Highway Mechanic

Job Description

The Highway Mechanic performs skilled maintenance, service, and repair work on the Brown County Highway Department fleet. This includes vehicles, heavy-duty dump trucks, graders, construction equipment, small engines, and hand tools.

Mechanics may also be assigned to a Welder-Fabricator role, focusing on equipment assembly, trailer repair, and custom fabrication projects.

A strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, ventilation, and structural systems is essential.

Fleet and Equipment Maintenance
• Inspect, diagnose, and repair diesel and gas engines, transmissions, brake systems, suspensions, hydraulics, HVAC systems, and power steering.

• Perform preventative maintenance and scheduled services.

• Repair department vehicles including pickups, passenger vehicles, loaders, and construction equipment.

• Operate diagnostic tools and software to troubleshoot and resolve electronic/electrical system issues.

• Conduct road tests to verify repairs and operational safety.

• Make on-site service calls for field repairs.

Welding and Fabrication (As Assigned)
• Fabricate, build, construct, and assemble highway and winter specific work equipment.

• Perform welding, brazing, cutting, and structural repairs on trucks, trailers, and custom steel equipment.

• Service and repair trailer systems including wiring, hydraulics, and hitches.

• Retrofit vehicles with custom plumbed, wired, or fabricated components.

Lead Mechanic or Welder-Fabricator Duties (As Assigned)
• Serve as a working lead, guiding shop operations while actively participating in mechanical repairs or fabrication work.

• Support the Fleet Manager with scheduling, prioritization, and coordination of daily operations.

• Mentor junior mechanics on proper procedures, safety, and troubleshooting techniques.

• Maintain shop records and support inventory management for tools, parts, and consumables.

• Provide building and grounds support, including routine facility maintenance and infrastructure repair.

• Assist with developing and sustaining policies, work quality standards, and cost control initiatives.

Materials and Equipment Used
• Standard and specialty hand, air, and power tools

• Electronic diagnostic and testing tools

• Welding equipment (MIG, TIG, arc), drill press, lathe, milling machine

• Shear and brake press, band saw, iron worker

• Engine and fuel system diagnostic tools and A/C recovery and recharge systems

• Lubricants, parts cleaners, and fuels

• Operate hydraulic lifts, jacks, overhead crane, and other hydraulic and air operated lifting and rigging systems.

Education and Experience

• Graduate of an accredited technical college in auto or diesel mechanics.

• Minimum three (3) years of experience repairing and maintaining diesel engines and heavy equipment.

• Equivalent combinations of training and experience may be considered.

Licenses and Certifications

• Valid Wisconsin Class A CDL with tanker endorsement required within six (6) months of hire.

• Diesel mechanic or welding certification preferred.

• EPA Section 609 air conditioning certification a plus.

• In-depth knowledge of heavy-duty diesel engines, diagnostics, and repair practices.

• Familiarity with hydraulic systems, electrical systems, and emissions components.

• Strong welding and fabrication ability, including structural and custom equipment builds; as it applies.

• Skilled in using OEM diagnostic software (e.g., Cummins, CAT, Allison).

• Ability to interpret technical manuals, schematics, and repair specifications.

• Organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing priorities in a busy repair shop.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Willingness and ability to assist in snow removal operations.

Physical Demands
• Lift up to 75 lbs. (team lift) and frequently carry up to 40 lbs.

• Regular standing, walking, and sitting; occasional vehicle operation.

• Frequent bending, twisting, climbing, reaching, and squatting.

• Clear oral communication and sound recognition.

• Visual ability to distinguish detail at varied distances and lighting.

• Exposure to environmental and occupational hazards, including noise, vibration, fuel, oils, solvents, and temperature extremes.

Tool Requirements
• Must provide a personal complement of mechanic or fabricator professional-grade hand tools, including but not limited to:
¼" and ½" drive sockets, open-end and box wrenches, Allen/hex keys, screwdrivers, pliers, grips, and test meters.

• Tools must meet departmental standards and be inventoried for insurance purposes.

• Annual tool stipend of $1,000 available for upgrades and replacements. Unused funds do not carry over.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduate of an accredited technical college in auto or diesel mechanics. • Minimum three (3) years of experience repairing and maintaining diesel engines and heavy equipment. • Equivalent combinations of training and experience may be considered. Licenses and Certifications • Valid Wisconsin Class A CDL with tanker endorsement required within six (6) months of hire. • Diesel mechanic or welding certification preferred. • EPA Section 609 air conditioning certification a plus. • In-depth knowledge of heavy-duty diesel engines, diagnostics, and repair practices. • Familiarity with hydraulic systems, electrical systems, and emissions components. • Strong welding and fabrication ability, including structural and custom equipment builds; as it applies. • Skilled in using OEM diagnostic software (e.g., Cummins, CAT, Allison). • Ability to interpret technical manuals, schematics, and repair specifications. • Organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing priorities in a busy repair shop. • Effective written and verbal communication skills. • Ability to work independently and as part of a team. • Willingness and ability to assist in snow removal operations.