AUTOMOTIVE MECHANIC (#MM4 )

$31.71-$40.43 hourly / $5,496.00-$7,008.00 monthly / $65,956.80-$84,094.40 yearly

Under general supervision, perform a variety of moderately complex work in diagnosing, servicing and repairing automobiles and light-trucks; perform preventative maintenance and perform other duties as required.

This class is distinguished from the higher class of Senior Automotive Mechanic in that the latter acts as a lead worker and is responsible for the maintenance, repair and inspection of the Compressed Natural Gas fueling station.  This journey level class performs preventative inspections, testing and component replacements on automobiles and trucks as well as highly specialized and technical areas such as Compressed Natural Gas, and other alternative fuel conversion and repairs. Additional tasks include on demand repairs such as flat tires, brakes and turn lights and special projects.

Performs preventative maintenance, general servicing, safety inspections and maintenance of light vehicles and equipment including lubricating, changing oil and filters; performs major and minor tune-ups including adjusting timing, idle speed and other controls; operate a variety of electrical and mechanical test equipment; inspects fluid levels and adjusts as required; inspects belts and hoses and replaces; inspects and change tires; diagnoses, repairs and/or replaces electrical system components; replaces brake shoes and pads and performs complex brake and other technical work; services, inspects and repair tire and wheel systems, including mounting and balancing tires and replacing shock absorbers and McPherson struts; removes and replaces a variety of automotive components including engines and transmissions; picks up automotive equipment and parts; installs, repairs, removes, or replaces accessories into patrol cars, including cages, spotlights, flare mounts and fire extinguishers; prepares vehicles for auction; diagnoses drivability problems; detects mechanical problems during servicing; performs smog testing according to the State of California Bureau of Automotive Repair Guidelines; uses a variety of hand and shop tools; fabricates brackets, mounts and braces; stocks incoming parts and tires; completes forms and service records; may input and access data using a computer; may attend courses to keep abreast of technical changes and to learn to use new computerized equipment; supervises volunteers and other workers who clean and wash vehicles, pump gasoline and clean the service area.

Knowledge of:

Working knowledge of: 

• Methods, tools and equipment used in repairing and servicing automotive equipment. 
• Preventive maintenance techniques.

Some knowledge of:

• Techniques and procedures used to diagnose mechanical and operating problems in automotive equipment.

Ability to:

• Use hand and power tools safely.
• Read, understand and follow written and oral instructions and plans.
• Work cooperatively with others and provide positive customer service.
• Keep records.
• Safely drive automobiles and light trucks.
• Perform preventative maintenance on automobiles and trucks.
• Operate basic diagnostic equipment.
• Learn to fabricate using welding equipment.
• Learn to input, access and analyze data using a computer.
• Lift items weighing up to 50 pounds, such as a jack and large tires.
• Hear and distinguish various sounds, such as voices of co-workers in noisy environment and sounds of operating equipment.
• Distinguish colors, such as color-coded wire.
• Use impact tools, such as tire guns that cause body vibration.
• Perform tasks that require manual dexterity such as welding, assembling small parts, and pouring liquids into receptacles.
• Stand and walk for extended periods of time up to 8 hours.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying, unless otherwise specified. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Two year of experience servicing and/or maintaining automotive equipment.

Special Requirements/Conditions:

License/Certificate:

• Possess and maintain a valid California Class C driver license.
• Possession of a valid Smog Technician license from the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) for the State of California.
• Possess and maintain hand tools and work aids necessary to perform auto motive mechanical work.

Special Working Conditions:

Exposure to: confined work spaces; heights, such as on ladders and equipment; high levels of noise; electrical hazards; dust; the possibility of experiencing burns, bodily injury, contact with toxic substances or chemical irritants; cramped body positions; slippery surfaces such as coolant and oil on garage floor; stress and responsibility of working on emergency vehicles that will be used for emergency response in law enforcement.

PREVIOUS CLASS TITLES: Automotive Service Technician
Bargaining Unit: 41
EEOC Job Category: 07
Occupational Grouping: 37
Workers' Comp Code: 0399
Analyst: OM/TC  
Date Revised: 5/83 10/89 3/97