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Under The Hood
Is the shop heated? Air conditioned?
The shop is heated with radiant floor heating, no air conditioning. We use large fans throughout the shop for cooling in the summer months. There is great ventilation due to open bays and cross ventilation.
What is the size of the team I’d be working with?
17 team members
What are the shop hours and what are the shift timeframes?
Regular Schedule: From the 1st Monday in April through the Friday after Thanksgiving 7:00am to 3:00pm. Winter Schedule: From the 1st Monday after Thanksgiving through the last Friday in March. 2 Shifts which are based on seniority. 1st shift: 7:00am to 3:00pm 2nd shift: 3:00pm to 11:00pm, (10% pay differential for second shift). Overtime as needed. Max 12-hour shift in a 24-hour period during winter operations, unless asked to work longer. Summer Schedule by Union Vote: July through August (dates vary depending on when the week starts/ends) 6:00am to 2:00pm.
What tools does the shop provide that are available for all technicians to use?
We provide computers, specialty tools, major equipment, and software. A $500 tool allowance is provided each year for Mechanics based on reimbursement. REQUIRED MECHANIC'S TOOLS: 10 drawer toolbox or equal roller cabinet. ¼" drive 3 / 16" - 7/ 16" shallow and deep sockets. 3/ 8" drive 3 / 8" - 7 / 8" shallow and deep sockets. ½"drive ½" - 1 ¼" shallow and deep and impact sockets. Combination wrenches 3/8" - 1 ¼" Tubing wrenches 3/8" - ¾" Metric: ¼ drive 4mm - 10mm shallow and deep sockets. 3/8 drive 10mm - 18mm shallow and deep sockets. ½ drive 10mm - 24mm shallow and deep and impact sockets. Combination wrenches 7mm - 18mm. Adjustable wrenches 12", 15". ¼", 3/8", ½"drive ratchets, breaker bars and 3", 6", 12" extensions. 2 heavy duty pry bars. Various size hammers 6 oz., 12 oz., 16 oz. Small and large punch sets. Various size Phillips and flathead screwdrivers (min. 4 each). Files, flat and round. Seal pick set. Brass punch set. Chisel set. Brake tool set. Tune-up tool set. Scrapers, razor, and carbon. Torx and Allen sockets (or wrenches).
What type of break room facility is provided?
The mechanics have a break room located within the shop and it has a vending machine, refrigerator, sink and microwave. We have a larger breakroom located in the building as well. Multiple areas of our office will be renovated mid 2024.
How many bays does your shop have?
10 heavy truck bays, 5 automotive bays.
How many repair orders do you average per month?
Our department averages around 125 repair orders per month. During the winter months we may do more repairs than other months.
What is your parts ordering process?
All parts are ordered by the stockroom clerk and stockroom supervisor.
What is your policy on side work?
We are not opposed to side work if it does not interfere with normal working hours.
Do you offer any skills training or continuing education opportunities?
Yes, our employees attend any trainings or workshops related to the job.
Can you describe opportunities for career growth at your business?
Career growth is based on seniority and skill set.
Can you describe your performance review process?
There is a periodic performance review during the first-year probation period.
What type of safety training is required?
All employees are required to complete yearly safety training required by Schenectady County and New York State.
Can you describe how Techs work with and mentor younger techs?
Our more senior mechanics work with new employees. This allows us to determine skill set and to foster development.
How does your shop get involved with the local community?
As a government agency, our primary mission is to support and assist the community. Additionally, Schenectady County hosts a variety of events that rely on the participation of volunteers.
Do you do anything with local high schools or tech schools to encourage more students to enter the profession?
We have participated in local Career Fairs in the past.
Do you phone screen applicants before doing in-person interviews?
We do not screen applicants; however, if an applicant calls with questions about the position, we can provide basic information regarding minimum education, experience and license requirements, compensation, benefits, etc.
What do your in-person interviews entail?
Interviews take place with our Automotive Supervisor, Sr. Mechanic Working Team Leader and Mechanic Working Team Leader. During the interview we discuss work history and experience, such as computer diagnostics, wiring, hydraulic diagnosing, etc. The applicant has an opportunity to ask any questions that may have come up during the interview.
Do you perform background checks, drug screening, or personality tests before hiring an applicant?
A background check, and drug and alcohol screening are required before hire.
Do you perform a skill assessment before hiring an applicant? If yes, what does it entail?
N/A
After an in-person interview, approximately how long should I expect to wait for a rejection or an offer?
Our goal is to make a decision within one to two weeks.
Approximately how long does the full hiring process take from submitting the application to the time of the hiring decision?
One to two weeks depending on the response time of the applicant and our ability to have all paperwork, background check, and drug testing requirements completed.
Is there anything else you’d like to mention about your hiring process?
Please contact Sarah Harris for an application or if you would like more information. 518-356-5340 x 3237 sarah.harris@schenectadycountyny.gov
Diesel Mechanic ($31.28/hr)
Pay Range: $31.00 - $32.00/hour
Shift Differential – A 10% shift differential is paid to individuals who work 2nd shift (3:00pm - 11:00pm) during winter operations. Overtime - All permanent employees in the bargaining unit will be compensated at a rate of time and one-half for all hours worked in excess of eight hours in any workday or 40 hours in any work week, providing they are directed by or have approval of the department head. Most overtime is available during winter operations, minimum 4-hour call-in pay if overtime is not linked to a shift. In lieu of paid overtime, employees may accrue up to a maximum of 3 weeks of compensation time. Meal Allowance – An employee will receive a nine-dollar ($9) meal allowance after (3) consecutive hours of overtime worked. CSEA Union yearly bonus – A 2.25% increase to existing base salary is received each year until the expiration of the CSEA contract on December 31, 2025. Future bonuses will be determined voted and determined when the new contract is approved. Longevity – All hourly rated Highway Department employees, after 5 years of service, dating from their hiring by the County as a full-time employee, shall be paid as follows. This amount shall be paid in the employee’s weekly paycheck. After 5 years of service – increase by 2.0% After 10 years of service – increase by 3.5% After 15 years of service – increase by 7.0 % After 20 years of service – increase by 10.0% After 25 years of service – increase by 12.0% After 30 years of service – increase by 15.0% After 35 years of service – increase by 17.0%
- Health Insurance Offered
- Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO Plan or MVP POS Plan. Employee must contribute 20% of the full cost to Schenectady County throughout employment.
- Dental Insurance Offered
- Sunrise Dental Plan
- Vision Insurance Offered
- Davis Vision Plan
- Retirement Plan Offered
- New York State Retirement Plan, Tier 6
- Sick Leave Offered
- Accrue one day of sick leave per month during the first year of service. After the first year, accrue 12 days of sick leave per year on January 1st. An employee shall be allowed to accumulate sick time to a maximum of two-hundred twenty-five (225) days. Extended Sick Leave, Pandemic Sick Bank, Bereavement, Disability, Leave of Absence and Paid Family Leave are available if the employee meets all eligibility requirements, per the CSEA contract dated 1/1/21 through 12/31/25.
- Vacation Offered
- After one year of service, earn two weeks. After five years, earn three weeks. After 10 years, earn four weeks. Years 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20, earn an extra day per year (20 years = five weeks) After 25 years, earn six weeks.
- Paid Holidays Offered
- 14 paid holidays per year.
- ST / LT Disability Not Offered
- Life Insurance Offered
- NYS Retirement System (Death Benefit) - If you have at least one year of service credit and die while in active service, and your death is not the result of an on-the-job accident, your beneficiary may be entitled to an ordinary death benefit. Up to $50,000 of this benefit is paid in the form of group term life insurance, which is exempt from federal income tax. Your accumulated contributions (if any) are also payable to your beneficiary.
- Uniforms Offered
- Uniforms (shirt and pants) are provided and laundered through a uniform service. A $150 boot/shoe allowance is provided per year for Highway Department Mechanics based on reimbursement. A winter coat is provided as well.
- Other Offered
- Health Flexible Spending Account (FSA) - FSA is an employer-sponsored savings account for health care expenses. You are not taxed on the money put into the FSA, and you can then use the account to pay for qualified out-of-pocket health care costs, such as your deductible and copays, but not your premium. The maximum contribution is $2,700 per year. YMCA membership credit of $400 per year.