Highway Mechanic

About the Role

The Highway Mechanic performs skilled maintenance, service, and repair work on the Brown County Highway Department fleet, including vehicles, heavy-duty dump trucks, graders, construction equipment, small engines, and hand tools. Mechanics may also be assigned to a Welder-Fabricator role, focusing on equipment assembly, trailer repair, and custom fabrication projects. A strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, ventilation, and structural systems is essential.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, diagnose, and repair diesel and gas engines, transmissions, brake systems, suspensions, hydraulics, HVAC systems, and power steering.
• Perform preventative maintenance and scheduled services.
• Repair department vehicles including pickups, passenger vehicles, loaders, and construction equipment.
• Operate diagnostic tools and software to troubleshoot and resolve electronic/electrical system issues.
• Conduct road tests to verify repairs and operational safety.
• Make on-site service calls for field repairs.
• Fabricate, build, construct, and assemble highway and winter-specific work equipment (as assigned).
• Perform welding, brazing, cutting, and structural repairs on trucks, trailers, and custom steel equipment.
• Service and repair trailer systems including wiring, hydraulics, and hitches.
• Retrofit vehicles with custom plumbed, wired, or fabricated components.
• Serve as a working lead, guiding shop operations while actively participating in mechanical repairs or fabrication work (as assigned).
• Support the Fleet Manager with scheduling, prioritization, and coordination of daily operations.
• Mentor junior mechanics on proper procedures, safety, and troubleshooting techniques.
• Maintain shop records and support inventory management for tools, parts, and consumables.
• Provide building and grounds support, including routine facility maintenance and infrastructure repair.
• Assist with developing and sustaining policies, work quality standards, and cost control initiatives.
• Assist in snow removal operations.

Materials and Equipment Used

• Standard and specialty hand, air, and power tools.
• Electronic diagnostic and testing tools.
• Welding equipment (MIG, TIG, arc), drill press, lathe, milling machine.
• Shear and brake press, band saw, iron worker.
• Engine and fuel system diagnostic tools and A/C recovery and recharge systems.
• Lubricants, parts cleaners, and fuels.
• Hydraulic lifts, jacks, overhead crane, and other hydraulic and air-operated lifting and rigging systems.

Physical Demands

• Lift up to 75 lbs. (team lift) and frequently carry up to 40 lbs.
• Regular standing, walking, and sitting; occasional vehicle operation.
• Frequent bending, twisting, climbing, reaching, and squatting.
• Clear oral communication and sound recognition.
• Visual ability to distinguish detail at varied distances and lighting.
• Exposure to environmental and occupational hazards, including noise, vibration, fuel, oils, solvents, and temperature extremes.

Tool Requirements

• Must provide a personal complement of mechanic or fabricator professional-grade hand tools, including but not limited to: ¼" and ½" drive sockets, open-end and box wrenches, Allen/hex keys, screwdrivers, pliers, grips, and test meters.
• Tools must meet departmental standards and be inventoried for insurance purposes.
• Annual tool stipend of $1,000 available for upgrades and replacements. Unused funds do not carry over.

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of heavy-duty diesel engines, diagnostics, and repair practices.
• Familiarity with hydraulic systems, electrical systems, and emissions components.
• Strong welding and fabrication ability, including structural and custom equipment builds.
• Skilled in using OEM diagnostic software (e.g., Cummins, CAT, Allison).
• Ability to interpret technical manuals, schematics, and repair specifications.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing priorities in a busy repair shop.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.