Lead Mechanic (Fleet)

Lead Mechanic (Fleet)

Salary

$56.16 - $68.27 Hourly

Location

Plant 1 - 10844 Ellis Ave, Fountain Valley, CA 92708, CA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

115

Department

Operations & Maintenance

Division

Fleet Services

Opening Date

10/12/2026

Closing Date

10/26/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

What do you value in your next job?

At the Orange County Sanitation District our Core Values form the framework of our organization and reinforce our professional work ethic. If the following values ring true with you, wed love to invite you to explore our career opportunities further.

Integrity, Inclusion, Honesty, and Respect

We aspire to the highest degree of integrity, inclusion, honesty, and respect in our interaction with each other, our suppliers, our customers, and our community. We strive to demonstrate these values in our actions, commitments, and service.

Leadership, Teamwork, and Problem Solving

We lead by example, acknowledging the value of our resources and using them wisely to achieve our mission. We strive to reach OC San goals through cooperative efforts and collaboration with each other and our constituencies. We work to solve problems in a creative, cost-effective, and safe manner, and we acknowledge team and individual efforts.

Customer Service, Transparency, and Accountability

We are committed to acting in a timely, accurate, accessible, and transparent manner through excellent customer service. We are committed to act in the best interest of our internal and external stakeholders.

Resiliency, Innovation, and Learning

We continuously develop ourselves, enhancing our talents, skills, and abilities. We recognize that only through personal growth and development will we progress as an agency and as individuals.

Safety

We are committed to providing a safe work environment. We will demonstrate leadership, promote individual accountability, and participate actively in the advancement of our health and safety practices.

OC San is currently looking to fill the position of Lead Mechanic (Fleet).

Under direction, the Lead Mechanic leads, oversees, and participates in the work of staff responsible for the maintenance, repair, servicing, rebuilding, and troubleshooting of equipment, vehicles, and machinery found in wastewater treatment plants, collection systems, pumping stations, and related facilities; oversees and participates in cleaning sewer lines, manholes, and wet wells; ensures high-precision, millwright craftsmanship work quality; oversees and participates in performing the most complex and difficult preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on assigned equipment, vehicles, and machinery; and performs duties as assigned.

Specifically, this Lead Mechanic leads and coordinates the work of technicians and crane operators engaged in the inspection, preventive maintenance, diagnosis, repair, and services of OC San fleet vehicles, heavy equipment, specialized equipment, and related fleet assets; provides technical guidance; coordinates maintenance activities and resources; supports regulatory compliance and emergency operations; and performs complex mechanical work as required.

Other duties will include providing technical feedback for performance evaluations of assigned staff; reviewing work orders for work performed; assigning and coordinating work assignments; planning and implementing maintenance projects; and training, coaching, and mentoring staff.

When assigned to Automotive/Heavy Equipment Maintenance:

• Leads and participates in mechanical maintenance of OC San automotive equipment including cars, trucks, electric carts, bicycles, and portable equipment in the shop or on job site
• Leads and participates in the adjustment or replacement of oil, filters, gear boxes, drive belts, brakes, air systems, exhaust systems, pressure systems, and cab equipment; troubleshooting electrical systems; and replacing or repairing broken parts such as engines, computer diagnostic systems, brakes, and front end suspensions.
• Leads and participates in overhauling, repairing, and adjusting engines, transmissions, and carburetors; tune-up engines as necessary.
• Schedules and participates in smog and opacity tests on gasoline and diesel engines.

Qualifications & Requirements

Required:

• High school diploma or G.E.D. supplemented by specialized training or coursework such as relevant trade school in mechanical equipment maintenance and repair, or a related field.
• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience applying preventive and corrective mechanical maintenance skills on field equipment and/or automotive equipment, rebuild facilities, and collection systems.
• A valid California Class C Drivers License

In addition, when assigned to Automotive/Heavy Equipment Maintenance, must possess a:

• Valid California Class B Driver's License with air brakes and tanker endorsements.
• Valid California Class A Driver's License with air brakes and tanker endorsements within six (6) months of date of hire.
• Valid Class P endorsement within six (6) months of date of hire.
• Valid hazardous materials endorsement within six (6) months of date of hire.
• Valid manual transmission endorsement within six (6) months of date of hire.

Desired:

• ASE certifications or other industry-recognized certifications relevant to fleet maintenance or operations.

Recruitment & Selection Process

Vacancies: 1

(an eligible list may be established for future vacancies)

Apply online at: www.ocsan.gov/careers

APPLICATION FILING DEADLINE: Monday, October 26th, 2026, 5:00 P.M.

(or until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received)

Hiring Salary Range: $56.16 - $61.93/Hourly

(starting salary will be within this range based upon qualifications)

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Mobility to work in the field; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; frequently reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp, and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to climb and descend ladders, to operate varied hand and power tools and equipment, and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various OC San sites, projects, and/or meetings.
• Perform moderate to heavy physical work; to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 51 pounds or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.
• Work requires entry into confined spaces and the use of confined entry equipment and protective safety equipment.
• Vision to inspect and operate equipment.
• Field work requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards.
• Finger dexterity to operate and repair tools and equipment.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

• Field work in and around facilities with exposure to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, heights, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust, and air contaminants.
• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• May be required to work extended hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays when necessary.
• Standby and Call Back: Employees in this classification may be required to participate in standby duty and are subject to call back, which may include nights, weekends and 24-hour emergency call out with little or no notice. Any employee designated to serve on standby, or report to an emergency, and refuses to do such, shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.
• Probationary Period: All OC San employees, except classifications considered "at-will", are subject to the probationary period provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, policies, and/or resolutions. Employees who have not yet successfully completed their initial probationary period serve "at-will" and may be released from employment without cause or recourse to any appeal or grievance procedures.
• Pre-Employment: All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of OC San's pre-employment process, which includes a background investigation, a physical examination, and a drug screen.
• Work Location Assignment: Employees will be assigned to a work location based on business needs which may be located at any/all of OC San locations; this work location may be changed at any time.

Disaster Service Workers

All OC San employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the OC San requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

OTHER INFORMATION

For the full range of duties, responsibilities, and essential job functions please review the Classification Specification for this position found on our website.

Applicants must clearly demonstrate, through their application materials, that they meet the minimum requirements as outlined in the job announcement and class specification to receive further consideration. However, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an interview. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process.

False statements may be cause for disqualification, removal from the eligible list, or discharge from employment. All statements made on applications are subject to investigation and verification.

To ensure your application is accurate and complete, please review the Job Application Guide.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of OC San's pre-employment process, which includes a background investigation and a physical examination. For some positions, this may include a drug screen. False statements may be cause for disqualification, removal from the eligible list, or discharge from employment. All statements made on applications are subject to investigation and verification.

Reference Checks will be conducted by OC San to verify employment related information for all potential employees once a contingent job offer is made during the background investigation process. This is done to ensure that individuals who join OC San are well qualified and have a strong potential to be successful in their employment. The extent of the inquiry will depend on the position being applied for, but will at least include:

• Verification/Reference from current and past employers
• Confirmation of necessary licenses, certificates, and degrees.

Please have all necessary documentation ready. Additional inquiries may be necessary depending on the position for which you are applying. Human Resources will also schedule a post-offer physical examination once a job offer has been made.

OC San only accepts applications submitted via our online application system. Applications submitted via mail, fax or email will not be accepted.

The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.

Personal leave credits; eleven paid holidays and one floating holiday; group life insurance; group disability insurance; group health insurance, dependent coverage available, including medical, dental, and vision, employee contribution is required; a retirement plan (Orange County Employees Retirement System) and the option of participating in a deferred compensation plan as well as other optional benefits. A credit union is available. Benefits are subject to the Board of Directors periodic determination (usually annually) and the meet and confer process, and are therefore subject to change. The District makes a generous contribution toward the cost of these benefits.

01

PLEASE READ. The information provided on the Supplemental Questions will be used in conjunction with your job application to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements. Failure to provide detailed and complete information may result in your application being rejected. Do not submit a resume in place of completing these Supplemental Questions. Education obtained outside the United States must be comparable to education earned at an accredited school in the United States. We reserve the right to request further information about your academic program, evidence of comparability, or an original transcript. Any information you submit may be verified. When applying for this position, I understand that I must thoroughly complete the Education and Work Experience sections of my application and the Supplemental Questions. This includes a detailed description of each position that I feel qualifies me for the job I am seeking. I have read the above statement and understand that failure to provide sufficient detailed information may result in my application being rejected. I also understand that I may not submit a resume in lieu of filling out the job application or answering the Supplemental Questions. However, I may attach a resume to the application to provide additional information.

• Yes, I understand.

02

Do you possess a high school diploma or G.E.D. supplemented by specialized training or coursework such as relevant trade school in mechanical equipment maintenance and repair, or a related field?

• Yes
• No

03

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, briefly describe your specialized training or coursework such as relevant trade school in mechanical equipment maintenance and repair, or a related field. If you answered "No", write "N/A."

04

Which best describes the highest level of education you have completed?

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Some College, or Trade School Training
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• None of the Above

05

Do you possess five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience applying preventive and corrective mechanical maintenance skills on field equipment and/or automotive equipment, rebuild facilities, and collection systems?

• Yes
• No

06

If you answered "yes" to the previous question, please list the type of duties you have performed in your work experience. In your answer, please include the length of time you performed a particular duty, how many crew members were involved, what your individual role was, and in what type of facility the work took place. If you answered "No", please write "N/A"

07

Do you possess any formalized automotive/heavy equipment maintenance and repair training or education?

• Yes
• No

08

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, describe your formalized automotive/heavy equipment maintenance and repair training or education. If you answered "No", write "N/A."

09

Please list any relevant and valid certification(s) you possess and its expiration date (if applicable). If none, write "N/A."

10

Describe your knowledge of the operational characteristics and fleet support requirements of vehicles, heavy equipment, specialized equipment, and other mobile assets used in wastewater treatment plant and collections systems operations. If you do not have any knowledge of or experience with this, input "N/A".

11

Which of the following best describes your level of proficiency with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) and Job Plans?

• No Experience
• Beginner
• Intermediate
• Advanced

12

If you indicated on the previous question that you possess any level of experience, describe your experience with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) and Job Plans. If none, please write "N/A."

13

Describe your experience being directly responsible for providing leadership to junior level maintenance staff. If none, write "N/A."

14

Describe your experience performing inspection, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, diagnosis, and repair of combustion engines, fleet vehicles, heavy equipment, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, pumps, and specialized fleet equipment. If none, write "N/A".

15

Do you possess a valid California Class B Drivers License with air brakes and tanker endorsements?

• Yes
• No

16

Are you willing and able to obtain a valid California Class A Drivers License with air brakes and tanker endorsements within six (6) months of date of placement in position?

• Yes
• No
• I currently possess a valid California Class A Drivers License with air brakes and tanker endorsements

17

Are you willing and able to obtain a valid Class P endorsement within six (6) months of date of placement in position?

• Yes
• No
• I currently possess a valid Class P endorsement

18

Are you willing and able to obtain a valid hazardous materials endorsement within six (6) months of date of placement in position?

• Yes
• No
• I currently possess a valid hazardous materials endorsement

19

Are you willing and able to obtain a valid manual transmission endorsement within six (6) months of date of placement in position?

• Yes
• No
• I currently possess a valid manual transmission endorsement

20

Are you in possession of or do you have the ability to obtain a valid California Class C drivers license by time of appointment?

• Yes
• No

21

All OC San employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the OC San requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency. Click on the radio button below to acknowledge you understand these requirements.

• Yes, I understand.

Required Question

Employer Orange County Sanitation District