The Lead Mechanic is responsible for managing and performing maintenance and repairs on District vehicles and equipment. This role oversees the daily operations of the auto shop, assigns work to mechanics, and ensures all repairs and inspections meet safety and regulatory standards. Key duties include diagnosing and repairing passenger cars, light and heavy trucks, and specialized equipment; conducting required inspections such as CHP Bi-Annual Terminal checks, smog and smoke testing, and DOT compliance for Class A and B vehicles; and managing parts inventory and fleet maintenance schedules. Utilize District fleet management software, data input, and assist in the preparation of government fleet reporting and regulations.  The Lead Mechanic also responds to emergency service calls; trains staff and promotes safe work practices. This position may be required to work after-hours on emergency repairs and required to participate in a scheduled after-hours stand-by duty rotation.

The ideal candidate has at least five years of experience in vehicle and equipment repair, strong mechanical knowledge, and the ability to lead a team. A valid Class B California Driver’s License is required, and ASE certifications and a Smog Check Repair Technician license are highly desirable.

For more information, view the full job description.

Salary Information

Salary Range: $39.65 - $55.16 (Range 145 - 156)

Salary placement is based on the number of qualifying licenses and certifications held. Candidates without certifications will be placed at the entry level range.

Qualifying Licenses and Certifications:

• California Bureau of Automotive Repair Smog Check Repair Technician
• Master ASE Automobile & Light Truck Certification (A Series)
• Master ASE Medium-Heavy Truck Certification (T Series)

Possession of:

• No certifications = $39.65 - $48.18 (Range 145)
• 1 certification = $41.06 - $49.90 (Range 148)
• 2 certifications = $43.13 - $52.46 (Range 152)
• 3 certifications = $45.37 - $55.16 (Range 156)

Qualifications

Any combination of training, education and experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge and abilities stated above and the ability to perform the duties of the position.

Experience and Education

• Five (5) years of journey-level experience in the maintenance and repair of vehicles and equipment, e.g., generators, medium and heavy trucks, excavators, backhoes, graders, etc.
• Graduation from high school or equivalent.
  

Licenses and Certifications

• Possession of a valid and appropriate Class B California Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record to maintain insurability.
• Smog Check Repair Technician license and ASE certifications, or equivalent, are highly desirable,
  but not required.

If you do not meet all the qualifications listed but possess similar experience or skills, we encourage you to apply. Your qualifications will be assessed based on the position's needs, the applicant pool, and your potential to fulfill the required qualifications within a specified timeframe.

Benefits

• Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) - A 5% increase will take effect with the first payroll of 2026.
• Retirement - Solano Irrigation District participates in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS).
  • Classic CalPERS Members - benefits include equivalency of 2%@60 formula with the following provisions: final compensation is the monthly average of highest 36 consecutive months; and credit for unused sick leave. Employees pay 7% Employee Contribution.
  • New CalPERS Members – benefits include equivalency of 2%@62 formula with the following provisions: three-year final compensation period used to calculate the average final compensation; and credit for unused sick leave. Employee pays 6.75% Employee Contribution.
• Retiree Health Insurance – Employees are eligible for retiree health insurance benefits following 10 years of full-time service.
• Deferred Compensation – 457 plan available, with Employer match up to $100 per pay period.
• Health Insurance – Plans include Anthem Blue Cross HMO and PPO plans and a Kaiser Permanente plan. The District pays a portion of the premium for employee and dependent coverage.
• Dental Insurance – Dental provider is Delta Dental. District pays full premium for both employee and dependents.
• Vision Insurance – Vision provider is VSP. District pays full premium for both employee and dependents.
• Life Insurance – Benefit is equal to 2x annual base salary rounded to the next higher $1,000, up to a maximum of $300,000. Premium is paid by the District.
• Educational Assistance – District reimburses up to $450 per calendar year for eligible expenses.
• Flexible Spending Account – Tax deferred payments for dependent care, health care, and certain benefit premiums.
• Administrative Leave for Exempt Employees – Exempt employees receive 60 hours of Administrative Leave per year, which must be used within the calendar year.
• Administrative Leave – Exempt employees also receive an additional 80 hours of Administrative Leave, which accrues as vacation time.
• Vacation and Sick Leave – Vacation is accrued bi-weekly at 80 hours per year during the first year. Employees accrue 12 days of sick leave per year, calculated bi-weekly.
• Holidays – 11 scheduled holidays and 1 floating holiday per calendar year.

For a detailed overview of benefits, view the full Benefits Summary.

How to Apply

Open Date: December 18, 2025 

Final Filing Deadline: February 5, 2026 at 12:00 PM (Pacific Time)

Interested candidates should apply online at https://sidwater.bamboohr.com/careers on or before the final filing deadline. Applications must be submitted through the BambooHR system.

Please note: Paper copies of applications are not accepted.

For any questions, please contact the Human Resources department at [email protected].

Important: This application must be completed fully and accurately. The District may reject incomplete applications. While resumes may be submitted with the application, they do not replace the requirement to complete all sections.