brain55
Veteran Member
I am in the process of competing for a mechanics job with a local Parks and Recreation Department. I have made it past the first 2 rounds. The first was the application, resume, and questionnaire, second was the 150 question written test. They narrowed it down to 20 applicants with the application and now I'm guessing between 5 and 10 after the written test. After the practical test comes a 3 person oral interview panel a week later, and another interview 2 weeks after that.
I have the practical test in 2 weeks and have no idea what to expect. I've been given the impression that their equipment ranges from 10-wheel dump trucks down to string trimmers and a large variety in between. I plan on going to go by the office tomorrow to see if there is any way I can get an equipment list. I would imagine it would have to be public record, though I was unable to find it online. I have been a mechanic for 25 years and I am pretty confident about my skill level. I would just be more confident if I had more information.
I was hoping somebody here had experience with a practical test in this kind of setting. The letter I received said to expect an hour for the test. I'm real competent on diesel engine, power train, and hydraulics on tractors, and not real concerned about small engine equipment. What I consider my weakness in a time constraint situation would be my computer controlled vehicle diagnosis either on large trucks or passenger vehicles. One of the ladies from HR that was administering the written test, told us that the majority of their assets were equipment, so that plays in my favor. I have purchased the ASE certification study guides and have been reading those. If I get the job I will be required to get my brake, lamp, and smog licenses, also a class A drivers license with hazmat certification. The class A has to be done in the first 6 months, the others I will have a year to complete. This is a one mechanic shop with a part-time helper, so the person hired will need a broad base of experience. My last job was a great training ground. It seems like we had a similar diversity of equipment, but I had as many as 4 other full-time mechanics helping, and I was in more of a hands-on manager role for much of my time there.
If anyone has some insight I would appreciate it.
Thanks,
Brian
I have the practical test in 2 weeks and have no idea what to expect. I've been given the impression that their equipment ranges from 10-wheel dump trucks down to string trimmers and a large variety in between. I plan on going to go by the office tomorrow to see if there is any way I can get an equipment list. I would imagine it would have to be public record, though I was unable to find it online. I have been a mechanic for 25 years and I am pretty confident about my skill level. I would just be more confident if I had more information.
I was hoping somebody here had experience with a practical test in this kind of setting. The letter I received said to expect an hour for the test. I'm real competent on diesel engine, power train, and hydraulics on tractors, and not real concerned about small engine equipment. What I consider my weakness in a time constraint situation would be my computer controlled vehicle diagnosis either on large trucks or passenger vehicles. One of the ladies from HR that was administering the written test, told us that the majority of their assets were equipment, so that plays in my favor. I have purchased the ASE certification study guides and have been reading those. If I get the job I will be required to get my brake, lamp, and smog licenses, also a class A drivers license with hazmat certification. The class A has to be done in the first 6 months, the others I will have a year to complete. This is a one mechanic shop with a part-time helper, so the person hired will need a broad base of experience. My last job was a great training ground. It seems like we had a similar diversity of equipment, but I had as many as 4 other full-time mechanics helping, and I was in more of a hands-on manager role for much of my time there.
If anyone has some insight I would appreciate it.
Thanks,
Brian