Automotive Body Shop Technician - St Clair, Michigan, United States

About the Role

We are seeking an Automotive Body Shop and Painter Technician to repair damaged body parts and bodies of vehicles in accordance with factory and dealership specifications using hand tools and power tools.

Responsibilities

• Remove upholstery, accessories, electrical and hydraulic window and seat operating equipment, and trim to gain access to vehicle body and fenders.
• Position dolly block against surface of dented area and beat opposite surface to remove dents, using hammer.
• Fill depressions with body filler, using putty knife.
• Remove damaged fenders, panels, and grills using wrenches and cutting torch.
• Bolt or weld replacement parts in position using wrenches or welding equipment.
• Straighten bent automobile frames using a pneumatic frame-straightening machine.
• File, grind, and sand repaired surfaces using power tools and hand tools.
• Refinish repaired surface using paint spray gun and sander.
• Aim headlights, align wheels, and bleed hydraulic brake system.
• Paint surfaces after performing body repairs.
• Repair or replace defective mechanical parts.

Requirements

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
• One-year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Completion of 17 required classes.
• Certified Technician.
• Current, valid driver’s license; satisfactory Motor Vehicle Report (MVR).
• 18+ years of age.
• Ability to work full-time.

Skills & Qualifications

• Language Skills: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively and present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, insurance representatives, and other employees.
• Mathematical Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Reasoning Ability: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently required to stand; sit; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and talk or hear.
• Occasionally required to walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and peripheral vision.

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation
• Employee Referral Program
• Employee Discounts on Sales and Service
• Benefits Package (Medical, Dental, Vision, Employer Paid Life/AD&D, Employee Assistance Program, Pet Insurance)
• Voluntary Benefits (Flexible Spending Account, Life/AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Critical Illness, Accident Insurance, Legal & Identity Theft Protection)
• 401(k) and Employer Match
• Holiday Savings Program with Employer Match
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Pay

About the Company

Founded in 1980 by Michael Sr. and Maureen LaFontaine, the award-winning and nationally-recognized LaFontaine Automotive Group includes 55+ retail franchises, 7 collision centers, and 60+ Michigan retail locations. The group employs 3,000+ individuals. It’s the mission of the LaFontaine Family to personalize the automotive experience by building lifelong relationships that connect families and strengthen communities.

The LaFontaine commitment to customers, staff, and local communities is demonstrated by active participation and contributions to numerous non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and charities throughout southeast Michigan. The combination of both the mission and core values provides the basic foundation of our promise … to treat every customer like they are members of our family.

LaFontaine represents the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Fiat, Genesis, Honda, Hyundai, Jeep, KIA, Lincoln, Mazda, RAM, Polestar, Subaru, Toyota, Volvo, and Volkswagen.

Our Mission: To Build Lifelong Relationships that Connect Families, Strengthen Communities, and Personalize the Automotive Experience.

Our Core Values: Accountability, Responsibility, Respect, Communication, Teamwork, Passion.