Vessel Equipment Mechanic

About the role

Under general supervision, performs skilled maintenance and repair of high-performance seagoing patrol vessels, including firefighting and utility vessels with complex systems such as inboard and outboard marine engines, firefighting apparatus, generators, inverters, heating and cooling systems, plumbing, radios, radar, communication networks, and pneumatic/hydraulic systems. Operates manual and power tools, provides technical assistance to management, and performs related duties.

Responsibilities

• Diagnoses and performs major and minor repairs and overhauls on diesel-, electric-, and gasoline-powered marine engines, including inspection and replacement of broken or worn parts.
• Inspects, troubleshoots, diagnoses, repairs, cleans, adjusts, and installs fuel, ignition, electrical, and cooling system components.
• Diagnoses, repairs, and adjusts steering mechanisms and other controls, including mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems.
• Completes vessel structural repairs to ensure proper maneuverability and navigation.
• Repairs specialized marine electrical and electronic systems, including network communications, lighting, and communication systems.
• Repairs or replaces engine transmissions, drive shafts, propellers, jet drives, pumps, and other specialized equipment.
• Performs safety inspections on marine vessels to comply with relevant laws, codes, and regulations.
• Conducts regular preventive maintenance on vessels.
• Performs emergency repairs to vessels on waterways and tows boats to the shop for repairs.
• Diagnoses and performs electrical repairs in the field, including connections, breakers, cables, fuses, outlets, and inverters.
• Operates watercraft to diagnose problems, ensure repairs are satisfactory, and complete sea trials.
• Performs major overhauls on marine engines and repowers vessels; services and repairs outboard motors.
• Operates shop tools and equipment required to maintain and service marine vessels, generators, and related equipment.
• Services, repairs, overhauls, and replaces specialized equipment on law-enforcement, firefighting, and utility vessels.
• Performs precise interior/exterior modifications to vessels to meet specialized needs.
• Performs wood, fiberglass, and metal fabrication, minor repairs, and modifications to marine vessels or equipment; fabricates new parts as needed.
• Participates in the employee safety program, follows safety practices, and educates others on safe work habits and potential hazards.
• Prepares cost estimates, orders parts and materials, and maintains records of completed work.
• Performs disaster service worker responsibilities as directed.
• Complies with all Port and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• When assigned to fleet maintenance, performs inspections, troubleshooting, diagnosis, repair, and replacement of mechanical, fuel, ignition, electrical, hydraulic, and cooling system components on District fleet vehicles and equipment.

Requirements

• Knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic repair, including diagnosis and troubleshooting techniques.
• Knowledge of preventive maintenance practices.
• Familiarity with fuel systems, pumps, electronic fuel injection systems, and controls.
• Understanding of electrical, engine room, hydraulic, pneumatic, cooling/heating, and steering systems.
• Ability to disassemble, inspect, and repair various drive systems.
• Knowledge of occupational and safety practices and hazards of the trade.
• Proficiency in the use and maintenance of hand, shop, and technical tools.
• Ability to tow and operate boats and other equipment.
• Knowledge of Port and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Ability to provide high-level customer service to the public, vendors, contractors, and Port staff.
• Strong command of the English language, including grammar and composition.
• Familiarity with modern equipment and communication tools for business functions, including relevant software programs.

Qualifications

• Ability to install, maintain, service, and overhaul equipment on vessels, including electrical, engine, and structural components.
• Ability to read and understand specialized service manuals for overhauling, repairing, replacing, and adjusting engines or drive systems.
• Ability to disassemble, inspect, and repair fire equipment such as hoses, valves, nozzles, couplers, educators, strainers, reducers, and diffusers.
• Proficiency in operating a variety of equipment and tools related to the work.
• Ability to maintain a clean, neat, and safe work environment.
• Ability to coordinate work assignments with other sections, departments, or agencies.
• Ability to estimate and order necessary materials and parts.
• Basic math computation and measurement skills for repair and servicing tasks.
• Proficiency in using computer systems and software applications relevant to the work.
• Ability to independently organize work, set priorities, meet deadlines, and follow up on assignments.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to use tact, initiative, and independent judgment within policy guidelines.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships.

Education and Experience

Any combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical path includes:

• Education: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade, supplemented by specialized training in vessel/boat repair, gas, and/or diesel engines.
• Experience: Four (4) years of experience in maintenance and repair of diesel- and gasoline-powered vessels and related equipment.

Licenses and Certifications

• Possession of, or successful acquisition within twelve (12) months of employment, a valid California Boaters Card and completion of HPD Boat Operator Training (to be maintained throughout employment).
• Possession of, or successful acquisition within twelve (12) months of employment, a valid first aid and CPR certification (to be maintained throughout employment).

Benefits

• 4/10 work schedule (four 10-hour days per week).
• Great benefits package.

Physical Demands

• Sufficient mobility to work in the field, including strength, stamina, and flexibility for medium to heavy physical work.
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces.
• Frequent reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, and grasping.
• Ability to work in confined spaces and use confined entry equipment.
• Ability to climb and descend ladders.
• Proficiency in operating varied hand and power tools and other equipment.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle and visit various work sites.
• Vision sufficient to inspect and operate equipment.
• Frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems.