Entry Level Automotive Mechanic Jobs in Merced, CA

Salary : $48,684.00 - $69,264.00 Annually
Location : Los Banos, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 08-2026
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 08/07/2026
Closing Date: 8/30/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
MAINTENANCE MECHANIC I
DEFINITION
To perform a variety of skilled and semi-skilled vehicle maintenance and repair work.
MAINTENANCE MECHANIC II
DEFINITION
To organize, assign and review the work of assigned personnel engaged in the performance of a variety of unskilled and semi-skilled vehicle maintenance and repair work; to perform duties requiring specialized knowledge; and to provide administrative support to assigned supervisor.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED ANDEXERCISED
Receives direct supervision from the Fleet Maintenance Coordinator or other management personnel.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Maintenance Mechanic I
This is the entry level class in the Maintenance Mechanic series. Positions in this class typically have little or no directly related work experience. Maintenance Mechanic I is distinguished from Maintenance Mechanic II by the performance of less than the full range of duties assigned to the II level. This class is typically used as a training class.
Maintenance Mechanic II
This is the journey level class within the Maintenance Mechanic series and is distinguished from the Maintenance Mechanic I level by the assignment of the full range of duties. Employees receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new, unusual or unique situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit.
Detailed Work Activities
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Maintenance Mechanic I/II

• Reliable and dependable attendance and punctuality.
• Schedule vehicles for day-to-day preventative maintenance; coordinate, pickup, and delivery with departments whose vehicles are scheduled for preventative maintenance.
• Assist in ordering tools, parts and equipment necessary for the servicing and repair of vehicles and equipment. Schedule the outsourcing to various vendors for repair or warranty work.
• Examine, diagnose, and locate mechanical defects of fleet vehicles and equipment. Determine the extent of necessary repairs. The City Fleet is made up of automobiles, trucks, emergency vehicles, medium duty construction equipment and other miscellaneous equipment. Have knowledge of vehicles and equipment powered by diesel fuel, gasoline, compressed natural gas and electricity.
• Perform major and minor mechanical repairs in a wide variety of vehicles and equipment operating systems, including hydraulic, air, ignition, electric, electronic, emissions, vacuum, exhaust, intake cooling, braking, ABS, suspension, air conditioning, etc.
• Overhaul, repair and adjust engines, transmissions, differentials, clutches, hydraulic systems and body mounted systems on vehicles and medium duty construction equipment; welds, fabricates, repairs and assembles parts and equipment for city vehicles and medium duty equipment.
• Perform tire replacements and repairs on a variety of tire sizes and wheel combinations. Perform tire pressure sensor (TPS) system diagnosis, repair, calibration and wheel balancing.
• Ensure that service objectives, standards, and goals are followed; responds to questions and concerns, establishes and maintains a customer service oriented work ethic with the departments.
• Properly maintain shop equipment, vehicle lifts, and tools through routine inspections.
• Maintain clean workspace and proper housekeeping rules of assigned shop area.
• Answer general mechanical questions and provide information to staff.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Maintenance Mechanic I
Knowledge of:

• Simple and complex automotive diagnostic equipment.
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
• English usage including spelling, punctuation and grammar.
• Techniques and methods of overhauling and repairing gasoline, diesel, compressed natural gas and electric powered equipment and related components, including engines, brake systems and electrical systems.
• Knowledge of the theory, care and operation of gasoline, diesel, compressed natural gas, and mechanical components.
• Understand methods, materials, tools and equipment of the trade; and their use in the maintenance and repair of the mechanical equipment.
• Preventative maintenance inspection methods; applicable Federal, State, Local laws, codes and regulations.
• Requirements pertaining to vehicle emission equipment requirements and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations for proper handling of chemicals and hazardous waste; methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments.
• Principles and practices of good customer service.

Ability to:

• Work independently with limited direct supervision, and perform the essential functionsofthepositioninaresponsibleandprofessionalmanner.
• Intermittently, sit while studying or preparing reports; bend, squat, climb, kneel and twist when performing installation of equipment; perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling, and fine manipulation; and lift or carry weight of fifty (50) pounds or less.
• Work in all weather conditions, including wet, hot and cold; and often work with constant interruptions.
• Climb ladders, use air/electric power tools and equipment, drive motorized vehicles and medium duty equipment.
• Safely operate light and heavy equipment, hand and power tools.
• Perform heavy manual tasks for extended periods of time.
• Understand and follow both oral and written instructions.
• Develop and maintain good working relationships with outside agency contacts.
• Demonstrate confidence in personal decision making.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Maintenance Mechanic II
In addition to the qualifications of Maintenance Mechanic I:
Knowledge of:

• Journey level methods, materials, tools and techniques used in the repair and maintenance of a variety of automotive and mechanical equipment.
• Journey level skills in auto diesel and light and heavy gas engines.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety precautions necessary in the workplace.
• City regulations, procedures, and operations related to operation and maintenance of City owned vehicles.
• Principles of supervision.

Ability to:

• Provide technical and functional supervision over assigned staff; effectively train staff.
• Perform maintenance and repair activities on the City's fleet vehicles.
• On a continuous basis, know and understand operations, and observe safety rules; intermittently analyze problem equipment; identify and locate equipment; interpret workorders; remember equipment location; and explain jobs to others.
• Accurately complete logs and daily servicing records.
• Train and assist others as required.

Qualifications
Maintenance Mechanic I
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be age eighteen (18) by date of application.
• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain a valid California Class A driver license within six (6) months of hire date.
• Experience in fleet vehicle maintenance and knowledge of automotive and equipment mechanics.

Maintenance Mechanic II
In addition to the qualifications of Maintenance Mechanic I:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Two (2) years of experience equivalent to Maintenance Mechanic I or similar position.
• Possession of a valid California Class A driver license.

The City offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes:
a) Retirement: California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS)
b) Health Insurance: The City pays approved CalPERS health insurance premiums through CalPERS for employee only and partial dependent costs
c) Dental and Vision Insurance: The City pays approved dental and vision insurance premiums for employee and a portion of dependent coverage
d) Life Insurance: The City provides $50,000 in life insurance coverage for the employee, with optional buy-up coverage available
e) Vacation Leave: Beginning on the date of hire, employees accrue 6.67 hours per full calendar month (equivalent to 80 hours annually) during the first five (5) years of service. Employees with five (5) to fifteen (15) years of service accrue 10 hours per full calendar month (120 hours annually). Employees with more than fifteen (15) years of service accrue 13.36 hours per full calendar month (160 hours annually)
f) Sick Leave: Accrued at a rate of one (1) day per month with no maximum accumulation
g) Deferred Compensation: Optional participation in plans offered through Mission Square, Nationwide, or Empower
For a complete listing of benefits, please refer to theapplicable to this position.
01
Are you eighteen (18) years of age or older?

• Yes
• No

02
Have you successfully completed the twelfth grade or equivalent?

• Yes
• No

03
Do you have experience in fleet vehicle maintenance and knowledge of automotive and equipment mechanics?

• Yes
• No

04
If you answered "yes" to: Do you have experience in fleet vehicle maintenance and knowledge of automotive and equipment mechanics, explain your experience in detail. If you do not have experience, type N/A.
05
Do you have possession of a valid California Class C driver license and ability to obtain a valid, California Class A driver license within six (6) months of hire date?

• Yes
• No

06
Do you currently possess a valid California Class B driver license?

• Yes
• No

07
Do you have at least two (2) years of experience equivalent to Maintenance Mechanic I or similar position?

• Yes
• No

Required Question