Lead Fleet Mechanic

Skagit County

Skagit County

Burlington, WA, USA

USD 36.65-39.28 / hour

Posted on May 7, 2026

Summary

Performs journey-level diagnosis, maintenance, repair, fabrication, and overhaul of light and heavy-duty vehicles, marine equipment, and specialized machinery used in County operations. Serves as a working lead by assisting in the coordination of daily shop activities, prioritizing work assignments in collaboration with supervisory staff, and providing technical guidance to mechanics.

The Fleet Mechanic Lead works alongside other mechanics in the performance of repair and maintenance work while helping ensure efficient workflow, safety compliance, and adherence to maintenance standards. This position may provide work direction related to task coordination and work prioritization.

Salary upon hire is step 1 through 3 ($36.65/hr. - $39.28/hr.) dependent on qualifications.
Progressive increases are based on years of service with Skagit County, up to 8 total steps (top step $46.64/hr.). The Lead Fleet Mechanic is range 16 of the AFSCME Public Works salary schedule.

Essential Functions

Performs the full range of journey-level Fleet Mechanic III duties, including but not limited to:

  • Diagnoses, repairs, rebuilds, and maintains County vehicles, heavy equipment, marine equipment, and related systems.
  • Performs preventive maintenance on light vehicles, heavy equipment, and specialty machinery.
  • Diagnoses and repairs electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, air brake, transmission, and mechanical systems.
  • Performs engine repairs, overhauls, and replacements for gasoline and diesel engines.
  • Repairs and maintains brake systems including air and hydraulic components.
  • Repairs hydraulic systems including pumps, valves, hoses, and cylinders.
  • Performs welding and fabrication using arc and oxy-acetylene equipment.
  • Repairs and maintains automotive electrical systems including starting, charging, and lighting systems.
  • Installs, removes, and maintains seasonal equipment such as snowplows, sanders, and attachments.
  • Performs field and shop troubleshooting and emergency repairs as needed.
  • Completes maintenance documentation, work orders, and service records accurately and timely.
  • Ensures tools, equipment, and shop areas are maintained in safe working condition.

In addition to journey-level duties, the Fleet Mechanic Lead performs the following:

  • Plans, organizes, coordinates, and assists in prioritizing daily work assignments for Fleet maintenance staff in collaboration with Division Manager.
  • Provides technical guidance, training support, and assistance to mechanics and related staff.
  • Assists in coordinating workflow to ensure efficient shop operations and timely completion of maintenance and repair work.
  • Serves as a technical resource for complex diagnostics and repair issues.
  • Reviews work in progress for technical accuracy, completeness, and adherence to established standards.
  • Communicates work progress, equipment status, and operational issues to supervisory staff.
  • Assists in identifying training needs and supports on-the-job training and skill development.
  • Maintains equipment maintenance records, service logs, and work order systems.
  • Assists in tracking preventive maintenance schedules and service intervals.
  • Identifies and reports safety hazards, equipment deficiencies, or operational concerns.
  • Supports compliance with shop safety procedures and County policies.

SUPERVISORY:

As a lead this position is responsible for managing the daily work of employees but does not have authority for evaluation, discipline, hiring and firing of those employees.

May be assigned to fill in for Division Manager when absent.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

May be tasked with performing related duties. Related duties as required are duties that may not be specifically listed in the position description, but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee’s classification of work.

Minimum Qualifications

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

  • Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in automotive, heavy equipment, marine, or industrial mechanical repair at the journey level.

REQUIRES KNOWLEDGE OF:

  • Principles of operation of gas and diesel engines, electrical, hydraulic, air, brake, and transmission systems.
  • Welding and fabrication techniques and equipment.
  • Preventive maintenance systems and practices.
  • Hazards and safety precautions required in the mechanical trades.
  • Operation of a variety of hand and power tools used in automotive maintenance work.

REQUIRES THE ABILITY TO:

  • Perform complex mechanical diagnostics and repairs independently.
  • Fabricate and modify equipment and components.
  • Organize and prioritize work in a shop environment.
  • Provide technical guidance
  • Communicate effectively with staff and supervisors.
  • Maintain accurate records and documentation.
  • Work safely in shop and field environments under varying conditions.

LICENSES and/or CERTIFICATIONS:

  • Valid Washington State driver's license. CDL Class B endorsement desirable, but not required.
  • Must be able to obtain a valid First Aid and CPR certification within six (6) months of employment.
  • Must be able to obtain Brake Inspector certification within one (1) year of employment.
  • Must be able to obtain Forklift Certification within one (1) year of employment.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work is performed in the shop or outdoors in varying weather conditions, with exposure to hazard materials, heat, cold, noise, dust, dirt, and fumes. Physical hazards from equipment may be present.

Extended hours (nights and weekends) may be required to complete emergency repairs.

Different work shifts may be required (example: Monday – Thursday, 12:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.)

Work requires standing, bending, crawling, climbing, lifting up to 75 pounds, and sufficient manual dexterity and strength to operate tools and equipment.

HAZARDS:

Work is performed in the shop or outdoors in varying weather conditions, with exposure to hazard materials, heat, cold, noise, dust, dirt, and fumes. Physical hazards from equipment may be present.

Supplemental Information

SELECTION PROCESS:

Following review of applications and resumes, the highest qualified applicants will be interviewed and may be tested. After a selection is made, all applicants not selected will be notified in writing. Skagit County reserves the right to use applications received for this posting to fill any other positions within this classification which may open within six months following the closing of this position.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Skagit County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. It is the policy of Skagit County to follow all federal and state laws to ensure non-discrimination in its employment practices. American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Notice: Individuals, who need an ADA accommodation to complete the application, test or interview process, please call: (360) 416-1382.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.