General Auto Mechanic (General Services Department)

City of Detroit•Michigan, MI

About The Position

Under general supervision, performs the full range of automotive and mechanical repair and maintenance tasks on a variety of gasoline- and/or diesel-powered vehicles, including automobiles, trucks, buses, motorcycles, and special-purpose construction, maintenance, or recreational vehicles. Repairs, maintains, services, or alters special-purpose equipment mounted on or associated with vehicles. Work may also include related mobile, portable, and stationary equipment, and servicing or retrieving disabled vehicles in the field. The role includes inspecting equipment, identifying defects, planning repairs, dismantling and replacing components, rebuilding assemblies, and servicing mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and pneumatic systems. It also involves using welding and machine-shop equipment, performing minor body work, keeping basic work and materials records, and instructing and overseeing apprentices and helpers. Work takes place indoors and outdoors, with possible exposure to fumes, extreme temperatures, wetness, noise, dust, inclement weather, and hazardous chemicals. Some assignments involve travel to meetings, conferences, or other worksites. Employees may be subject to a criminal background investigation based on position requirements. The City of Detroit is an equal opportunity employer.

Requirements

Education equivalent to completion of two years in, and preferably graduation from, a four-year trade or vocational high school with courses in general shop and automotive repair.
Three years of experience repairing and rebuilding a variety of gasoline- and/or diesel-powered vehicles, or completion of an approved four-year apprenticeship in automotive repair or its equivalent.
State of Michigan Driver or Chauffeur License; employees hired subsequently must obtain a State of Michigan Driver or Chauffeur License with Group B Commercial Driver License endorsement and Airbrake qualification within six months of hire.
Meet physical standards prescribed by the Michigan State Police Motor Carrier Division and possess and carry a valid current Medical Examiner’s Certificate certifying physical fitness for driving under the State of Michigan Motor Carrier Safety Act-1988.
Provide the tools commonly used in automotive repair work.
Knowledge of tools, methods, materials, and practices used in automotive equipment repair, general automotive repair and maintenance, and mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic principles as applied to automotive equipment.
Skill in automotive repair and maintenance, use of tools and related equipment, computer use, and following written and oral instructions.
Ability to weld, braze, and cut with an electric arc and acetylene torch; use electronic diagnostic equipment; read and interpret shop manuals and diagrams; and interact tactfully and effectively with others.
Ability to perform light to strenuous physical activity, move about and ascend or descend as needed, and lift, push, pull, and carry up to 100 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Two years of experience repairing a variety of construction, maintenance, or other special-purpose vehicles.

Responsibilities

Perform automotive and mechanical repair and maintenance on the mobile equipment used by the assigned department.
Inspect equipment to locate defects and determine necessary repairs.
Plan repair sequences; dismantle equipment; remove defective components; install new or rebuilt components; and rebuild automotive components or assemblies.
Repair, adjust, alter, and service automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, buses, construction and maintenance vehicles, and other special-purpose vehicles.
Repair and service mechanically, hydraulically, electrically, or pneumatically operated auxiliary equipment mounted on or associated with vehicles.
Perform major and minor repairs to heavy-duty diesel engines, pneumatic suspension systems, heavy-duty automatic transmissions, fuel injectors, mechanical engine governors, and specialized coach components.
Repair and maintain vehicle air-conditioning and heating units, door controls, interior lighting, and other coach systems.
Use electric arc or acetylene welding equipment and/or machine-shop equipment to cut, heat, braze, weld, or fashion parts, brackets, or braces needed for repairs.
Perform minor vehicle body work and replace glass, windows, and lights.
Maintain simple records of work performed and materials used.
Instruct and oversee apprentices and other workers assigned as helpers.
Repair and service related mobile or portable equipment and tools, including plows, mowers, rotary brooms, chippers, chainsaws, compressors, pumps, hoists, and generators.
Repair and service stationary equipment when the work requires skills similar to those used for vehicle equipment.
Operate tow trucks to service, repair, and retrieve disabled vehicles in the field.
Shift and drive vehicles on department premises.