Experienced Detail Technician

Department: Service / Detail
Reports To: Service Manager / Detail Manager
Employment Type: Full-Time
Position Level: Experienced / Skilled

Position Summary

The Experienced Auto Detail Technician is responsible for professionally cleaning, restoring, protecting, and preparing vehicles for delivery, sale, service, and customer return. This position requires strong attention to detail, knowledge of professional automotive detailing techniques, and the ability to consistently produce high-quality results in an efficient manner.

The ideal candidate takes pride in their work, understands the importance of vehicle presentation and customer satisfaction, and can independently complete detail work while maintaining dealership standards for quality, safety, and efficiency.

Essential Responsibilities

Vehicle Detailing

• Perform complete interior and exterior vehicle detailing to dealership standards.
• Thoroughly wash, dry, clean, and finish vehicles without causing damage to paint, trim, wheels, glass, or other surfaces.
• Vacuum and deep-clean carpets, floor mats, seats, upholstery, and interior surfaces.
• Clean and condition dashboards, door panels, vinyl, leather, and other interior materials using appropriate products.
• Clean windows, mirrors, door jambs, engine compartments, wheels, tires, and wheel wells as appropriate.
• Remove dirt, stains, odors, pet hair, grease, road film, and other contaminants.
• Perform paint decontamination, clay-bar treatment, polishing, waxing, and/or paint protection as assigned.
• Correct minor paint imperfections such as light scratches, swirl marks, oxidation, and water spotting when properly trained and equipped.
• Apply appropriate protectants and finishing products to interior and exterior surfaces.
• Prepare new and used vehicles for showroom display, photographs, customer delivery, or sale.

Quality Control

• Inspect every vehicle before considering the job complete.
• Identify missed areas, stains, damage, or cosmetic concerns and correct them before releasing the vehicle.
• Maintain consistent dealership standards regardless of vehicle type, condition, or workload.
• Notify management of pre-existing damage or conditions that may affect the appearance or ability to complete the detail.
• Ensure vehicles are returned clean, dry, properly positioned, and ready for their next destination.

Efficiency & Workflow

• Complete assigned vehicles within established time expectations while maintaining quality.
• Prioritize work based on customer deliveries, service needs, inventory requirements, and management direction.
• Work independently with minimal supervision.
• Communicate delays, additional work requirements, or vehicle concerns to the appropriate manager.
• Maintain an organized workflow and keep the detail area clean and safe.

Equipment & Chemical Care

• Properly operate pressure washers, extractors, polishers, vacuums, steam cleaners, air compressors, and other detailing equipment.
• Understand proper use and application of automotive cleaning chemicals and products.
• Follow manufacturer instructions and dealership procedures for chemicals and equipment.
• Maintain and clean detailing equipment after use.
• Report damaged, malfunctioning, or unsafe equipment promptly.
• Monitor supplies and notify management when products or materials need to be replenished.

Safety & Vehicle Protection

• Follow all dealership safety procedures and OSHA/workplace safety requirements.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment when required.
• Exercise care when working around customer vehicles and dealership inventory.
• Properly protect vehicle interiors and sensitive surfaces during the detailing process.
• Follow procedures for vehicle keys, vehicle movement, and securing vehicles when not in use.
• Immediately report accidents, damage, spills, or other safety concerns.

Customer Service

• Treat every customer vehicle with care and respect.
• Understand that the quality of the detail directly affects the customer's perception of the dealership.
• Maintain a professional and positive attitude when interacting with customers, technicians, advisors, sales staff, and other employees.
• Assist with customer concerns regarding vehicle cleanliness or presentation when requested.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism regarding customer vehicles and belongings.

Required Qualifications

• 2 years of professional automotive detailing experience preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of professional interior and exterior detailing techniques.
• Experience using professional detailing equipment and chemicals.
• Ability to identify different automotive surfaces and select appropriate cleaning and finishing methods.
• Ability to safely operate a dual-action or rotary polisher, if paint correction is part of the position.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced dealership environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Dealership detailing experience.
• Experience with paint correction and machine polishing.
• Experience with ceramic coatings, paint sealants, or other protective products.
• Experience detailing leather, fabric, vinyl, and specialty automotive interiors.
• Experience preparing vehicles for professional photography or showroom presentation.
• Previous experience training or mentoring less-experienced detailers.

Physical Requirements

The position requires the ability to:

• Stand and walk for extended periods.
• Bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and work in confined areas of vehicles.
• Safely lift and carry detailing equipment and supplies.
• Repeatedly enter and exit vehicles.
• Work with water, cleaning chemicals, dust, dirt, and automotive contaminants.
• Work in varying temperatures and conditions, including indoor and outdoor environments.
• Safely perform physically demanding detailing tasks throughout the workday.

Core Expectations

The Experienced Auto Detail Technician is expected to take ownership of each vehicle from the time it is assigned until it is ready to leave the detail department. The technician should be able to recognize what a vehicle needs, determine the appropriate detailing process, complete the work efficiently, and perform a final inspection without relying on someone else to identify missed work.