Automotive Program Representative

Department of Consumer Affairs – Bureau of Automotive Repair

About the role

Under the general supervision of the Automotive Program Supervisor (APS) I, the Automotive Program Representative (APR) performs a full range of technical duties in support of the Bureau of Automotive Repair’s (BAR) Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) and the BAR Industry Help Desk.

The APR analyzes repairs proposed by STAR stations participating in CAP’s repair assistance program to ensure they are necessary and cost-effective, and approves or rejects the proposals based on that analysis. They answer telephone calls received by the Industry Help Desk on a wide range of issues relating to Smog Check and Safety Inspection System analyzers, software updates, the STAR program, and other issues. The APR interacts with the public, repair facilities, and other BAR stakeholders, inspects vehicles, and visits repair facilities and dismantlers to audit compliance with CAP requirements.

Assignments may vary in complexity and responsibility appropriate to the incumbent’s skill and range level within the classification. As an incumbent gains experience, they are expected to perform duties with increasing independence, complexity, and higher consequence of error.

Responsibilities

• Analyze repair proposals from STAR stations to determine necessity and cost-effectiveness; approve or reject proposals.
• Answer telephone inquiries on Smog Check and Safety Inspection System analyzers, software updates, the STAR program, and related issues.
• Interact with the public, repair facilities, and other BAR stakeholders.
• Inspect vehicles and visit repair facilities and dismantlers to audit compliance with CAP requirements.
• Apply technical automotive knowledge to interpret and enforce contractual requirements, laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Perform duties with increasing independence and complexity as experience is gained.

Requirements

• Technical automotive knowledge and ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Valid California driver’s license (CDL); provide a photocopy in PDF format of the front and back of your CDL.
• Work record clear of revocation or suspension of department-issued licenses for Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection, Smog Technician, and/or Smog Inspector.
• Medical clearance prior to hiring.
• Daily access to and use of a personal computer and telephone system.
• Ability to work 70% of the workweek in the office and 30% in the field, including driving, ambulating, and maneuvering around, underneath, and/or over obstacles during inspections and investigations.
• Frequent use of hand manipulations and body movements in a normal work shift.
• Residency in the State of California is required upon hiring and start of work.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of the Automotive Repair Act and the Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program.
• Knowledge of industry standards for diagnosis and repair of automobiles.
• Knowledge of tools, equipment, and methods used in the repair, adjustment, and servicing of automobiles and automotive pollution control systems.
• Good judgment, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Maturity when interacting with consumers, tact, diplomacy, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work under changing priorities and deadlines.
• Professional demeanor and effective communication.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word; knowledge of Excel is desired.

Pay

$5,873.00 - $8,008.00 per month. New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Salary ranges do not reflect the reduction in pay due to the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025), which reduces monthly salary in exchange for leave credits.

Schedule

• Permanent, full-time position.
• 40 hours per week.
• Work shift: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday.
• Hybrid telework arrangement.

Department Information

The Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) protects and serves California consumers while ensuring a competent and fair marketplace. DCA consists of 36 boards, bureaus, a commission, and a program that license and regulate over 3.4 million professionals in more than 280 license types.

The Bureau of Automotive Repair’s (BAR) mission is to protect and serve California consumers by ensuring a fair and competitive automotive repair marketplace and administering a model motor vehicle emissions reduction program. This position is located in Sacramento, CA. www.bar.ca.gov

Free parking is provided.