Golf Course Mechanic

The City of Kent is currently accepting applications for the position of Golf Course Mechanic in our Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department. The incumbent in this position is responsible for performing skilled mechanical repair and maintenance work required to maintain the Riverbend Golf Complex fleet of vehicles, mowers, construction equipment, gas-powered and electrical carts, and range picker. The ideal candidate will have at least three (3) years of experience as a journey-level mechanic. It is critical that the person in this position be skilled in the safe operation of machines and tools to maintain and repair a variety of vehicles and equipment used in the construction and maintenance of grounds, landscaping, structures and parks.  If you have the skills and experience necessary to successfully perform vehicle inspections, maintenance and repair, this position may be perfect for you.

There is one full-time, benefited position represented by the Teamsters union that we are looking to fill at this time.  Applications will be accepted through Friday, December 1st.

**Please note that you must attach your cover letter and resume to your application in order for your application to be considered complete.  Uploading your resume to auto-fill portions of the application does not substitute for attaching it to your application.  Incomplete applications will not be considered for this position.  If you experience technical difficulties, please contact our office Monday-Friday, between 8:00 AM- 5:00 PM at (253) 856-5270 and we will do our best to assist you.**

The selection process for this position will consist of panel interviews.

SALARY:

$6,753-8,224/month, depending on qualifications.

For a listing of benefits, please use the following link: Employee Benefits | City of Kent (kentwa.gov)

Additional information may also be found in the Teamsters contract, which you can access at Human Resources | City of Kent (kentwa.gov)

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Under the direction of the Golf Course Manager, or designee, incumbent performs skilled mechanical repair and maintenance work required to maintain Riverbend Golf Complex’s fleet of vehicles, mowers, construction equipment, gas powered carts, electrical carts and range picker.

Work is characterized by a substantial volume of skilled tasks in the maintenance and repair of all Riverbend’s motorized equipment including specialized machines; using electronic testing equipment and hand and power tools are required.

Work is performed under limited supervision. The supervisor defines objectives, priorities, and deadlines; and assists incumbent with unusual situations, which do not have clear objectives or precedents. The incumbent plans and carries out assignments and handles problems and deviations in accordance with instructions, policies, procedures, and/or accepted practices. Work is evaluated for technical soundness and conformity to best practice, regulations, code and policy.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain, diagnose and repair gasoline, electric and diesel-powered grounds maintenance equipment; perform major repair of two- and four-cycle engines on mowers, tractors and loaders.

• Perform maintenance on a fleet of gas or electric powered golf carts and/or work with external maintenance providers, where applicable.

• Maintain, repair and rebuild air-cooled engines, hydrostatic drive trains, hydraulic pump units and carburetors.  

• Repair and adjust engines, transmissions, high-pressure pumps and compressors, valves, differentials, clutches, rear ends and power take-offs.

• Develop and implement a preventative maintenance program to include full engine tune-ups and tire replacement for maintenance trucks, all grounds equipment, and a fleet of powered golf carts; bed knife and reel sharpeners, grinders, driving range ball dispenser, and ball washer.

• Perform maintenance on reel and rotary deck mowers; to include rebuilding rollers, cutting units and bed knife replacement.

• Perform sharpening on reel and bed knives for greens and fairway mowers.

• Perform maintenance and repairs on turf aerators, core harvesters, vehicle chemical spray tanks and calibration.

• Adjust and reline brakes; maintain, rebuild and replace air and hydraulic brake system components; perform front end alignment and repair; change and balance tires; lube, change oil, filters and refuel vehicles and golf course maintenance equipment.

• Repair and replace alternators, voltage regulators, batteries and electrical wiring.

• Perform maintenance and repairs on range ball dispenser, ball washer and range ball picker.

• Perform maintenance, repair and adjustments to mechanical and electrical attachments to power grounds equipment; troubleshoot, identify and repair electrical malfunctions of grounds equipment and attachments.

• Order parts and supplies and maintain inventory; maintain repair shop in a clean, safe and orderly condition.

• Operate a variety of grounds maintenance tools and equipment including power and hand tools, reel and bed knife sharpeners, hydraulic press, drills, grinders, compressor, mowers, gauges, meters, impact tools and a variety of golf course equipment; operate heavy grounds equipment as needed including a tractor, gang mower and loaders.

• Maintain routine records related to equipment maintenance and repair activities, inventory levels, parts used and cost and condition of equipment.

• Perform general maintenance on electric chargers/ charging cords for electric carts.

• Perform general maintenance on fuel tank on premises inclusive of fuel levels, re-ordering of fuel and maintenance of pump.

• Perform electrical and acetylene welding, brazing, soldering and fabrication on tools, equipment and structures when needed.

• Assist grounds maintenance personnel with a variety of grounds maintenance duties including mowing, spraying and application of chemicals, raking and digging.

• Contribute to an environment of teamwork and respect.

• Foster a culture of equity and inclusion by recognizing the diverse needs and perspectives of groups and individuals.

• Remain current with relevant technological advancements as it relates to field.

• Play the golf course and perform regular inspections and evaluations and adjust routine/preventative maintenance and/or equipment standards, use, quality, where applicable.

• Assist the grounds maintenance personnel with all aeriation processes during spring and fall months.

• Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Attend shop and safety meetings as required.

• Perform related duties as assigned.

SUCCESSFUL INCUMBENTS FOR THIS POSITION WILL:

HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Standard practices and techniques for maintenance and repair of our fleet of vehicles, mowers, construction equipment, gas powered carts, electrical carts and range pickers.

• Principles of gasoline and diesel engines.

• Hazards and applicable safety precautions entailed in work activities

• Hydraulic and electrical systems    

• Operation of heavy equipment

• Electrical and wiring systems

• New technology and service requirements

• Occupational hazards and safety precautions of a mechanic’s shop

• Methods, tools, equipment, and materials used in fleet management and repair

• Vehicle/equipment preventative maintenance

• Personal computers, mobile technology devices and job related apps, systems and programs

• Basic record-keeping methods

• Basic principles and practices of training and supervision

BE SKILLED IN:

• Safe operation of machines, tools, and equipment used in construction and maintenance of grounds, landscaping, structures, and parks.

• Effective organization and expression of ideas using oral and written communications.

• Effective use of interpersonal skills in a tactful, patient, and courteous manner

• Correct usage of English, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary as it pertains to the job.

HAVE THE ABILITY TO:

• Perform heavy manual labor for extensive periods of time and during inclement weather conditions.

• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.

• Understand and accurately complete required paperwork.

• Train and direct the work of assigned staff and/or volunteer and community groups effectively to safely complete work projects as assigned; supervise and work simultaneously

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other City employees and the public

• Operate the machines, tools and equipment necessary to perform the duties of the position.

• Work independently with minimum supervision

• Properly control chemical pesticides and spraying equipment

• Learn and utilize procedures and practices necessary to complete tasks

• Work irregular work hours including evenings and weekends as required

• Meet schedules and timelines

• Write simple correspondence and routine reports

• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide; compute percentages volume, area, and circumference; and draw and interpret graphs and sketches

• Apply common sense understanding to interpret and carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, sketch, or schedule form

• Solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.

SKILLS FOR THE POSITION MAY BE GAINED THROUGH EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, RELEVANT JOB EXPERIENCE or a COMBINATION, SUCH AS:

Education:  High school diploma, general education degree (GED), or equivalent, supplemented by one (1) year of post high school training, vocational training, or trade school training in grounds, landscaping, recreation, or parks maintenance;

and

Experience: Three (3) years of experience as a journey level mechanic with knowledge and experience with a diversified fleet of heave gasoline and diesel equipment and vehicles along with gas and electric power carts and the use of state-of- the art testing and OEM service and repair equipment.

LICENSES AND OTHER INFORMATION:

• Valid Washington State Driver's License, or the ability to obtain within thirty (30) days of employment.

• Valid Washington Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class B with air brake, tanker, and hazardous materials endorsement, or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment.

• Valid First Aid/CPR Card, or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment*

• Must successfully pass the City's pre-employment driver's records check; successfully complete the City's Defensive Driving Course; and maintain an excellent driving record.

• Must successfully pass the City's pre-employment substance abuse screening.

• Must successfully pass a position specific background inquiry.

Preferred:    Valid Washington State Public Pesticide Operator's license including Law and Safety; Herbicide; and Insecticide, or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment.

MACHINES, TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Standard and specialized hand and power machines, tools and equipment used in mechanical repair and maintenance of the vehicles and equipment.