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Although the repair of automotive equipment is similar to the repair of heavy construction <br />equipment, a different set of skills are needed to maintain and repair heavy construction <br />equipment. For example: <br />• With both automotive and heavy equipment, the mechanic diagnoses the mechanical and <br />electrical component of a piece of equipment, but with heavy equipment the Mechanic must <br />be experienced in working with the hydraulic controls on each piece of equipment, including <br />hydraulic pumps. <br />• With heavy equipment, the mechanic must be familiar with multiple engines and <br />transmissions which must work in conjunction with each other; external drive systems; <br />specialized steering controls; specialized loading and unloading procedures with electronic <br />controls; and specialized propulsion systems, such as cleated and non-cleated tracks. <br />• The cost of heavy equipment parts is extremely high due to the extra weight and strength <br />that is needed to build them. Therefore, an error on replacement of a good part can cost <br />hundreds to thousands of dollars each. <br />• While repairing heavy equipment, the mechanic spends about 75 percent of time repairing <br />equipment outside in conditions that are unpleasant or hazardous due to the fact that heavy <br />equipment cannot be towed to a garage when it breaks down. <br />Personnel has completed the classification review. Based on the classification study, <br />Personnel is recommending that the; <br />• Existing vacant position be reclassified from Automotive Mechanic at Salary Grade 64 to a <br />new class of Heavy Equipment Mechanic I, still at Salary Grade 64 to recognize the fact that <br />the position is primarily responsible for the repair of heavy construction equipment. <br />Existing filled Automotive Mechanic position be reclassified from Automotive Mechanic at <br />Salary Grade 64 to Heavy Equipment Mechanic II, at Salary Grade 65 to recognize a higher <br />level of duties and responsibilities. That position oversees the maintenance and repair of all <br />equipment, including serving as Leadworker to the other Mechanic, as well as continuing to <br />provide guidance and training to Landfill Equipment Operators, and perform administrative, <br />purchasing and budgetary tasks. <br />FINANCIAL IMPACT: Funds to implement the results of the classification and pay study are <br />available within the approved budget for 2000-01. <br />RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board amend the Classification <br />and Pay Plan by: <br />Establishing the new class of Heavy Equipment Mechanic I at Salary Grade 64. <br />• Establishing the new class of Heavy Equipment Mechanic 11 at Salary Grade 65.