Auto Mechanic I or II

Mississippi State University; Starkville (MS); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Mississippi State University is seeking a skilled vehicle and equipment technician to diagnose, service, repair, and overhaul a wide range of university assets. The role uses fleet management software to track work orders and repair histories, ensuring safe, reliable operations in support of campus functions.

The position emphasizes mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems work, with safety and documentation as core requirements.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; apprenticeship or related training preferred.
• Experience diagnosing, repairing, and overhauling vehicles and equipment in a shop environment.
• Familiarity with diagnostic tools and repair documentation systems.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose, service, maintain, repair, and overhaul university vehicles and equipment.
• Work on mechanical, electrical/electronic, and hydraulic systems and drivetrains.
• Operate shop equipment safely and follow safety standards.
• Use fleet management system to create and close work orders and document repairs.
• Order parts and track labor and materials for jobs.
• Maintain certifications and pursue ongoing training.

Skills

Mechanical repair

Diagnostics

Electrical systems

Hydraulic systems

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Diagnostic tools

Scan tools

Job description

Position Function:

Perform skilled diagnostic, maintenance, repair, and overhaul work on university vehicles and equipment — including cars, trucks, vans, buses, generators, tractors, and other heavy or mobile equipment — using a wide range of hand tools, power tools, diagnostic technology, and repair methods. Utilize RTA (or the university's designated fleet management system) to manage work orders and maintain vehicle repair histories, ensuring safe, reliable, and well-documented fleet operations in support of university functions.

Salary Grade: AME-1

Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• 1. Diagnoses, services, maintains, repairs, and overhauls university vehicles and equipment (cars, trucks, vans, buses, grounds and utility equipment, and other rolling stock) and their component parts, using hand tools, power tools, diagnostic scan tools, and computerized testing equipment.
• 2. Works on a wide range of systems and components, including mechanical, electrical/electronic, fuel injection, emission control, brake and ABS, air conditioning, hydraulic, hybrid/electric drive, and advanced driver-assistance (ADAS) systems, as well as engines, transmissions, differentials, glass, and body components.
• 3. Operates jacks, lifts, hoists, stands, and other shop equipment safely and in accordance with current safety standards.
• 4. Diagnoses and repairs gasoline, diesel, and alternative-fuel/electric vehicle engines and drivetrains; performs tune-ups, valve work, and transmission overhauls.
• 5. Rebuilds and replaces heavy equipment undercarriages, tracks, rollers, and frames; repairs and replaces pistons, crankshafts, bearings, clutches, and hydraulic drive components.
• 6. Diagnoses problems using OEM and aftermarket diagnostic software and scan tools; determines appropriate repair solutions and the type, quality, and specification of parts, materials, and hardware required.
• 7. Interprets service and overhaul manuals, specifications, wiring diagrams, technical service bulletins, and manufacturer software updates.
• 8. Uses RTA (or the university's designated fleet management system) daily to create, update, and close work orders, and to maintain accurate, complete vehicle repair histories for reporting, warranty tracking, and preventive maintenance scheduling.
• 9. Recommends, sources, and orders parts, materials, and supplies needed for repairs; documents job time, labor, and materials accurately and promptly in RTA and other required systems to support cost tracking, billing, and compliance reporting.
• 10. Ensures compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements, including proper handling and disposal of fluids, batteries, tires, and hazardous materials, and completion of required state/DOT vehicle inspections.
• 11. Maintains applicable certifications (e.g., ASE) and pursue ongoing training to stay current with evolving vehicle technology, diagnostic tools, and repair procedures.
• 12. Performs related duties as assigned.

Level I:

Duties and tasks are standardized. Performs some more advanced tasks as part of training and development. Resolves routine problems and refers more complex issues to higher levels

Level II:

Duties and tasks are varied and complex. Resolves most questions and problems and refers only to the most complex issue to higher levels.

Minimum Qualifications:

Level I:

Applies basic skills and learns advanced skills in procedures, techniques, tools, materials, and/or equipment appropriate to area of specialization. Equivalent to an apprentice level in area of specialization. High school diploma or equivalent plus one to two years experience.

Level II:

Applies advanced skills in area of specialization. Adapts procedures, techniques, tools, materials and/or equipment to meet special needs. Equivalent to journeyman level. High school diploma or equivalent plus three to five years experience. Experience must include at least # years at the preceding level or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications:

Level I:

High School Diploma or equivalent plus 1-2 years. Equivalent to an apprentice level in area of specialization.

Level II:

Experience in mechanical engine repair. High school diploma or equivalent plus 3-5 year's experience. Equivalent to journeyman level in area of specialization. Experience must include at least number of years at the preceding level or equivalent

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Level I:

Works under direct supervision and selects from a variety of established procedures to accomplish assigned tasks

Level II:

Works under minimal supervision. May assist in training and checking the work of lower-level employees.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Frequent, heavy, or intense physical requirements combined with exposure to several disagreeable elements, such as heat, cold, noise, dust, dirt, and chemicals. Constant precautions required.

Routine deadlines; usually sufficient lead time; variance in work volume seasonal and predictable; priorities can be anticipated; some interruptions are present; travel or other inconveniences have advance notice; involve occasional exposure to demands and pressures from people other than immediate supervisor.

Jobs frequently require standing, walking, reaching, climbing or balancing, talking, hearing, handling objects with hands, and lifting to 50 pounds.

Job occasionally requires sitting, stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling, and lifting more than 100 pounds.

Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, [phone].

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and wouldlike to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi StateUniversity, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at(662) 325-3713 or [e-mail].

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at(662) 325-3713 or [e-mail]. Upon request, sections of thisjob listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.