Supervisory Heavy Mobile Equipment Repairer
Department: Other Agencies and Independent Organizations
Location(s): Amado, Arizona
Salary Range: $36.8 - $42.93 Per Hour
Job Summary: This Supervisory Heavy Mobile Equipment Mechanic is at the Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory located in Amado, Arizona at the scientific research facility operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This position manages the Observatory fleet of approximately 60 pieces of heavy mobile equipment, automotive, and other vehicles that are used in the operation of the Observatory and maintenance of its infrastructure, and to supervise the motor pool staff.
Major Duties:
- Duties listed are at full performance grade WS-08 level. Planning--Plans daily, weekly and monthly work schedules and sequence of operations for assigned positions. Establishes deadlines and priorities for the automotive shop based on overall priorities and policies established by the FLWO Site Director, the availability of resources such as equipment, materials, and tools, and best practices in preventative maintenance and heavy equipment/automotive repair. Determines equipment, supplies, and maintenance routines required. Assures that required parts are ordered in a timely fashion so as not to delay work. Redirects staff and equipment to overcome problems such as equipment failure, material delays, unplanned absences or unexpected high priority work. Adjusts plans, assignments, and methods as necessary to accomplish the work safely, effectively and economically. Coordinates work plans with the supervisor and other scientific and technical staff to prevent schedule and resources conflicts. Work Direction--Assigns work to individuals and provides technical direction and help on difficult work processes. Observes work in progress to anticipate and resolve problems, reassigns personnel within group supervised, and coordinates work among workers to maintain progress to meet schedules. Creates a culture of safety for staff by ensuring and all Smithsonian safety policies and procedures are understood, implemented, and observed. Inspects completed work for quality and meeting work order requirements. Reports potential or actual work delays to the FLWO Site Director.Administration--Explains overall mission goals to subordinates. Sets performance standards and completes formal performance ratings. Advises and counsels workers on improving their performance and explains new work techniques. Investigates grievances and complaints and resolves them informally when appropriate. Notifies supervisor of serious or unresolvable issues, and initiates proposals for formal disciplinary action as needed. Identifies training needs and arranges training. Supports recruitment to fill vacancies. Schedules and approves leave. Performs maintenance, determines the cause of malfunctions, and makes repairs--including welding--to heavy mobile equipment and vehicles such as cranes, loaders, graders, backhoes, dump/plow trucks, water trucks and lifts that have mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems, controls, or features not commonly found on automobiles and ordinary transport trucks. Also performs maintenance and repair on automotive vehicles to ensure their safety for mountain use. Utilizes a wide variety of test and diagnostic equipment such as compression gauges, calipers, feeler gauges, micrometers, voltage testers, amp meters, tachometers, oscilloscopes, exhaust analyzers, dynamometers and test panels to analyze malfunctions and test both components and overall vehicle operation and performance. Formulates and directs a program of preventative maintenance for all Observatory vehicles, both heavy equipment and automotive, that incorporates both best professional practices and all manufacturers' maintenance recommendations and schedules. Performs a variety of tasks related to the overall operation the Observatory and management of the Observatory fleet. These include, but are not limited to: maintaining stock levels of frequently used parts, batteries, tires, gas, and diesel fuel; ensuring that reasonable neatness and cleanliness standards are maintained in shop areas; overseeing the safe disposal of used oil, contaminated fuels, antifreeze and other hazardous materials; overseeing shipping and receiving of large items through the warehouse loading dock and base camp storage yard; identifying, acquiring, and refurbishing excess government vehicles; and operating heavy equipment in support of Observatory operations and specialized tasks.
Qualifications: Applicants will be evaluated on their ability to perform the duties of the position rather than the length of experience. Your overall experience and training must indicate that you have the minimum knowledge, skills, abilities needed to perform the duties of this position. Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement. Additional information on the Job Qualification System for Trades and Labor Occupations can be found on OPM's web site at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/x-118c/index.html. Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week. Your resume should provide sufficient information regarding how your education and experience relate to this position, including the major duties and qualifications criteria listed.
How to Apply: Click on the "Apply Online" button on the upper right side of the page. Please Note: You must apply for this position online through the 'Apply Online' button and submit required supplemental documents (if they are relevant to you). You may submit required documents by uploading them online during the application process; OR You may manually fax required documents. Faxes are received by an automated system, not a physical fax machine. Documents that are faxed as part of the application process must be sent with the system generated cover sheet by the closing date. Documents faxed without the system generated coversheet are not retrievable and cannot be considered as part of the application package. The complete application package, including any required documents, is due in the Smithsonian Office of Human Resources on the closing date of the announcement by 11:59 PM Eastern Time. If you are unable to apply online, paper applications may be accepted with prior approval of the Contact Person listed below.
Application Deadline: 2026-05-15