Apprentice Mechanic

Orange County Transportation Authority; Garden Grove (CA); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking dedicated individuals for an apprenticeship in bus maintenance and repair. This role involves performing mechanical repairs, diagnosing issues, and assisting skilled mechanics in a dynamic environment. Candidates will gain valuable hands-on experience while working towards a Class B license and completing the OCTA Apprentice Program. This position offers a pathway to a rewarding career in public transportation, contributing to the mobility of over 3 million residents in Orange County. If you're eager to learn and grow in a supportive setting, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• High school diploma and 6 months of mechanical repair experience required.
• Must possess necessary hand tools and approved steel-toed shoes.

Responsibilities

• Perform minor repairs on lighting systems and accessories.
• Assist mechanics with assembly and installation of components.
• Drive buses as needed for repairs.

Skills

Mechanical Repair

Automotive Knowledge

Dismantling and Reassembly

Tool Operation

Record Keeping

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Power Tools

Precision Instruments

Hand Tools

Job description

Overview

About OCTA:

The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) is Orange County’s primary transportation agency. It’s our job to develop and deliver transportation solutions to enhance the quality of life and keep Orange County moving. Operating in a 798 square-mile area, we serve more than 3 million residents in 34 cities and unincorporated areas. Our responsibilities extend to all forms of transportation, including bus and paratransit service, Metrolink commuter rail service, planned future rail, including street cars, the 91 Express Lanes Toll Road, freeway, street and road improvement projects, motorist services and regulating taxi operations. OCTA has been recognized for excellence in the public transportation industry by the American Public Transportation Association and has been honored with awards from local and national organizations for our transportation improvements. OCTA’s core values consist of integrity, teamwork, communication, customer focus, and can-do spirit.

Overview:

In an apprenticeship/training capacity, performs bus and subsystem maintenance and repair functions. Performs diagnosis and repairs of bus systems, subsystems, and assemblies requiring light, moderate, and advanced mechanical work.

The interview/hiring process will result in an eligibility list to fill current and/or future openings.

The starting pay rate for this position is $28.87 an hour. Pay rate increases incrementally according to the union contract. Current top wage is $33.13 after 24 months.

The position will remain open until a candidate is selected.

Responsibilities

This list is intended to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification and is not designed to be interpreted as an exhaustive listing of all tasks required of employees assigned to this job.

• Performs minor repairs of lighting systems, mirrors, and accessories.
• Removes/disassembles components and sub-components.
• Performs component cleaning and prepares for assembly.
• Assists mechanics with assembly and installation of components and sub-components.
• Operates a variety of power tools and equipment.
• Drives buses as needed for repairs.
• Cleans tools and work area.
• Submits work summaries to Maintenance Training.

Qualifications

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a high school diploma and six months in mechanical/vehicular repair experience which demonstrates ability to perform mechanical repair work of average difficulty. Transit bus experience preferred.

Special Qualifications:

• Must possess a Class C driver’s license.
• Required to provide a DMV H6 printout (or equivalent if out-of-state) upon request. Must have a good DMV record in accordance with company standards.
• Must have the ability to obtain a Class B license with no air brake restrictions and Passenger (P) endorsement within the introductory period.
• Applicant is required to present a Class B driver’s permit upon date of hire.
• Must possess the necessary hand tools to perform the job and approved steel-toed shoes for wear on the job.
• Employee will be governed by the Apprentice Mechanic Guidelines Agreement.
• The OCTA Apprentice Program covers a 2 year period. During this period the selected candidates will be required to successfully complete the OCTA Apprentice Program, which includes 207 hours of unpaid onsite training. Upon successful completion of the OCTA Apprentice Program, selected candidates will be eligible to remain employed by OCTA.

Knowledge of:

• Automotive and/or diesel engines, transmissions, air conditioning, charging and starting systems, and related equipment.
• Methods and procedures used in servicing mechanical equipment.
• Tools, precision instruments, equipment, and procedures used in general repairs of average difficulty.
• Decimals and fractions as related to vehicle maintenance.

Ability to:

• Identify and inspect automotive or diesel engines, transmissions, and other parts.
• Clean and service equipment.
• Dismantle and reassemble equipment or parts and make mechanical repairs of average difficulty.
• Operate necessary tools used in repairing and servicing vehicular equipment.
• Follow instructions.
• Use service and parts manuals and keep accurate records on repairs and parts completed.
• Work any shift at any agency location.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Utilize automated maintenance system.

Safety Sensitive:

Positions in this job classification are considered safety sensitive and are subject to drug and alcohol testing, including but not limited to pre-employment testing, post-accident testing, and random testing, under Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) drug and alcohol regulations, and U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, 49 CFR Part 40 and Part 655. Please refer to the OCTA Drug and Alcohol Policy Manual for additional information.

EEO:

OCTA is an equal opportunity employer and will not tolerate discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other legally protected classification or status.