Mario Vega

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UTILITIES & ENGINEERING: Mario Vega, Heavy Equipment Mechanic
Years worked with the County: almost 12 years

Briefly describe your job. What do you do?
I perform maintenance and repairs to all the equipment that the landfill uses to operate from small engines, pickup trucks, implements, tractors and all the heavy equipment like bulldozers, excavators, loaders and trash compactors.

What is a typical workday like for you?
We usually start by looking over any work order requests and prioritizing what is the most important thing to be repaired at the time. There is always something different to work on each day.

What is your favorite aspect of your job – what do you enjoy doing most?
I really like diagnosing problems with the equipment and seeing them go back to working like they are supposed to. 

What is the County core value you believe most relates to the work you do, and why?
Doing it well I think most relates to my work because when things break down its important that they are fixed correctly the first time and put back into service.

What do you like best about working for Catawba County?
I like to be able to come to work and do a job that is important to the community.

Where did you grow up?
I was born in Florida but was raised in Hickory since I was about a year old.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with my family and doing anything outdoors like hunting, fishing and hiking. 

Favorite movie, TV show, and/or book?
When I watch TV I like the show Mountain Men and anything about cars trucks or motorcycles. My favorite book is the Bible.

Favorite musical artist or genre?
I listen to all types of music.

Favorite sports team(s)?
Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Braves and Charlotte Hornets

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
I think I would like to be able to fly so that I could go visit places and see things that I have never seen before.