Occ. Code 7352000

GENERAL MECHANIC, GRADE 12

New York State Department of Civil Service

Classification Standard

A General Mechanic performs journey-level work in one trade, and skilled and semiskilled level work in a combination of other trades in the repair and maintenance of facilities and equipment. Incumbents frequently supervise others in maintenance, repair, installation and construction activities.

General Mechanics are employed by many agencies with the greatest number of positions in the State University, the Office of General Services, the Department of Mental Hygiene and the Office of Parks and Recreation.

Typically, a General Mechanic functions as a skilled worker in a primary trade, and also performs a variety of skilled and semiskilled activities in one or a combination of other related trades in response to maintenance program requirements.

Characteristically, General Mechanics are assigned either to a small State facility where the incumbent functions in the only journey-level maintenance position, or where the organization of work and the maintenance program require the flexibility afforded by this classification. Incumbents of positions in this latter setting may work with individuals whose positions are classified according to specific trades. General Mechanics, like other journey-level positions, plan and lay out construction, repair and maintenance projects.

The specialized trades titles of Carpenter, Electrician, Plumber and Steamfitter or Motor Equipment Mechanic are distinguished from General Mechanic by the performance of journey-level work in a single trade generally on a full-time basis.

A Maintenance Assistant performs semiskilled maintenance, repair and related activities, and under direction may perform many of the same maintenance tasks as an artisan in one or a combination of crafts, usually under the supervision of an artisan.

 TYPICAL ACTIVITIES, TASKS AND ASSIGNMENTS

The services performed by General Mechanics vary from position to position so that the listing of specific activities and tasks is impracticable. However, General Mechanics have one responsibility in common, that of performing a variety of skilled and semiskilled maintenance, repair, installation and construction tasks in the mechanical, building, motor equipment and electrical trades.

Classification standards describing the activities and tasks performed by specialized trades include Supervising Carpenter, Occ. Code 7002700; Carpenter, Occ. Code 7002000; Electrician, Occ. Code 7331100; Motor Equipment Mechanic, Occ. Code 7312000; Plumber and Steamfitter, Occ. Code 7361000; and Mason and Plasterer, Occ. Code 7010000.

Classification standards describing other classes involved in maintenance, repair and related activities include Maintenance Assistant, Occ. Code 7202000; Maintenance Helper, Occ. Code 7150000; and Laborer, Occ. Code 6961000.

The nature of a General Mechanic’s activities generally restricts relationships to employees working within the same organization unit including craftspersons in other trades. On occasion, however, incumbents may be expected to orally communicate with administrators and others in an agency or State facility on the reasons why work is being accomplished in the manner selected.

General Mechanics frequently supervise a maintenance staff which may include wards of the State. Such relationships are characterized by frequent oral communications in assigning work and providing instructions. Written and oral communications with the general public are not typical of this class. Although incumbents may have frequent verbal relationships with others, the tasks of this class are predominantly thing-oriented and the involvement with others is not a factor in determining its classification.

General Mechanics are supervised by higher level trades positions such as Supervising Carpenter, Maintenance Supervisor 1, 2 or 3, or a program administrator with varied responsibilities in addition to facilities and equipment maintenance and repair. Generally, work priorities are prescribed, material is furnished, the nature and extent of the work to be performed is given, and detailed plans, diagrams, and specifications are provided. However, a General Mechanic may be required to work from rough sketches or from oral instructions.

  Although the work of a General Mechanic is inspected periodically by the supervisor, incumbents are expected to work with considerable independence as is typical of a craftsperson.

As assigned, a General Mechanic supervises a subordinate maintenance staff and/or State wards in making assignments, giving instructions, and observing and inspecting work performed to insure that instructions have been followed and that the quality of the work is satisfactory.

A General Mechanic uses the hand tools, portable power tools, shop equipment and measuring and testing instruments appropriate for the craft or crafts to which assigned.

Following are the knowledges and abilities required for positions in this class. However, not all General Mechanic positions require all of these knowledges and abilities all of the time. Rather, these are job requirements that characterize the occupation generally.

• Working knowledge of methods, material, tools and equipment used in the craft or crafts to which assigned.
• Working knowledge of applicable standards and plumbing and electrical code regulations.
• Working knowledge of the rules and regulations of the facility governing the activities of State wards under the supervision of the General Mechanic.
• Ability to use the tools, machines, equipment and material of the craft or crafts to which assigned.
• Ability to train and supervise others.
• Ability to plan and lay out work and diagnose problems.
• Ability to read and interpret plans, diagrams, architectural blueprints and specifications.
• Ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions.

 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Four years of full-time experience in a trade under a skilled journey-level position which would provide training equivalent to that given in an apprenticeship program. Apprentice training in a trade or training gained by the completion of technical courses in a trade at a school or institute may be substituted for the above experience on a year-for-year basis.

Reviewed: 6/02

NOTE: Classification Standards illustrate the nature, extent and scope of duties and responsibilities of the classes they describe. Standards cannot and do not include all of the work that might be appropriately performed by a class. The minimum qualifications above are those which were required to appointment at the time the Classification Standard was written. Please contact the Division of Staffing Services for current information on minimum qualification requirements for appointment or examination.