Apprentice Technician

DOBBS TIRE & AUTO CENTERS; Appleton (WI); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers is seeking an Apprentice Technician in Wisconsin to grow technical knowledge while assisting with repairs and diagnostics under supervision.

You will learn alongside experienced technicians, support shop operations, and follow safety standards in a fast-paced environment. A valid driver's license is required as you develop skills across tire work, steering, suspension, and engine maintenance.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience in automotive repair or 2–4 years of hands-on training in automotive maintenance.
• 1+ year of experience as an alignment technician or completion of a post-secondary vocational program in automotive technology.
• Extensive knowledge of tire installation, wheel balancing, and diagnosing ride disturbances.
• Growing knowledge of steering, suspension, and general vehicle maintenance.
• Proficient in the use of standard automotive diagnostic tools and repair equipment.
• Solid understanding of automotive systems and repair procedures.
• Valid Drivers’ License Required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply growing mechanical knowledge of engine operations, cooling systems, brakes, steering and suspension, HVAC, and general vehicle maintenance.
• Assist with and perform basic automotive repairs under supervision.
• Shadow and learn from experienced team members, including Technicians, Master Technicians, and Alignment Technicians.
• Support shop operations by maintaining tools, equipment, and a clean work environment.
• Follow all safety procedures and company standards while completing assigned tasks.

Skills

Safety conscious

Team player

Attention to detail

Manual dexterity

Tools

Diagnostic tools

Job description

To be a team member of the Driven by Dobbs family, you must be dedicated to supporting the company’s mission, vision, and values.

Our Mission

To be the leader in the automotive tire and service aftermarket industry in every market that we operate in providing premier service to our guests.

POSITION TITLE: Apprentice Technician

CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt

Position Overview

Driven by Dobbs, our family of brands brings together Dobbs Tire and Auto Centers—founded in 1976 in South St. Louis, MO as a family-owned complete auto care provider—and Conrad’s Tire Express & Total Car Care, founded in 1969 in Cleveland, OH. Together, we have grown into a rapidly expanding, multi-market automotive service organization that willoperateacross eight states in 2026, with continued growth on the horizon. Across all locations, customers can expect a full selection of quality tire brands and comprehensive automotive services, ranging from routine maintenance to advanced diagnostics and engine repair. Our investment in training, development, safety, and overall team wellbeing empowers our people to deliver exceptional service every day. Rooted in a culture that extends beyond the shop, we proudly support local organizations and charities in the communities where our teams live and work.

Roles And Responsibilities

• Develop and apply growing mechanical knowledge of engine operations, cooling systems, brakes, steering and suspension, HVAC, and general vehicle maintenance.
• Assistwith and perform basic automotive repairs under supervision.
• Shadow and learn from experienced team members, including Technicians, Master Technicians, and Alignment Technicians.
• Support shop operations bymaintainingtools, equipment, and a clean work environment.
• Follow all safety procedures and company standards while completing assigned tasks.

Success Factors

• Astrongbeliefinsafety-BeingSafe100%ofthetimeistheexpectation.
• Alignment withcompanymission,vision,andvalues.
• Strongworkethicwithacommitmenttoresults.
• Strongteamplayerwiththeabilitytoadapttodiverseteammembers.
• Abilitytoperformin afastpaced/high volumeenvironment.
• Excellentverbalandwrittencommunicationskills.
• Ahighleveloftimemanagement,accountability,and prioritizationskills.
• Abilitytobeorganized,problemsolve andbesolutionoriented.
• Self-motivated,goal-oriented,anddriven toaccomplishdepartmentgoals.
• Strongcriticalthinkerwithahighlevelofattentiontodetail.
• Highly-customercentricandmasterrelationshipbuilder.
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of automotive systems and uses diagnostic equipment with accuracy.
• Maintains a professional, can-do approach even in physically demanding or fast-paced situations.

Work Environment

• Fast-paced automotive service environment.
• Frequentexposure to varying temperatures due to the nature of the work and shop conditions.
• Regular contact with automotive chemicals, including solvents, lubricants, and fluids used in vehicle maintenance and repair.
• Extended periods of standing, bending, and lifting tires or equipment.
• Requires adherence to all safety procedures and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Involves teamwork, reliability, and effective communication tomaintaina safe and efficient workplace.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to quality service are essential for success.

Experience And Education

• Minimum of2 years of experiencein automotive repair or2–4 years of hands-on trainingin automotive maintenance.
• 1+yearof experience as an alignment technicianor completion of a post-secondaryvocational program in automotive technology.
• Extensive knowledge oftire installation, wheel balancing, and diagnosing ride disturbances.
• Growingknowledge ofsteering, suspension, and general vehicle maintenance.
• Proficient in the use ofstandard automotive diagnostic tools and repair equipment.
• Solid understanding ofautomotive systems and repair procedures.
• Valid Drivers’ LicenseRequired.

Driven by Dobbs is an equal opportunity employer. All candidates agree to complete a selection assessment and pre-employment screenings.

Signature: _________________________ Date: _________________________