Automotive Service Worker II (Open & Promotional)

The Department of Public Works is seeking highly motivated individuals with great technical and interpersonal skills to join our team as Automotive Service Workers.
 

Under general supervision, Automotive Service Workers perform a variety of semi-skilled automotive and equipment maintenance tasks which include the full range of lubrication and minor repair services, and routine service-related duties such as pumping gas and changing oil; perform skilled sub-journey mechanic work and learn journey-level mechanics under the direct supervision of an Automotive Mechanic or Automotive Service Supervisor.

Automotive Service Workers are assigned to the Vehicle and Equipment Services Section of the Department of Public Works. The Vehicle and Equipment Services Section maintains, inspects, services, and repairs County motor vehicles including school and other buses, trucks, equipment, Sheriff's Office vehicles, and motor pool vehicles. Our service and repair stations are located in Redwood City and San Mateo.

Ideal candidates for this position will possess:

• At least one year of verifiable professional work experience in Automotive Services and experience with hybrid and basic computer diagnostic. 
• Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification is preferred.
• Great organizational and multitasking skills. 
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to write clearly and concisely.
• Ability to work independently and as a team player.
• Excellent customer service skills.

Important Notes About the Position: 

• Automotive Service Workers can be required to work at various locations throughout San Mateo County. 
• The candidate appointed to the position must possess their own set of tools in order to perform the responsibilities of this position.  
• Individuals hired as Automotive Service Workers must possess a Class C California driver license or equivalent and must obtain a Class B California driver license within one year from date of hire.

Examples Of Duties:

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Install, inspect, repair and replace electrical and ignition systems, including generator, voltage regulator, battery and emergency equipment.
• Install, inspect, repair and replace fuel systems including pumps, filters, carburetors, and fuel injection.
• Inspect, repair and replace exhaust system muffler and exhaust pipes; perform exhaust emissions testing and repair.
• Inspect, replace and repair cooling systems, pumps, thermostats, radiators and hoses.
• Inspect and replace shock absorbers, tie rods, ball joints, kingpins, idler arms, and steering arms.
• Inspect, repair and replace master cylinders, wheel cylinders, pads, linings, calipers, and brake drums and rotors.
• Inspect engines, transmissions and differentials for leaks and cracks.
• Perform routine tune-ups of vehicles, which includes air cleaner, spark plugs, points, condenser; inspect, repair or replace wires, belts, distributor; clean and adjust the carburetor and set the timing.
• Replace coils, coil over plugs, injectors and use fuel injector cleaner.
• Lube chassis; change oil and oil filters; inspect, clean and service air cleaners.
• Repair and mount tubes and tires; balance wheels; unload and store tires.
• Clean and pack wheel bearings, and U-joints.
• Inspect and replace batteries, cables and terminals.
• Inspect, adjust or replace door, hood, trunk latches; install seat belts.
• Replace and adjust headlights and taillights; replace minor parts such as light bulbs, fuses and windshield wiper blades, radiator and gas tank caps.
• Service vehicles with gas or propane, oil, water, coolant, transmission and brake fluids.
• Wash and clean vehicles; vacuum interiors; steam clean chassis, engines and other components.
• Inventory and stock supplies, provide order list to Supervisor; pick up and deliver auto parts.
• Repair and replace parts of transmission and differential and parts of engine.
• Perform BIT, school bus and related mandated inspections.
• Test drive vehicles after inspection and repair.
• Receive complaints concerning vehicles and prepare service request forms.
• Direct the work of seasonal, extra help, trustees, and work furlough workers assigned to motor pool.
• Observe safety regulations, change and prevent hazardous situations, bring hazards to supervisor's attention.
• Drive and operate tow truck and other medium sized trucks; drive and operate forklift; transport vehicles to various locations.
• Complete repair order forms noting parts and labor hours used.
• Empty trash, sweep and mop floors, clean sinks, mirrors and auto equipment in assigned work area.
• Prepare trip tickets for vehicles and dispatch to County employees.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Licensure/Certification:

• Possession of a class C California driver license or equivalent.
• Must obtain a class B California driver license or equivalent within one year of appointment.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:

• One year of experience performing automotive service work.

Knowledge of:

• Methods, tools, materials, and equipment used in servicing motor vehicles.
• Common automotive equipment cleaning methods.
• Common automotive parts and supplies.
• Proper condition of various auto parts, and procedures for ensuring proper condition and operation.
• Electrical, braking, air conditioning and heating, suspension and cooling system.
• Service and repair of hybrid and alternate fuel vehicles. 

Skill/Ability to: 

• Perform general service work on vehicles.
• Perform heavy manual labor.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Follow safety rules, procedures, and practices.
• Use common automotive service tools and equipment including air wrenches, lifting jacks, tach and dwell meter, cooling system tester, and battery generator tester, brake bleeder, cooling system testers, and volt-ohm meters.
• Use chassis lubrication equipment.
• Check proper condition of tires, belts, hoses, wiper blades and batteries.
• Change tires.
• Perform simple arithmetic.
• Diagnose and repair a wide variety of minor mechanical problems.
• Operate a wide variety of motor vehicles.
• Stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Lift and carry equipment and supplies used in the course of work.
• Work courteously and effectively with the public and co-workers.

Application/Examination:

Open & Promotional. Anyone may apply. Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, or extra-help/limited term position prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination.

The examination process will consist of a scored relevant Training and Experience (T&E) (weight: pass/fail) based solely on the candidates' responses to the supplemental questions. Applicants who receive a passing score in the T&E evaluation will be invited to a Performance Exam (weight: 100%). Because of this screening process, all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement to the next phase of the examination process. Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California and applicants must participate at their own expense. 

 
IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply" button above. If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply. Responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted in addition to the standard County employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required application materials. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE
Final Filing Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 by 11:59 PM PST
Training and Experience Evaluation: Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Performance Exams: Week of February 2, 2026