Mechanic Automotive Trainee

About the role

Performs trainee or entry-level maintenance and repair work on light motor vehicles under the supervision of experienced staff members. Duties assigned are primarily training or entry-level within the Skilled Trades job family. This classification is distinguished by the maintenance of light motor vehicles (vehicles that are less than 14,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating) and by experience. May require a flexible work schedule to meet department needs.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, diagnose, and repair light motor vehicles in accordance with manufacturer specifications, including tune-ups, rebuilds, drivetrains, computers, and electrical components.
• Service light motor vehicles according to preventive maintenance schedules, such as changing oil, oil filters, fuel filters, air filters, transmission fluid and filters, water separators, and hydraulic filters; lubricate all parts requiring lubrication; make minor adjustments on components; and refill all fluids with the proper fluids.
• Conduct quality control checks and tests; test drive light motor vehicles.
• Maintain records of repairs made, work orders, and time worked.
• Research, locate, and complete purchase requests for parts orders.
• Clean and maintain a clean and safe work area and environment.
• Perform field service calls.
• Operate charging system test equipment, steam cleaner, and diagnostic scanners.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School diploma or G.E.D. AND one (1) year of full-time light motor vehicle repair experience; OR any combination of education and experience equivalent to the above sufficient to perform the duties and responsibilities of this job successfully.
• Valid Texas Driver’s License.

Preferred Qualifications

• Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification.
• Air Conditioner (R12 & 134A) Refrigerant License.
• State Inspector’s License.
• Familiar with vehicle equipment removal and decommissioning of Law Enforcement units.

Knowledge

• Methods, materials, and tools used in repairing light motor vehicles.
• Federal, State, Local and County applicable laws, rules, regulations, guidelines, and automotive standards and procedures.
• Computer equipment including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and various software packages.

Skills

• Using and caring for tools and materials.
• Applying proper and applicable safety practices, procedures, and regulations.
• Working with others, including on a team.
• Explaining complicated problems in simple, non-technical language.
• Calculating estimates of time, labor, and quantities of materials needed.
• Diagnosing problems to determine repair or replacement.
• Verbal and written communication.

Abilities

• Learn to diagnose problems and determine appropriate service or repair.
• Understand and precisely follow both verbal and written instructions and communicate in a concise and effective manner.
• Maintain accurate records.
• Work efficiently, both independently and as part of a team.
• Reason and make judgments and decisions.
• Manage time well, perform multiple tasks, and organize diverse activities.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, other County employees and officials, representatives of outside agencies, and the general public.

Work Environment

Physical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to 10–60 pounds, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination, and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and office equipment. Subject to standing, walking, sitting, repetitive motion, reaching, climbing stairs, bending for extended periods, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, pushing, pulling, driving, handling, use of vision, depth perception, forceful gripping, twisting, balancing, client/customer contact, and squatting. Subject to contact with exhaust fumes, volatile chemicals, hazardous substances, dangerous machinery, noise, vibration, fumes, foul odor, dirt, dust, mist, gases, and poor ventilation, both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.