Gustavo Vargas
Santa Maria,CA
Summary
Develops, supervises, evaluates, and participates in maintenance and repair activities related to the acquisition, preventive maintenance, repair, and operation of all Fire apparatus and support vehicles. Coordinates the purchasing, licensing, and disposal of Fire Department fleet vehicles. Performs responsible preventative maintenance and mechanical repair work related to the maintenance and repair of specialized fire vehicles, heavy fire apparatus, and related mechanical equipment.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Supervising Fire Vehicle Mechanic
City Of San Luis Obispo Fire Department
02.2017 - Current
- Develops, supervises, evaluates, and participates in maintenance and repair activities related to the acquisition, preventive maintenance, repair, and operation of all Fire apparatus and support vehicles. Coordinates the purchasing, licensing, and disposal of Fire Department fleet vehicles. Performs responsible preventative maintenance and mechanical repair work related to the maintenance and repair of specialized fire vehicles, heavy fire apparatus, and related mechanical equipment.
- Plans, organizes, administers, reviews, and evaluates the work of Mechanic Helper; provides training and policy guidance.
- Enforces safety regulations and trains Mechanic Helper in the practices and procedures related to vehicle maintenance and repair, fire mechanic certification, and the handling and disposal of hazardous materials.
- Ensures pump systems provide appropriate volumes of water at specified pressures during periodic and required annual pump testing.
- Ensures fire apparatus conforms to commercial Department of Transportation and National Fire Protection Association (N.F.P.A.) standards.
- Responds to emergency callout's and mutual aid requests for mechanic services, and performs emergency field repairs on fire apparatus and related equipment.
- Assists the Fire Department's Administrative Analyst in the preparation and management of the emergency response and fleet repair budget.
- Assists the Deputy Fire Chief with the development of specifications for new fire apparatus and equipment.
- Researches, recommends, and obtains fire fleet purchases; participates on the apparatus committee to schedule meetings, invite vendors, and provide input and guidance regarding apparatus.
- Manages contracts with vendors that provide fuel, software, tools, and other supplies and services.
- Performs maintenance of stationary generators at fire stations.
- Assists with Fire Engineer examination and assessment.
- Worked on starting systems and electrical systems such as wiring harnesses, lights, batteries and communication systems.
- Diagnosed engine, suspension, brake, transmission and other vehicle issues using extensive training and diagnostic equipment.
- Ordered parts and supplies from suppliers when bench stock levels dropped below threshold or when broken parts required replacement.
- Prepared vehicles for rigorous treatment by monitoring fluid levels and performing preventive maintenance.
- Maintained vehicle trailers repairing battle damage and replacing worn parts.
- Performed maintenance on vehicle fuel systems for both diesel and unleaded fueled vehicles.
- Repaired and replaced worn and damaged components.
- Read and followed technical documentation to complete accurate repairs.
- Corrected faults and maximized performance by rebuilding systems and individual components.
- Repaired brake, exhaust, electrical and other systems for domestic automotive brands.
- Tore down, repaired and rebuilt faulty assemblies such as power systems, steering systems and linkages.
- Retained accurate records of purchases, titles and sales.
- Implemented tracking systems to monitor parts inventory and transactions to reduce discrepancies.
- Serviced air conditioning systems, changed and topped off fluids and completed maintenance inspections.
- Oversees and processes all Fire vehicle registration and licensing requirements and records; ensures information and documentation is submitted to the Department of Motor Vehicles, California Air Resources Board, and other regulators in a timely manner.
- Provides classroom and hands-on instruction to Fire Department personnel pertaining to maintenance and operation of fire apparatus and related equipment.
Heavy Equipment Mechanic
City Of Lompoc
08.2007 - 02.2017
- Troubleshot equipment malfunctions utilizing diagnostic tools and technical manuals.
- Diagnosed and repaired hydraulic and electrical systems to maintain equipment function.
- Inspected and tested heavy equipment components to certify proper operation and safety.
- Selected hand tools, power tools and precision measuring instruments according to task requirements.
- Replaced defective wiring systems, hydraulics, and braking systems to return machines to service.
- Performed routine maintenance and repairs on heavy equipment such as bulldozers and backhoes.
- Maintained meticulous records of all repair work that was made to machines and equipment.
- Acquire appropriate level of driver's license; Maintain simple records; Operate a vehicle while observing legal and defensive driving practices; Understand and carry out oral and written instructions; Perform all learned skills of trainee position at journey level; Make repairs to motorized equipment; Repair and maintain heavy power-driven equipment; Make skilled repairs to motorized heavy equipment; Diagnose troubles and determine extent of necessary repairs; Direct the work of assigned helpers and assistants; and Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
- Basic hand tools, equipment, parts, procedures and theory used in the repair of automobiles, light trucks and other light power driven equipment; Basic math; Simple record keeping; Appropriate safety precautions and procedures; Basic electronic systems; Read and understand manufacturers manuals; Tools, equipment and procedures, part and parts used in the overhaul, repair and adjustment of motorized equipment, fuel ignitions, electrical and cooling systems and other repair and adjustment; Operation and care of internal combustion engines, of chassis and of parts and of replacements; Proper tools, parts and equipment and procedures used in the repair and maintenance of motorized heavy equipment.
- Learns to perform or performs at journey level, preventive maintenance inspections, mechanical repairs and maintenance on automobiles, trucks and other light power-driven equipment; overhauls, repairs and adjusts engines, transmissions, clutches, differentials, carburetors, alternators, distributors and hydraulics systems; fits and adjusts bearings; installs axles; fits pistons and rings straightens and aligns frames, axles and wheels; preforms welding, brazing and silver soldering; makes minor repairs to radiators, fenders and body areas; installs and reconditions electrical systems, spark plugs, distributors, condensers, points and rotors, hydraulic cylinders, pumps and motors; tests and repairs starters and recharges batteries; overhauls master and wheel cylinders; relines and adjusts brakes; operates City fleet motor equipment in connection with repair and servicing; and maintains records.
- Collaborated with team of technicians to complete projects and meet deadlines.
- Read and interpreted technical manuals for troubleshooting and repair purposes.
- Developed preventative maintenance plans to limit operational disruption.
- Repaired and replaced engine parts such as pistons, cylinders and liners to restore function.
- Read and understood technical drawings, schematics, and manuals in order to make accurate updates.
- Reassembled and tested equipment after repairs to verify function and performance.
- Removed worn or faulty components for replacement or repair.
- Analyzed malfunctioning equipment and determined type of repairs required.
- Fabricated and installed custom parts and components to meet specific equipment needs.
- Changed oils, inspecting brakes and replace filters to perform preventive maintenance services on heavy equipment.
- Evaluated heavy equipment to determine necessary repairs and maintenance requirements.
- Repaired machinery and equipment according to manufacturer specifications.
Automotive Technician
Sunset Auto Center Chevrolet
02.2002 - 08.2007
- Completed full vehicle inspections to check for leaks, damage, or other issues of concern.
- Troubleshot and diagnosed faults with vehicle systems and components using OEM-specific code readers, diagnostic trees, and online knowledge bases.
- Replaced damaged, missing, or defective parts with new and refurbished components.
- Changed, rotated, and balanced tires on different types of vehicles.
- Serviced vehicles according to OEM recommended maintenance schedules for oil changes, engine tune-ups and fluid changes.
- Inspected and tested vehicles and completed preventive maintenance such as engine tune-ups, oil changes, tire rotations, wheel balancing, and filter replacement.
- Performed diagnostic and troubleshooting procedures to find and identify root causes of mechanical issues.
- Analyzed and located malfunctions in brakes, motors, switches, and control systems.
- Used specialized tools to detect leaks in gas and refrigerant systems.
- Maintained accurate records of time and materials required to perform repairs and service.
- Completed customer orders and warranty services according to manufacturer specifications.
- Performed safety and emissions inspections.
- Tested newly installed equipment to determine proper functionality and compliance with regulations.
- Trained and coached junior employees on procedures for completing various types of repairs and maintenance on cars and light trucks.
- Investigated customer complaints to identify cause of malfunctions.
- Checked brake systems and determined need of pad replacement, disc turning or other maintenance requirements.
- Repaired brake, exhaust, electrical and other systems for domestic automotive brands.
- Analyzed vehicle data using advanced diagnostic equipment.
- Explained maintenance and repair needs to customers and offered advice on preventative maintenance.
- Read and followed technical documentation to complete accurate repairs.
- Serviced air conditioning systems, changed and topped off fluids and completed maintenance inspections.
- Inspected damaged vehicles to estimate repair labor cost and required parts expense.
- Coordinated with parts department to determine availability of necessary components.
- Corrected faults and maximized performance by rebuilding systems and individual components.
- Performed emissions tests according to standard procedures.
- Tuned automotive systems and components to optimize functionality and prolong life of each piece.
Automotive Technician
Stowasser Buick GMC
06.2000 - 02.2002
- Completed full vehicle inspections to check for leaks, damage, or other issues of concern.
- Troubleshot and diagnosed faults with vehicle systems and components using OEM-specific code readers, diagnostic trees, and online knowledge bases.
- Replaced damaged, missing, or defective parts with new and refurbished components.
- Changed, rotated, and balanced tires on different types of vehicles.
- Serviced vehicles according to OEM recommended maintenance schedules for oil changes, engine tune-ups and fluid changes.
- Inspected and tested vehicles and completed preventive maintenance such as engine tune-ups, oil changes, tire rotations, wheel balancing, and filter replacement.
- Performed diagnostic and troubleshooting procedures to find and identify root causes of mechanical issues.
- Analyzed and located malfunctions in brakes, motors, switches, and control systems.
- Used specialized tools to detect leaks in gas and refrigerant systems.
- Completed customer orders and warranty services according to manufacturer specifications.
- Performed safety and emissions inspections.
- Tested newly installed equipment to determine proper functionality and compliance with regulations.
- Repaired and replaced worn and damaged components.
- Repaired brake, exhaust, electrical and other systems for domestic automotive brands.
- Replaced damaged, missing, or defective parts with new and refurbished components.
- Serviced air conditioning systems, changed and topped off fluids and completed maintenance inspections.
- Tore down, repaired and rebuilt faulty assemblies such as power systems, steering systems and linkages.
- Coordinated with parts department to determine availability of necessary components.
- Inspected damaged vehicles to estimate repair labor cost and required parts expense.
- Corrected faults and maximized performance by rebuilding systems and individual components.
- Utilized special alignment equipment and wheel-balancing machines to align wheels, axles, frames and steering mechanisms of automobiles.
- Tuned automotive systems and components to optimize functionality and prolong life of each piece.
- Performed emissions tests according to standard procedures.
Certified Automotive Technician
MY Chevrolet
09.1998 - 06.2000
- Completed full vehicle inspections to check for leaks, damage, or other issues of concern.
- Replaced damaged, missing, or defective parts with new and refurbished components.
- Performed diagnostic and troubleshooting procedures to find and identify root causes of mechanical issues.
- Inspected and tested vehicles and completed preventive maintenance such as engine tune-ups, oil changes, tire rotations, wheel balancing, and filter replacement.
- Serviced vehicles according to OEM recommended maintenance schedules for oil changes, engine tune-ups and fluid changes.
- Changed, rotated, and balanced tires on different types of vehicles.
- Troubleshot and diagnosed faults with vehicle systems and components using OEM-specific code readers, diagnostic trees, and online knowledge bases.
- Maintained accurate records of time and materials required to perform repairs and service.
- Tested newly installed equipment to determine proper functionality and compliance with regulations.
- Used specialized tools to detect leaks in gas and refrigerant systems.
- Repaired and replaced worn and damaged components.
- Explained maintenance and repair needs to customers and offered advice on preventative maintenance.
- Repaired brake, exhaust, electrical and other systems for domestic automotive brands.
- Investigated customer complaints to identify cause of malfunctions.
- Analyzed vehicle data using advanced diagnostic equipment.
- Tore down, repaired and rebuilt faulty assemblies such as power systems, steering systems and linkages.
- Serviced air conditioning systems, changed and topped off fluids and completed maintenance inspections.
- Coordinated with parts department to determine availability of necessary components.
Education
Associate of Occupational Studies Degree - Automotive And Diesel Technology
Universal Technical Institute of Arizona Inc
Avondale, AZ07.1997
High School Diploma -
King City High School
King City, CA06.1996
Skills
- Journey level Fire Vehicle Mechanic plans and oversees activities of fire apparatus maintenance and repairs, ensuring that Fire Department fleet provides highest level of efficient, safe, and cost-effective use Fire Vehicle Mechanic is responsible for vehicle repair, fuel, and parts budget categories and the work of the Mechanic Helper
- Hardworking and Dedicated
- Transmission Repair and Rebuilding
- Work Orders and Documentation
- Safety Policies and Procedures
- Air Conditioning Service
- Specification Reading
- Scheduled Maintenance Planning
- New Employee Training
- Critical Thinking
- City-wide safety policy and practices
- Adhere to responsibilities concerning general shop safety, reporting, and monitoring
Accomplishments
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
- Collaborated with team of 6 in the development specs of Engine-3 Type-1 Apparatus, Truck-2 Aerial Apparatus, Engine-6 Type 3 Apparatus, Medic Rescue Type-1 Ambulance, Training Captain vehicle, Battalion chief vehicle, Chief Vehicle, UTV vehicle, Deputy chief vehicle, Emergency Manager Vehicle and Mechanic Service vehicle.
- In-house vehicle outfitting
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Supervising Fire Vehicle Mechanic
City Of San Luis Obispo Fire Department
02.2017 - Current
Heavy Equipment Mechanic
City Of Lompoc
08.2007 - 02.2017
Automotive Technician
Sunset Auto Center Chevrolet
02.2002 - 08.2007
Automotive Technician
Stowasser Buick GMC
06.2000 - 02.2002
Certified Automotive Technician
MY Chevrolet
09.1998 - 06.2000
Associate of Occupational Studies Degree - Automotive And Diesel Technology
Universal Technical Institute of Arizona Inc
High School Diploma -
King City High School
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