*Extra Help* Automotive Mechanic I/II - Public Works Department

DEFINITION

NOTE: This recruitment is open until filled. County Human Resources reserves the right to close this recruitment at any time. Applications will be collected and forwarded to the department on a weekly basis until the position is filled. 

Under general supervision, maintains, repairs and overhauls automobiles, trucks, and other vehicles; operates a variety of hand, power and shop tools; perform related work as assigned.
 
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
 
Automotive Mechanic I is the entry level class in this automotive maintenance and repair series.  Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform a variety of duties in the maintenance and repair of a wide variety of automotive equipment.  This class is alternately staffed with Automotive Mechanic II and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency which meet the qualifications for the higher level class.
 
Automotive Mechanic II is the skilled, journey level class in this series.  Under general supervision, incumbents perform the full range of assigned duties.  This class is distinguished from Senior Automotive Mechanic, which is the lead level in this series, with responsibility for providing work direction to mechanics and others in an automotive shop.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

 

• Tunes, diagnoses, overhauls and repairs engine operating parts and systems such as valves, timing systems, carburetors, cooling systems, EFI systems, computer command systems, exhaust and emission systems.
• Repairs and replaces starters, generators, alternators and other electrical parts and systems.
• Troubleshoots and performs electrical repairs to vehicles.
• Diagnoses, repairs and adjusts automatic and manual transmissions, clutches, differentials and related drive-train parts - 2WD and 4WD.
• Repairs, overhauls, turns drums and rotors and adjusts brake and anti-lock braking systems, mounts and balances tires.
• Diagnoses and repairs steering systems, P/S pump, gears, rack & pinion systems, ball joints, control arms, etc.
• Performs safety checks and repairs on all fleet vehicles; performs routine lubrication and other service related duties to fleet vehicles.
• Diagnoses and repairs air conditioning, cruise control, heating systems, power windows, seats, doors, locks, antennas and tilt wheels.
• Diagnoses and repairs suspension systems, i.e. struts, shock absorbers, stabilizer bars, twin eye beams, etc.; repairs minor body damage; repairs equipment in the field or tows as necessary.
• Road tests vehicles; drives trucks or equipment as required; inspects vehicles in the shop and field; performs smog, lamp and brake checks and certifies vehicles.
• Diagnoses and performs electrical, hydraulic and other repairs in the field.
• Reads and interprets manuals, drawings and specifications; estimates labor, material and equipment and orders parts required to complete assignments.
• Makes oral and written reports of work performed; completes forms and keeps accurate maintenance records.
• Installs and maintains specialized equipment such as light bars, rollbar cages, radio equipment, sirens and emergency identification.
• Modifies and fabricates new parts for automotive and truck bodies and similar equipment; installs and repairs power take-off equipment such as small electric cranes, hoists and small hydraulic lift equipment.
• Uses and maintains a full set of hand, power and shop tools and equipment related to the work.
• Observes safe work methods and utilizes safety equipment related to the work; maintains work areas in clean and orderly condition; safely handles and disposes of hazardous materials.
• Relieves staff at motor pool facility as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

 
NOTE:  The level and scope of the knowledges and skills listed below are related to job duties as defined under Distinguishing Characteristics.
 
Knowledge of:
 

• Methods, techniques, parts and materials used in the maintenance and repair of automotive and other vehicles.
• Operation and maintenance of a wide variety of hand, power and shop tools and equipment common to the field.
• Safe work methods and safety regulations pertaining to the work.
• Shop mathematics.

Skill in:
 

• Diagnosing and repairing a wide variety of automotive and truck vehicles and equipment.
• Operating and maintaining a variety of hand, power and shop tools and  equipment used in the work.
• Reading and interpreting manuals, specifications, schematics and drawings.
• Estimating necessary materials and equipment to complete assignments.
• Exercising independent judgment and initiative without close supervision.
• Preparing basic records and reports.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those encountered in the course of the work.
• Understanding and following oral and written instructions.

 
Other Requirements:
Must possess a valid California driver's license.  Must possess sufficient strength and stamina to lift and remove or install parts weighing up to 100 pounds and to work evening and weekend shifts.  At the Automotive Mechanic II level, possession of a valid California smog, lamp and brake certification is desirable.
 
Desirable Education and Experience:
A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills outlined above is:
 
Automotive Mechanic I:  Two years of experience in the service, maintenance and repair of vehicles.
 
Automotive Mechanic II:  In addition to the above, EITHER two years experience at a level equivalent to the County's class of Automotive Mechanic I, OR completion of a recognized apprenticeship in the vehicle repair trade.

WORKING CONDITIONS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

CalPERS Retirement

• Tier I: Prior to 7/5/2012: 2.7 @ 55
• Tier II: Post 7/6/2012: 2.0 @ 55
• Tier III: Post 1/1/2013: 2.0 @ 62

 
Selection Procedure
The County's Human Resources system operates by a set of rules and procedures which ensure that employees are hired and promoted on the basis of merit and fitness for the job. Jobs are filled through competitive examinations. A complete online application is required for this position. All application materials will be reviewed by a panel of subject matter experts. Those candidates considered to be the most qualified, based on the application materials submitted, will be invited to a written and/or oral examination, or an evaluation of education and experience.
 
Policy of Nondiscrimination
The County of Humboldt does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disability in the admission or access to, treatment or employment in, its programs or activities. Human Resources is wheelchair-accessible by entering the Courthouse from the ramp located on the east side of the building next to the marked handicapped parking. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. Contact Human Resources at (707) 476-2349 well in advance of the examination for assistance.
 
The County is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances. Reasonable accommodation may be made in the testing procedure as well as the work site. If you need accommodation for an exam due to a disability, please contact the Human Resources office as soon as possible.
 
How to Apply
A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applications may only be submitted online through the County's automated application system at http://www.humboldtgov.org/hr no later than the final filing date listed on the job flyer. All applications are screened by subject matter experts. The most qualified candidates may then be invited for further testing.  
 
It is important that your application show all the relevant experience and education you possess.
 
Please read the job requirements section of the announcement.  Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.  Your performance in this examination will be compared with the performance of others who take the test. All candidates who pass will be ranked according to their scores.  The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible.  Scores will be provided in writing only.
 
MEDICAL EXAMINATION: A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.
 
OTHER EXAMINATIONS: Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.
            
LICENSES: Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver's li...