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, work space restrictions, intense noises and travel.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Safety Sensitive: Y
Department of Transportation - CDL: N
Child Sensitive: N

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

This position requires pre-employment screening(s) that include: background check / drug screening / lift test

The City of Chattanooga, Tennessee is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

JES 3.26.25

KJF

Heavy Equipment Mechanic (Series)

About this role

Our Organization

Why Choose Chattanooga?