Working Foreperson Apparatus Repair (Mechanic), IAFF 863 ONLY

Job Description

SUMMARY: This is a working supervisor, responsible for the operation of the Fire Maintenance Facility. The supervisor directs the repair and maintenance of all fire apparatus, makes assignments to subordinates, gives technical advice and assistance when needed, checks all major repairs prior to apparatus' leaving shop facilities, and maintains an ongoing preventive maintenance program, The incumbent is subject to emergency call for major accidents or breakdown of equipment. The incumbent receives general supervision from the Fire Chief.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Diagnoses problems on fire apparatus in both the mechanical and fire operation of the vehivle
• Assigns work to Fire Equipment Mechanics
• Supervises major and minor repairs to all fire apparatus so as to ensure proper operation and advises and assists subordinates to provide technical guidance on more complex problems
• Determines cost effectiveness and makes recommendations regarding replacement vs. repair of parts and/or equipment and medic vehicles
• Assists in preparing specification for and in ordering fire suppression equipment
• Responds to emergency situations involving equipment, to include major accidents or breakdowns
• Keeps records and maintain files on all apparatus
• Works with Training Bureau personnel on acceptance an service tests of fire apparatus
• Performs road tests on vehicles in order to assure proper operating levels
• Conforms to applicable SOP's and policies
• Maybe required to work overtime and be on call
• Regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work hours is essential
• Performs related work as assigned

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Extensive knowledge of the construction, assembly, adjustment, and maintenance of fire apparatus, including all pumpers, aerial ladders, platforms, field and brush units, tankers, and other support units.
• Extensive knowledge of the operation and repair on internal combustion engines (gasoline and diesel), chassis parts and related parts and items such as pumps.
• Considerable knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the trade.
• Ability to diagnose defects of automotive equipment and to remedy defects, to include the use related technologies.
• Ability to make estimates of costs, materials, and time; ability to keep records and evaluation reports.
• Ability to effectively supervise, strong communication skills and good judgment.
• Physical condition that permits such activities as heavy lifting, bending, twisting, reaching, kneeling such as retrieving and replacing materials, supplies and inventory or when performing preventative maintenance and repair of vehicles and heavy equipment; driving and occasional work under adverse temperatures and/or weather conditions.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or GED and 2+ years of mechanical repair and maintenance work or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must obtain Class B CDL Driver's License within 6 months of hire date.
• ASE Mechanic Certification preferred.
• Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) preferred.

EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS UTILIZED:

• Operates various emergency vehicles and equipment on an as-needed basis (for testing purposes).
• Operates computer, copy machine, fax machine, telephone and all shop-related equipment as needed.
• Operates volt ohmmeter, amp meter, pressure gauges, nozzle and valve repair kits, calibrating tools for engines, brakes, micrometers and dial calipers, welders, grinders, saws, drills, torch, brazing rod, precision gauges, inspection and diagnostic equipment, tachometers, AC pump/gauges.

Company Description

THE CITY:

The City of Newton is a wonderful place to live and work. Newton has safe and attractive neighborhoods, an excellent public school system, an active community life, multiple transportation systems, proximity to Boston and a well-managed and financially strong City government. The City of Newton has a population of approximately 88,900, with 32,600 housing units and occupies a land area of 18.3 square miles. Newton is principally suburban-residential in character. Unlike many other communities that are established around a single Main Street or downtown, Newton is comprised of thirteen distinctive villages. Newton has a diversified economic base with approximately 4,700 establishments employing approximately 79,500 people. Newton is special in many ways. It is home to a variety of private secondary and post-secondary schools including a portion of Boston College, Lasell University, William James College, Hebrew College, and the UMass Amherst – Mount Ida Campus.  The longest stretch of the Boston Marathon runs through the City, including the well-known Heartbreak Hill. Newton-Wellesley Hospital, part of the Mass General Brigham health care system, serves as an important partner to the City. In September 2018, Newton was again ranked #1 in Massachusetts as the best place to live and #12 in the U.S.

OUR GOVERNMENT:

Newton has what is known as a “strong Mayor” form of government with the Mayor having the executive and administrative powers of the City. The legislative branch is comprised of 24 City Councilors. Mayor Marc C. Laredo was sworn in on January 1, 2026 after serving on the City Council. The City of Newton was evaluated by Moody’s Investors Services in February 2020 and assigned its highest rating of AAA. Newton was thus well-positioned to weather the pandemic and economic downturn.

AS AN EMPLOYER:

The City of Newton believes that its employees are its greatest asset.  To that end, we are committed to supporting our employees by providing competitive wages and growth, a comprehensive benefits package which includes a defined municipal pension plan, quality health and dental insurance plans, generous paid leave benefits, paid holidays, and access to supplemental benefits such as deferred compensation, short term disability plans, flexible spending accounts, and other employee benefits.  We also provide access to an Employee Assistance Program and access to employee training and professional development opportunities.  We continuously work to review and expand upon our benefit offerings.  We encourage you to visit our Human Resources Department website to learn more about our organization and benefits which are available to our employees.  And as always, you are encouraged to reach out to our dynamic HR Team by emailing hr@newtonma.gov.

Human Resources Diversity Statement

We recognize our workforce is a source of strength that is vital to our ability to effectively serve the City of Newton’s diverse community. We will:

• Actively recruit, develop, and retain a diverse and talented workforce.
• Proactively address discrimination through education and in partnership with other departments and leaders.
• Serve as a role model to celebrate and nurture diversity.
• Foster inclusion by staying curious and clarifying assumptions.
• Evaluate and develop policies and practices that reflect the diverse nature of our workforce.
• Build and strengthen accountability at all levels to support diversity efforts.

The targeted salary range reflects what the City of Newton reasonably and in good faith expects to offer for this position at the time of posting, but the final salary determination may be within or outside this range based on various factors, including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, and market factors. The range will be reviewed regularly and is subject to change.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 457 Deferred Compensation plans
• Metro Credit Union
• Verizon Wireless discount
• Employee Assistance Program
• Generous paid leave time benefits and paid holidays.
• City Retirement (Mandatory)
• Weekly Direct Deposit
• Opportunity to serve the public and join a dynamic team of dedicated employees