Summary:
The Mud Bay Technician at HME plays a crucial role in the manufacturing process of fire truck cabs. This position involves working in the mud bay area, utilizing various tools, equipment, and techniques to prepare fire truck cabs for manufacturing. The ideal candidate will have a strong background working in a body shop, with a keen eye for detail and a commitment to producing high-quality products.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Sand, grind, and prepare damaged areas by removing rust, old paint, corrosion, and surface imperfections prior to repair.
- Mix and apply body filler to repair dents, gouges, and structural defects while maintaining required specifications.
- Shape, sand, and finish fabricated surfaces using hand tools, sanding blocks, and pneumatic equipment to achieve a smooth, uniform appearance.
- Mask and tape adjacent components, windows, trim, and other surfaces to protect them from primer, paint, and overspray during the refinishing process.
- Apply primer to repaired areas and perform block sanding to create a level, paint-ready surface that meets quality standards.
- Inspect repaired surfaces throughout the preparation process to ensure proper fit, finish, and appearance before painting.
- Maintain a clean and organized work area while properly handling tools, equipment, and repair materials.
- Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators, and follow all safety procedures related to hazardous materials, chemicals, and thinners.
- Comply with all company safety policies and environmental regulations regarding the storage, use, and disposal of repair materials and waste products.
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- 2+ years of experience working in a body shop preferred
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and blueprints.
- Attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
- Basic computer skills for record-keeping and communication purposes.
General Physical Requirements:
Moderate to heavy work – required to exert up to 40 lbs. of force regularly, occasionally, up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally, up to 75 lbs. of force rarely.
Working Conditions:
- This position is subject to an inside working environment and will be exposed to:
- noise - loud, sharp, extended, impulse; up to, and occasionally more than, 85dBA (which may require use of hearing protection)
- vibration - directed to hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders from the use of electric and pneumatic (impact) hand tools of varying sizes,
- hazards – electric current; oils and lubricants; moving mechanical parts; chemical cleaners and solvents; sharp blades and edges; airborne dust, metal, and fibrous shavings; occasional intense light from welding in work area or adjacent work areas; working on elevated platforms, ladders, and scaffolds.
Physical Activities, Ergonomic Considerations: this position will be exposed to:
- standing, walking for majority of work shift
- reaching in any direction, above and below shoulder level
- lifting, carrying, pulling, pushing objects weighing up to 50 lbs.
- performing work in a crouched, squatting, kneeling, or stooped position (body bent forward and down from waist) for extended periods of time,
- crawling under a vehicle chassis and performing precision work while laying prone or crouched with arms raised upwards, for extended periods.
- repetitive grasping, pinching with fingers; repetitive pulling, pushing, twisting of wrists, elbows, and shoulders.
- balancing while on an elevated work platform, ladder, or scaffold
- stepping up to work surfaces up to 26 inches in height.
HME is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal employment and advancement opportunities to all employees and applicants. HME prohibits discrimination in employment opportunities or employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex/gender (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, protected genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.
