Automotive Technician

General Description: The Automotive Technician is responsible for inspecting, diagnosing, maintaining, and repairing a wide range of vehicles to ensure they operate safely and efficiently. This position involves working with mechanical, electrical, and computerized systems on cars, trucks, and other light-duty vehicles. Automotive Technicians must follow safety standards, maintain accurate service records, and communicate clearly with the shop Foreman, the Fleet service coordinator, and customers about vehicle status and repair needs. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and mechanical aptitude are essential. Automotive Technicians are also required to stay updated on evolving vehicle technologies and industry best practices through ongoing training.

Organization: The Automotive Technician reports to the Automotive Shop Foreman and supervises no staff. 

Essential Functions:

• Diagnoses, adjusts, and makes repairs on engines and related components, automatic transmission and transaxle, drive trains and axles, suspension and steering systems, brakes, electrical/electronic systems, heating systems, and engine performance.
• Performs computerized drivability diagnostics, repairs, tests, and adjustments on engine and emission systems to manufacturer's specifications.
• Services all types of automotive systems and components. 
• Performs tire repair, balancing, and change out services in addition to lubrication and other routine work.   
• Rebuilds mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems.
• Drives vehicles and tests systems to ensure proper operation and effectiveness of repair or service work.
• Completes related paperwork, such as requisitions and documentation of service provided.
• Performs general maintenance work on the tools, equipment, and fleet facilities as required to maintain a safe and efficient fleet operation.  
• Provides emergency field assistance to disabled equipment as needed and appropriate.
• Performs VA State inspections.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Working Conditions:
A. Hazards
     * Chemicals – Exposure to petroleum products, cleaning solvents, dust, and fumes.
     * Conditions – Work is performed using heavy equipment, including noise and vibrations.
B. Environment
     * Office – Primarily inside a shop but may be exposed to adverse weather.
     * Field – Must drive to test vehicles, etc.
C. Physical Effort
     * Routine lifting of objects over 35 pounds.
     * Routine climbing onto and under vehicles and equipment.
D. FLSA
     * Non-exempt

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the principles of operation of internal combustion engines, emission systems, automatic transmissions and transaxles, drive trains and axles, suspensions and steering systems, brakes, electrical/electronic systems, and heating and air conditioning systems.
• Knowledge of the principles of mechanical repair methods applicable to automobiles and light trucks.
• Knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions common to municipal maintenance and repair activities.
• Working knowledge of the practices, methods, materials, and tools used in modern automotive maintenance.
• Skill in the operation and care of listed tools and equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, vendors, and the public. 
• Requires the ability to understand and to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to read and understand complex technical manuals. 
• Requires the ability to operate diagnostic and service equipment.

Education, Experience and Training:

• High school diploma or equivalent with two (2) years’ related experience

 – OR – 

• Associate degree in automotive technology with one (1) year related experience

– OR – 

• Any equivalent combination of education, experience, and/or training sufficient to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the essential functions of this position.

Certifications:

• A/C Technician (EPA-approved Section 609) required within one year of start date.
• VA State Inspector’s License required within one year of start date.
• ASE Automobile & Light Truck Certifications (A Series) preferred.
• EVT Certification (Law Enforcement Vehicle Track) preferred.

Special Conditions:

• Criminal Records Check to include fingerprinting.
• Twelve-month probationary period
• Must obtain valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver's License within 30 days of employment to be eligible to operate a county vehicle
• Pre-employment Physical Examination/Drug Test/Breath Alcohol Testing and repeated in accordance with policy thereafter.
• Must wear uniform to include safety equipment.

Salary : $48,840 - $65,934