City of Onalaska is seeking to hire a full-time Mechanic/Maintenance Worker.  Under the supervision of the Public Works Lead Mechanic/Fleet Supervisor and Public Works Superintendent, an employee in this position splits time assisting with  the daily maintenance and repair of equipment and/or wheeled vehicles:  light and heavy trucks, gas and diesel engines, automobiles, grounds maintenance equipment, specialized equipment such as fire trucks, snow plow equipment, aerial lift, etc. and performing skilled, semi-skilled, and common labor work related to the repair, construction, fabrication and maintenance of City Infrastructure and other City owned facilities.  An employee in this position is also required to be in the on-call rotation and be available to respond to ‘on-call’ and weekend duties as assigned.

Essential Job Functions:                                                                 

  • Perform maintenance and repairs on all aspects of City heavy vehicle, light vehicle and equipment.
  • Maintain accurate records on all equipment including costs, specifications, and service records.
  • Analyzes operator complaints. Obtain description of symptoms and interpret problem or extent of the defect to determine repairs required. Use test equipment such as computerized electronic engine diagnostic programs, engine analyzer/scanner, compression tester, etc. to troubleshoot and analyze operating characteristics. Conduct road test to determine or duplicate symptoms when necessary.
  • Performs maintenance and repairs of all aspects of City Public Works infrastructure, operations and facilities.
  • Perform work duties with various crew members in a team environment or work independently as assigned.
  • Operate a wide variety of heavy equipment, including, but not limited to backhoe, street sweeper, end loader, motor grader, vibratory soil compactor, aerial bucket truck, single and tandem axle dump truck with snow removal package and patrol truck.
  • Performs field installation, routine maintenance and repair of City infrastructure.
  • Provides input and is involved in the preparation of reports, lists, and other documents that contribute to the operation and maintenance of the City’s infrastructure.
  • Perform snow and ice control and removal procedures, including plowing, sanding, spreading deicing chemicals, loading trucks, hauling snow, shoveling sidewalks, or maintenance of snow removal equipment; including the operation of large equipment for prolonged periods of time at various hours of the day. Snow removal operations may be scheduled or on an emergency call in basis.
  • Performs other duties as required or assigned.

Job Requirements:  Graduate of a trade, vocational or military automotive or equipment repair training program or completion of an approved apprentice program.   Knowledge of such areas as ignition, carburetion, fuel systems, electrical, hydraulics, lubrication, chassis, suspension, brakes, drive train, cab and body, and transmission of gas and diesel-powered vehicles and equipment is required. A minimum of one (1) to two (2) years of experience as an automotive mechanic.  Heavy equipment diesel mechanic experience a plus (but not required).  Position is subject to 24-hour callout as needed.  Valid driver’s license with a good driving record.  Possess or ability to obtain within six months of initial hire Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class A endorsement with tanker certification.

Compensation and Benefits:  Wage range for this non-exempt position is $25.70 to $33.71 hourly with a starting rate up to $30.24 per hour, depending on qualifications.

The City offers comprehensive benefits to include health and dental insurance effective the 1st of the month following 60 days of employment.  For health insurance, the most affordable area plan is the GHC Plan with premiums at $173.48 per month for a single plan or $427.11 per month for a family plan. There is no deductible or co-insurance amount for the health insurance plan.  Dental insurance is through Delta Dental and premiums are paid 100% by the City.  The position qualifies for automatic enrollment in the Wisconsin Retirement System pension plan providing a lifetime payment once vested and upon eligible retirement.  Additionally, the City offers a number of voluntary benefits such as flexible spending, life insurance, short-term/long-term disability, deferred compensation, critical illness, cancer and accident insurance, paid sick leave, holidays, vacation and access to an employee assistance program (EAP).  The City of Onalaska is a qualifying employer under the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Federal Program.

To Apply:  To be considered for this excellent opportunity, submit an online employment application by accessing https://cityofonalaska.com/jobs.  Applications accepted until September 25, 2023.  For complete job description or further details please contact:

City of Onalaska Human Resources – City Hall (1st Floor)
415 Main Street, Onalaska WI  54650
Phone:  608-781-9530 ext. 260
Fax: 608-781-9504
Email:  afrandsen@onalaskawi.gov

Additional information:  Selected candidate subject to background check and pre-employment/post-offer drug screen and physical.  Subject to DOT random drug and alcohol screening. EOE/Drug Free Workplace.