News

8/5/2026 - Employment Opportunity: Head Mechanic

The Town of Southbury is hiring a full-time Head Mechanic in the Public Works Highway Department. The position is represented by the Teamsters Local 443 Collective Bargaining Unit. Required hours are 40/week with the potential for overtime. Provides excellent medical benefits through the Teamsters union at no cost to the employee. Eligible to participate in the defined contribution plan with Town match and receives life and disability insurance and generous sick, vacation and personal leave. Salary is $34.74/hour.

Head Mechanic in the performance of a variety of routine to complex maintenance and repair procedures on municipal automobiles, trucks, heavy construction equipment and/or related mechanical equipment. Assigns work to and oversees staff responsible for maintenance; determines priorities of mechanical repair; ensures adherence to safe working practices and procedures; provides training to lower-level personnel; orders parts and maintains adequate inventory; performs other duties as assigned.

Working for the Town of Southbury means being part of a dedicated team that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of residents every day. Southbury offers the opportunity to build a rewarding career while serving a community known for its quality of life, New England charm, and a strong sense of community. We value professionalism, collaboration, and public service, and we are committed to fostering a workplace where employees can take pride in their work. Southbury provides the chance to make an impact while enjoying competitive benefits and working in one of Connecticut’s most desirable communities.

Essential Functions

Leads, plans, trains, reviews the work of staff and assigns staff responsible for performing a variety of skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled technical diagnostic, repair and maintenance work on a variety of automotive, truck, tractors and other light and heavy power-driven equipment; participates in performing the most complex work of the unit including the more complex maintenance assignments as well as administrative support duties.
Performs diesel, gasoline, and alternative fuel system engine diagnosis, tune-up, maintenance, overhaul, repair, and testing to include diagnosis and repair of ignition, fuel system, engine emission control systems and other electronic and computer controlled motor vehicle systems.
Performs diagnosis of automatic, standard, and electronic transmission systems, to include diagnosis and repair of standard transmission clutch operating systems, transaxle and transfer case systems, and all phases of final drive operation.
Performs diagnosis and repair of various types of suspension, steering, power assist, and alignment systems; diagnoses and repairs various types of brake systems, to include hydraulic systems, disc and drum brake applications, air brake systems, and anti-lock brake system operations.
Performs electrical and electronic system diagnosis and repair, which may include starting and charging systems, electrical wiring systems, gauges and warning systems, and accessory systems; diagnoses and repairs ventilation systems, heat and air conditioning systems, refrigerant recovery, and mechanical system repair.
Maintains and repairs hydraulic and mechanical components of construction and maintenance equipment such as loaders, backhoes, sweepers, mowers, sanders and plows to include removing, repairing and reassembling assemblies.
Trains assigned employees in maintenance and repair methods, procedures and techniques; leads, assigns and inspects the work of subordinates and participates in all associated work; verifies work performed and accuracy, proper work methods, techniques and compliance with applicable standards and specifications; ensures adherence to safe work practices and procedures; assists in the evaluation of employees.
Operates and maintains a complete set of hand, power and shop tools and computerized diagnostic and test equipment used in the automotive and truck repair trade.
Performs general maintenance on cars, trucks and other equipment, and other standard vehicle maintenance duties.
Prescribes procedures, methods and materials on complex projects as assigned.
Coordinates equipment maintenance activities with other town departments and locates technical and electrical issues on all town equipment. (i.e.: automobiles, trucks, water utility pumps, grounds maintenance equipment and a variety of maintenance and construction equipment and their component systems).
Determines the extent of necessary repairs, scheduling of repairs and associated cost and material estimates.
Recommends contract work as necessary; locates and recommends vendors.
Requisitions or orders replacement parts and supplies.
Assists in budget preparation by recommending equipment expenditures and capital outlay.
Accesses technical information from automated databases; enters data into and retrieves prints and generates vehicle, equipment and work order reports from computer information system.
Maintains work, time, material and equipment maintenance logs and records.
Responds to emergency service calls for repairing or towing equipment that has been broken down away from the shop.
Recommends and maintains preventive maintenance program for town equipment.
Performs all phases of maintenance required for fleet vehicles operation.
Ensures proper care in the use, maintenance and storage of equipment and supplies; cleans and maintains shop, promotes continuous improvement of workplace safety and environmental practices.
Uses hand tools, power tools, gauges, calipers, scopes and instruments associated with the mechanic trade. Uses oxy, electric, TIG and MIG welding processes to effect repairs and fabricate components.
Reads and interprets technical service manuals and diagrams, maintains repair records, parts inventory, time and cost records, and job estimates, uses computer for diagnosis and record keeping.
Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
Plows snow and/or applies sand/salt to roads as needed.
Operates loader to load dump trucks.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Considerable knowledge of the operation of automotive and other gasoline-powered equipment, diesel-powered trucks and other heavy construction equipment.
Considerable knowledge of electronics, on board computer operations and the functioning of diagnostic systems
Considerable knowledge of the principles involved in the operation and repair of hydraulic systems.
Ability to use automotive diagnostic equipment , hand tools and power tools associated with vehicle and heavy equipment repair, rebuilding, and adjustment work.
Skill in interpreting and applying technical information contained in mechanical maintenance service manuals.
Ability to test drive and/or operate all vehicles repaired.
Ability to diagnose, repair, and maintain automotive vehicles, trucks and various types of heavy equipment, along with associated sub-systems.
Ability to read, understand, follow, and enforce safety procedures.
Ability to communicate effectively.

Required Equipment Operation

Possession of a valid Connecticut Commercial Driver's License Class B with airbrake and tanker endorsements is a requirement for this job or the license must be obtained within 9 months of hire.
Ability to operate various heavy construction equipment.

Required Physical Effort

Typically works in a maintenance garage environment; may be required to occasionally work outside.
Work involves considerable exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
Position involves performing strenuous work pushing, pulling, lifting and carrying objects weighing approximately 80 lbs. Physical work is a primary part (more than 70%) of job.
Position requires hearing acuity to detect engine noise and eyesight to easily read gauges and detect cracks.
Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.

Required Qualifications

Experience with administrative planning and execution of fleet management including maintenance, repair and lifecycle replacement.
Graduation from high school with diploma or GED.
Five or more years experience involving the maintenance and repair of diesel-powered equipment, with at least 2 years in a supervisory role.
Successful candidate must submit to post offer, pre-employment physical examination/medical history check.
As a CDL driver, the employee will be required to comply with all provisions of DOT Regulation 49 CFR Parts 40 and 382, including random drug and alcohol testing.
This position is represented by a labor union and is subject to the terms and conditions of the Teamsters Local 443 Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Mechanic must provide his own personal tool set which shall include all common mechanics tools used in the routine maintenance of automobiles, trucks and highway maintenance equipment.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a Town of Southbury employment application, resume and cover letter (all in pdf format) to hr@southbury-ct.gov.

Deadline to Apply

Deadline to submit applications is August 26, 2026.

The Town of Southbury is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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