Bridge Mechanic

In order to be considered for this position, applicants must successfully submit a completed application prior to the posting deadline. Applications submitted with incomplete or missing education and/or work experience sections will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed. These applicants will be disqualified from consideration. The attachment of a resume to the application does not fulfill this requirement and will not prevent incomplete applications from being rejected. Education and work experience fields must be completed, regardless of the presence of an attached resume.

Once the posting closes, all applications will be reviewed. The information provided on the application will be utilized to determine whether or not each applicant meets the Minimum Requirements for this position as noted in the Job Description. We encourage all applicants to provide a comprehensive, concise history of their education, certification, licensing, and employment history. Please read the Minimum Requirements thoroughly and then demonstrate that you meet these requirements on your application.

For questions regarding this posting, please contact Sherry Christman, Human Resources Analyst at schristman@norcopa.gov or 610-829-6382.

GENERAL PURPOSE
The Bridge Mechanic position, under supervision, performs maintenance and repair work to bridges. A position in this class works in masonry, steel, carpentry, brush cutting, painting, excavating, and other construction methods. Work includes the operation of motor vehicles and power equipment, and may include work at higher or lower level on an incidental basis.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED
This position reports directly to the Bridge Superintendent and/or Public Works Director.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED
This position exercises no full-time supervision, but may oversee and instruct the work of Summer Bridge Crew employees, reporting any issues directly back to the Bridge Superintendent or Public Works Director.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF THE POSITION
Conducts routine inspections of all County bridges to assess the condition of bridge structure, guiderail, bridge deck, approach roadways, and waterway opening. Reviews required maintenance items with the Bridge Superintendent.

Completes bridge maintenance tasks assigned by the Bridge Superintendent. Determines materials needed for jobs, checking against supplies. Secures materials and equipment for each job. Coordinates schedule with other department personnel, including the use of temporary work zone traffic control equipment and techniques while performing work adjacent to traffic.

Maintains records of jobs performed, materials used, and related information. May instruct and oversee the work of seasonal personnel, providing assistance with jobs, as directed by Bridge Superintendent.

Operates trucks of various sizes to haul construction materials, equipment, and debris. Operates specialized and general equipment such as small backhoes, forklifts, string trimmers, chainsaws, lights, blowers, paving, air compressors, jackhammers, and similar tools. Performs preventative maintenance and repairs of such equipment and vehicles.

May be required to respond to emergency situations outside of normal working hours as directed by the Bridge Superintendent and/or Public Works Director as needed to install temporary protective measures and signage.

Maintains bridge sidewalks in a safe condition, removing snow, ice, and other debris. Applies de-icing salt as needed.

Maintains bridge waterway openings by cutting and removing fallen trees, brush, and other debris when conditions allow the work to be conducted safely. Notifies Bridge Superintendent of severe obstructions that require the assistance of an outside contractor.

Ensures bridge sites are well-maintained and free of overgrown weeds and vegetation.

Assists other trades personnel and performs such work on an as needed basis.

*An employee assigned to this title shall perform a majority, but may not perform all, of the duties listed in this job description. Conversely, minor level duties performed on the job may not be listed. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE- Completion of a high school, or general equivalency, diploma; AND

Specialized training in masonry or general construction maintenance or repair work is preferred; AND

At least four (4) years of full-time experience in masonry or general construction maintenance or repair work. Completion of a post high school training program or apprenticeship in masonry or carpentry may be substituted on a year for year basis for up to two (2) years of the experience requirement; AND

Must possess and maintain a valid and current motor vehicle operator's license with an acceptable driving record.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION- As a post-offer, prerequisite for appointment, appointees must pass a motor vehicle driving record check.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Thorough knowledge of principles, practices, methods. and techniques commonly employed in mechanical and structural maintenance and repair work.
Thorough knowledge of the tools, materials, and safety precautions of mechanical and structural maintenance and repair work, which should include a general knowledge of bridge inspection and safety measures associated with bridge structures.

Basic knowledge of painting, excavating, welding, paving, highway lighting, and construction equipment.

Ability to operate motor vehicles and equipment of various sizes.

Ability to follow PennDOT and FHWA (Federal Highway Administration) guidelines, rules, and regulations pertaining to the proper procedure in posting bridges with signage for closures, detours, or construction patterns.

Knowledge of how to safely erect a scaffolding system.

Ability to lift, carry, and maneuver into position a variety of heavy and/or unwieldy tools and materials.

Ability to instruct and oversee the efforts of other personnel, if required by work assignment.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and contracted service personnel.

Ability to work in close proximity with vehicular traffic and the general public.

Ability to interpret drawings and understand programs related to bridge construction, small engine repair, and other areas of maintenance work.

Ability to operate a personal computer to enter information into and secure information from established programs.

Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
Mechanical testing of motorized vehicles, power and hand tools, and equipment for vehicle and mechanical system work. Mechanic's tools including jacks, hydraulic lifts, air tools, and other tools required for minor repairs and routine maintenance, electronic vehicle diagnostic equipment. Outdoor power equipment including string trimmers, chainsaws, and blowers. Telephone or cell phone, personal computer, calculator, mobile or portable radio.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate objects, tools or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, walk, sit, and talk/hear.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds, and occasionally lift weight up to one-hundred (100) pounds.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts or in adverse weather conditions, including flood conditions. The employee may encounter wet and/or humid conditions, fumes, and toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee may deal with high volume of vehicular traffic. The County will provide proper safety equipment and safety training.

The noise level in the work environment is moderately noisy.

SELECTION GUIDELINES
Formal application, rating of education and experience, interview, and reference check as well as job related tests may be required.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

FLSA STATUS: FLSA NON-EXEMPT (ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME)
DESIGNATION: CAREER SERVICE
PAY GRADE: RU/GR17
UNION STATUS: AFSCME RESIDUAL NON-PROFESSIONAL UNIT

Updated January 2025