Vehicle & Equipment Technician III (Public Works)

Vehicle & Equipment Technician III (Public Works)

Salary

$55,764.80 - $71,427.20 Annually

Location

Public Works Administration, 305 4th Street Northwest, Charlottesville (22903), VA

Job Type

Regular Full-Time

Job Number

260500010

Department

Public Works Department

Division

Fleet Maintenance Operations

Opening Date

05/13/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

Bargaining Unit

N/A

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

General Summary

The Public Works Vehicle & Equipment Technician III performs highly skilled, advanced, and complex technical work in the inspection, maintenance, and repair of diesel-powered heavy construction equipment, automotive equipment, City vehicles, school buses and/or other related equipment. Serves as a senior technician, mentoring lower-level technicians and providing instruction/advice. The work is performed under general supervision and reports to the Fleet Maintenance Supervisor.

The preferred hiring amount for this position is between $26.81 - $34.34 an hour ($55,764.80 - $71,427.20 Annually). Starting offer is based on applicable education, experience, and internal equity. This full-time, non-exempt position that offers a comprehensive benefits package, including 13 paid holidays plus one floating holiday, vacation and sick leave, health insurance with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, gym membership reimbursement, tuition assistance, and professional development opportunities. This position is also eligible for the following benefits:

• Choice of retirement plan:

• Defined Benefit Pension Plan: Provides a monthly benefit upon retirement, calculated using a defined formula based on earnings history, years of service, and age. The plan includes a 5-year vesting period and requires an employee contribution of 5% of salary.

• Defined Contribution 401a Plan: Employer makes fixed contributions to an individual account, which are invested, and returns are credited to the account. The account balance is used to provide retirement benefits. Vesting occurs at 33% after one year, 67% after two years, and 100% after three years of service. No salary contribution is required.

• Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

• Eligibility to purchase prior service credit under the Defined Benefit Plan

The City of Charlottesville manages its own retirement system and does not participate in VRS; however, a Portability Agreement is available for eligible employees. For additional details, please refer to the Benefits tab within this posting or visit the Citys Employee Benefits webpage.

As of March 28, 2024, this position is part of the Labor and Trades bargaining unit, as defined by the Citys Collective Bargaining Ordinance (Ordinance No. 22-128). in accordance with the Labor and Trades Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) effective July 1, 2025. Future wage adjustments are subject to terms and conditions of the collective bargaining agreement between the City and the exclusive bargaining representative.

Note: This job opportunity is advertised with a closing date of "Continuous." If interested in being considered, an application should be submitted as soon as possible. Applications may no longer be considered once a reasonable number of applications has been received or once a candidate to fill the position is identified. Applications may be evaluated on a continuous basis and interviews may be conducted as soon as possible during the recruitment with candidates who are best qualified. This job announcement may close at any time after 7 calendar days.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The essential functions of the job are not limited to those listed in the job description. The City retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

• Performs difficult diagnoses, complex adjustments, and advanced repairs, overhauls, and services on heavy diesel-powered construction equipment, automotive equipment, City vehicles, school buses (public works), and/or related machinery.
• Removes, breaks down, and rebuilds components and assemblies, such as engines, multi-speed transmissions, electrical systems, air conditioning systems, hydraulic systems, and power trains.
• Performs repairs and scheduled preventative maintenance, including changing oil, checking fluid levels, cleaning and lubricating parts, and rotating tires.
• Operates shop equipment, machinery, precision instruments, specialized tools, and devices.
• Operates a City vehicle in the performance of the job duties, including test driving vehicles.
• Inspects vehicles for compliance with safety and emission control standards.
• Reads and interprets diagnostic test results to identify mechanical problems.
• Reviews appropriate checklists to ensure that all critical parts are examined.
• Identifies parts and develops procedures for corrective procedures.
• Meets with manufacturer and service representatives to discuss technical vehicle and equipment problems and ensures vehicles and systems are in accordance with contract specifications.
• Collaborates and/or recommends maintenance or repair processes and procedures for vehicles and equipment.
• Recommends when a major component or assembly is to be repaired, rebuilt, or discarded.
• Reads and interprets technical manuals and service/recall bulletins, investigates, and prepares service bulletins for fleet defect reports and may conduct associated training.
• Inspects and monitors work areas, examines tools and shop equipment and may assist in safety training to prevent, detect, and correct unsafe conditions or violations of procedures and safety rules.
• Maintains and follows appropriate procedures for recording data and notes within the departments work order system regarding inspections, test results, work performed, and parts used.
• Provides technical advice and assistance on difficult and complex work.
• May mentor, assist, and provide technical instruction to other technicians in diagnosing, tool use, and repair work.
• Follows safety instructions and attends appropriate safety training.
• Maintains the cleanliness and order of garage shop space, tire bay, and fuel stations.
• Inspects and maintains fuel stations including performing repairs and preventative maintenance as needed.
• Responds to road calls and emergency road repairs/tire repairs.
• May serve as lead in supervisors absence.
• Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools, and other resources, including work time.
• Regular and reliable attendance.
• Subject to being called back to work to the City in emergencies, to include inclement weather and or special events, or as needed to provide necessary services to the public. Must have the ability to be contacted and respond based on Departmental guidelines.

Other Duties

• Performs additional duties to support operational requirements as apparent or assigned.

Education, Experience and Skills

Education and Experience: Candidates may qualify by demonstrating the required knowledge and skills outline for the job through experience(s) other than formal education.

• Technical or trade school in automotive maintenance AND three (3) years of work experience in complex problem diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of a wide variety of light, medium, heavy, and automotive/specialized equipment.

OR

• High school diploma or GED AND five (5) years of work experience in complex problem diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of a wide variety of light, medium, heavy, and automotive/specialized equipment.

OR

• Seven (7) years of work experience in complex problem diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of a wide variety of light, medium, heavy, and automotive/specialized equipment.

OR

• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above.

Preferred:

• ASE certification(s) in Medium/Heavy Truck and or School Bus preferred.

Certifications/Licenses/Other Requirements:

• Required to successfully pass a pre-employment background check, pre-employment drug screen (Virginia Department of Transportation), pre-employment physical, and a pre-employment DMV driving record review.
• Must possess a valid drivers license and class B commercial drivers license (CDL) issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia or obtain one within six (6) months of employment start date; and maintain and acceptable driving record according to City criteria.
• Must be able to obtain a Virginia State Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection License from the MVIP (Motor Vehicle Inspection Program) within 6 months of hire.
• Subject to DOT drug and alcohol testing regulations.
• Required to provide basic tools to perform the job duties, as determined by the department.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS:

Job Knowledge

• Thorough knowledge of laws and regulations governing the condition of vehicles and equipment, environmental laws governing refrigerant use.
• Advanced knowledge of the occupational hazards, safety requirements, methods, tools, and equipment, including electronic diagnostic equipment, used in the diagnoses and repair of complex mechanical issues of diesel-powered heavy construction equipment, automotive equipment, City vehicles, school buses (public works), and other related equipment.
• Advanced knowledge and skill in the use and operation of shop tools and machinery, such as drills, presses, welding torches and cutting tools, grinders, brake lathe, and so forth in the repair and maintenance of medium/heavy truck, diesel, and industrial equipment.
• Thorough knowledge of the use and operations of related software programs specific to the duties of the position.

Reading

• Intermediate: read and understand written materials such as technical instructions and documents, newspapers, technical journals, multi-step instruction manuals, and reference materials.

Writing

• Basic: write simple letters, paragraphs and sentences containing subject, verb, and object, and/or series of numbers, names, and addresses, for the purpose of documentation and record-keeping related to routine and preventative maintenance.

Math

• Intermediate: Ability to deal with number systems; simple formulas, practical application of fractions, percentages, ratios/proportions, and measurements related to the preparation of repair estimates, calibrating complex vehicle systems, and other related tasks.

Communication Skills

• Intermediate: provides and receives complex information. May include interactions that involve stressful, negative situations requiring high levels of tact and the ability to diffuse aggressive behavior and reach consensus. Elements of persuasion may be necessary to gain cooperation and understanding. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with City staff, leaders, and the public.

Independence and Decision-Making

• Requires Limited Direction: Normally completes work according to their own judgement, requesting supervisory assistance occasionally. Special projects are managed with little oversight and assignments may be reviewed upon completion. Performance is reviewed periodically.

Technical Skills

• Skilled: Comprehensive, practical knowledge of a technical field with use of analytical judgement and decision-making abilities appropriate to the assigned and apparent job responsibilities. Examples include using and instructing others in using hand and power tools and equipment associated with the diagnosis, adjustment, repair, and maintenance of vehicles and equipment.
• Utilizes related software programs to complete job responsibilities.

Fiscal Responsibilities

• No budgetary/fiscal responsibilities.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• No responsibility for the supervision of others. Performs essentially the same work as those directed. May include guiding, quality control, assist in the training, and instructing of others.

Other Characteristics

• Time pressures.
• Performs tedious or exacting work.
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
• Establishes rapport with co-workers and others.
• Takes responsibility for finding answers to questions and responding appropriately.
• Works closely with others as part of a team.
• Performs multiple tasks simultaneously.
• May perform work with interruptions and requests for service.
• May require additional hours outside of normal schedule, which may include weeknights, weekends, holidays, and/or weather-related emergency on-call time periods.
• May require a non-traditional work schedule.
• May require dealing with angry, frustrated and/or upset individuals.

Physical Conditions & Additional Information

Physical Demands:

• Very Heavy Work: Exerts more than up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Work requires climbing (ascending/descending steps), lifting, balancing, bending, stooping, crawling, crouching, standing, walking, reaching, pushing/pulling, twisting, and grasping. Requires adequate vision, hearing, and talking.
• Must be able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in situations involving position duties.
• Ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Machines, Tools, Equipment, Software and Hardware:

• Work also typically requires use of standard office equipment and telephone, and related industry-specific software.
• Specialized equipment used for shoring, lifting of vehicles, computer diagnosis equipment, welding, cutting torches, hand tools and other tools of the trade.
• Computer equipment for entering data on parts, repairs, and vehicle records.
• Work may require the use of plans and drawings, and the use of blueprints/design plans.
• Responsible for the vehicle(s)/equipment assigned.

Work Environment:

• The employee is expected to use appropriate protective equipment for the assigned task and any other equipment as apparent or assigned.
• Work is typically performed inside, in a shop/garage environment.
• Work is subject to both inside and outside environmental conditions, loud noise, vibration, atmospheric conditions, and roadway safety hazards.
• The position works:
• Near moving mechanical parts.
• In and around fumes, gases/gas leaks, and/or airborne particles.
• In and around toxic chemicals and/or blood-borne pathogens.
• In areas where there is vibration and/or electrical currents.
• High and/or precarious places.
• In and around traffic/roadways.
• In confined spaces.
• In extreme temperatures and/or inadequate lighting.
• With acidic or harsh substances.
• With allergens and fuels.

The City of Charlottesville is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports workforce diversity at all levels of the organization. The City prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. The City is dedicated to this with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs, and general treatment during employment.

Requests for reasonable accommodation by individuals with disabilities may be requested by contacting Human Resources at (434) 970-3490 or hr@charlottesville.gov.

The City of Charlottesville conducts job related background checks, reference checks, and pre-employment drug tests, in accordance with federal, state, and local law, of applicants who reach the final stages of the employment selection process. The Citys policy has not changed because of the decriminalization of marijuana in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Marijuana remains an illegal drug under federal law, and it continues to be a violation of the US Department of Transportation regulations and the Citys policy prohibiting employees from testing positive for marijuana.

SUMMARY OF EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Updated February 9, 2026

Benefits cited represent those for regular 40-hour employees and may differ for Management Level, Part-Time, and/or Library positions. Long-term temporary employees are eligible for all benefits except retirement. Interns, temporary, seasonal, substitute, and relief employees are not eligible for benefits.

1. LEAVE:

Vacation: Need some time off? Use it, you earned it:

Years Worked

0 - <3

3 - <5

5 - <10

10 - <15

15 - <20

20 - <25

25+

Hours Accrued Biweekly

3.09

3.85

4.62

5.4

6.16

6.93

7.7

Sick: Under the weather? Earn 4.62 hours biweekly, approximately 120 hours a year, with no limit on accumulation to be used to care for yourself and qualifying family members.

Holidays: Enjoy 13 paid holidays per year. Including 1 Floating Holiday, which must be taken during the Fiscal Year (July 1 - June 30):

OBSERVED CITY HOLIDAYS

New Years Day

Dr. Martin Luther King Day

Presidents Day

Liberation & Freedom Day

Memorial Day

Juneteenth Day

Independence Day

Labor Day

Veterans Day

Thanksgiving Day

Friday after Thanksgiving

Christmas Eve

Christmas Day

1 Floating Holiday

Volunteer Leave: Paid leave for participating in an authorized event as a volunteer, subject to Section 9-3, Code of Ethics & Conflicts of Interest. Regular full-time employees receive up to 8 hours and all regular part-time employees are eligible to receive pro-rated leave each available each calendar year.

2. INSURANCE:

Aetna Medical Plans: Coverage is effective on the first of the month following date of hire.

• Choose from two options:

• Select HMO with City-funded HRA ($0 premium for employee-only coverage)

• Choice POS ($13.02 biweekly premium for employee-only coverage)

• Prescription Card: ($10 generic, $30 lower cost name brand,$55 higher cost name brand, 20% up to $150 for specialty drugs)

• Mail Order Maintenance Prescription Drug Program ($20 generic, $60lower cost name brand, $110 higher cost brand) not available for specialty drugs)

Delta Dental Plan:

• Diagnostic and Preventative100% of allowable charge; Basic Dental Care-80%; Major Dental Care- 50%
• Primary - $50 deductible, 80/20; Prosthetic and Complex Restorative -$50, 50/50
• $1,500 Annual benefit maximum
• $1,000 Orthodontic benefit (children to age 19)

MetLife Vision Plan: (Optional)

• $2.50 premium paid bi-weekly for employee-only coverage. Dependent care coverage also available.
• Eye health exam, dilatation, prescription and refraction of glasses covered after $10 co-pay
• $130 allowance for frames, after co-pay, plus additional discounts where accepted.

Life Insurance: In the event of your death, your beneficiary will receive twice your annual salary. Supplementary policies for you and your dependents are available.

Long-Term Disability: Upon approval for along-term illness or injury, you can receive up to 60% of your earnings after a 90-day wait period.

Voluntary Benefits: Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity insurance; Short-Term Disability; Identity Theft Protection

3. RETIREMENT:

Pension:

• Choose from two (2) options:

• A Defined Benefit Pension plan pays a monthly benefit in retirement using a defined formula based on the employees earnings history, tenure of service, and age. Our plan has a 5-year vesting period and an employee contribution of 5% of salary.

• A Defined Contribution 401a plan in which fixed contributions are paid into an individuals account by the employer, the contributions are invested, returns (positive or negative) are credited to the account, and the account balance is used to provide retirement benefits. The vesting schedule for our 401a plan is 33% after one year of service, 67% after two years of service, and 100% vesting after three years of service. There is no required contribution from salary. (Note: the Defined Contribution retirement plan is the only plan available for Library employees).

Supplement: Deferred Compensation 457 available for you to invest your own money for additional retirement savings.

4. VOLUNTARY:

Wellness:

• Gym Membership Reimbursement Program (up to $34.00 per month)

• Bicycle Commuter Program: Reimbursement up to $20 per month for reasonable bicycle commuting expenses

• Online wellness resources and Lunch-and-Learn Sessions

Employee Assistance Program:

• A variety of confidential, personal professional services for you and your family available 24 hours a day.

Tuition Reimbursement:

• Up to $1,500 for job-related certificates, trade programs, undergraduate coursework or up to $3,000 for graduate level courses per fiscal year for career-related courses.

Flexible Spending Accounts:

• Expense accounts available for healthcare, dependent care and parking/mass transit.

01

Please indicate your level of work experience in complex problem diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of a wide variety of light, medium, heavy, and automotive/specialized equipment: (Must be verifiable in reference to the Work History section of your online application.)

• No experience related to this position.
• Less than three (3) years.
• Three (3) to less than five (5) years.
• Five (5) to less than seven (7) years.
• Seven (7) years or greater.

02

Briefly describe your experience in complex problem diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of a wide variety of light, medium, heavy, and automotive/specialized equipment. If no experience, please write None.

03

Please indicate your highest level of education below: (Must be verifiable in reference to the Education History section on your online application.)

• Graduation from a Technical or Trade School in Automotive Maintenance.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• None of the above.

04

Do you have, OR are you able to obtain, a valid Class B Commercial Drivers License (CDL) within 6 months, if hired?

• Yes; I currently possess a valid Class B CDL.
• Yes; I can obtain a Class B CDL within 6 months, if hired.
• No; I cannot obtain a Class B CDL within 6 months, if hired.

05

This position requires driving to perform essential job duties and requires a valid drivers license. The candidate selected for this position must meet the driver eligibility requirements of the City and must provide a certified copy of their DMV driving record. Do you possess a valid drivers license and are you willing to provide a certified copy of your DMV driving record, if selected as a finalist, for the City to confirm your driving eligibility?

• Yes; I possess a valid drivers license and am willing to provide a certified copy of my DMV driving record.
• No; However, I am willing and able to obtain a valid drivers license and am willing to provide a certified copy of my DMV driving record.
• No; I do not have a valid drivers license, nor am I willing or able to obtain one, and/or am not willing to provide a certified copy of my DMV driving record.

06

To be considered, qualifying education and experience, including City of Charlottesville employment, must be clearly documented in the education, work history, and additional information sections of the employment application. Resumes can be attached but should not be used as a substitute for the required information on the application. I understand that an attached resume may not be accepted in place of a completed employment application and that my qualifications should be stated on the employment application itself.

• Yes
• No

07

I certify that the information above is true and correct, and I certify that it can be verified with reference to the information in my basic application. I understand that my application may be rejected if the responses to supplemental questions do not match my basic application.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Charlottesville

Address P. O. Box 911

605 East Main Street

Charlottesville, Virginia, 22902

Phone (434) 970-3490

Website http://www.charlottesville.gov/jobs