Auto Technician III
North County Transit - San Diego Railroad
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Job summary
North County Transit District is seeking an Auto Technician III to diagnose, service, and repair revenue vehicles, including engines, transmissions, brakes, and electrical systems. The role emphasizes independent handling of major repairs, mentorship to junior technicians, and adherence to union guidelines.
The position requires reading schematics, performing advanced troubleshooting, and maintaining safety standards. Shifts may include nights, weekends, and holidays.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- 4+ years of apprentice-level automotive/heavy-duty mechanics experience preferred.
- Associate degree relevant to heavy equipment or alternative fuels preferred.
- 4 years of transit agency experience preferred.
Responsibilities
- Diagnose vehicle malfunctions and determine remedial actions.
- Repair or replace components of major systems, including wheelchair lifts and A/C units.
- Remove and replace engine packages and overhaul engines.
- Perform preventative maintenance and acceptance testing on vehicles.
- Repair interior/exterior damage and respond to road failure situations.
- Document work performed and parts used in maintenance records.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Under the direction of the Maintenance Supervisor, the primary responsibilities of the Auto Technician III are to perform preventative maintenance, diagnosis, service and repair of steering, suspension, brakes, engines, transmissions, differentials, electrical, wheelchair lifts, and air conditioning systems.
This position is distinguished by its high degree of independence on major mechanical repairs. Auto Technician III performs complex troubleshooting, preventive, and remedial maintenance of revenue vehicles and equipment. Successful applicants must be able to safely, perform part analysis on damaged parts and assist in inventory control or other duties, as necessary. This position mentors and provides technical direction and assistance to junior technicians; and performs related work as required. This is a bargained position represented by the Teamsters Local 542 Union. Per the union agreement, the starting salary rate will be $44.30/hour
This position reports to the Maintenance Supervisor and will occasionally direct the work of other mechanics. This position is expected to participate in the sharing of expert maintenance knowledge.
This position is required to work under varying climactic conditions including heat and cold due to the open garage doors. Most of the shift is spent standing and completing tasks requiring fine‑grained motor skills. The remaining time may be spent bending, stooping, and crouching. Occasionally, you will be required to lift and move objects weighing up50pounds. This position will be required to work various shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Performs diagnosis of vehicle malfunctions, determines the probable cause, and recommends necessary remedial action to the supervisor for prioritization and assignment
- Repairs or removes and replaces dysfunctional components of major systems including, but not limited to, wheelchair lifts and air-conditioning units
- Removes and replaces entire engine packages
- Overhauls and tunes engines
- Performs acceptance testing and pre-service preparations to newly acquired vehicles
- Operates brake lathe machine and performs brake reline overhauls
- Perform expert-level diagnosis, repair, overhaul, rebuild, reconditioning, and other necessary functions to ensure each vehicles are returned to safely to their properly and intended working condition.
- Repairs minor damage to interior or exterior of vehicle including, but not limited to, torn seats, broken windows and windshields, minor dents, and cosmetic paint damage
- Responds to road failure situations and renders remedial action to return bus to the operating division
- Disassembles, cleans, inspects, and rebuilds engine systems and their mechanical and electrical components
- Other duties, as assigned
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Combination of at least four (4) years of apprentice level verifiable training and experience in automotive, bus, or heavy‑duty mechanics, which may include college mechanics courses and/or a regional occupational program.
- Associate degree relevant to work with heavy equipment and/or alternative fuels is preferred.
- Four (4) years of experience working with automotive, bus, or heavy‑duty mechanics at a transit agency is preferred.
A combination of experience/skills and education to fulfill the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this position may be considered.
- Four (4) preferred ASE H Series Certifications:
- Preventative Maintenance
- Brakes
- Electrical
- Air conditioning or Engine Series
- Must be able to obtain a Commercial Class B or higher commercial driver's license with passenger and air brakes endorsements within 6 months of employment
- EPA 608 type 2, and EPA 609 certifications.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain access to Marine Corp Base Camp Pendleton.
- Ability to obtain a forklift certification within 6 months of hiring.
- Knowledge of advanced methods, materials, equipment, and safety procedures utilized in the maintenance and repair
- Ability to read, understand, and apply electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic schematics.
- Ability to read, understand, and apply service manuals from a variety of manufacturers including New Flyer, Cummins, Vansco, Ford, Chevrolet, etc.
- Be able to diagnose complex technical conditions to identify root causes, develop and implement appropriate corrective measures, and verify each repair is safely and thoroughly completed.
- Ability to safely operate buses or other NCTD vehicles
- Perform advanced troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of transit vehicles
- Use hand tools, power tools, shop tools, and equipment in a safe and proper manner.
- Exhibits a friendly, professional, and customer-service oriented demeanor continuously.
- Exceptional relationship-building skills to deal competently with individuals at all levels of responsibility and authority.
- Maintain work environment that is safe, clean, organized, and compliant with NCTD policies and regulatory standards.
- Ability to manage highly confidential and challenging situations with diplomacy and tact.
- Ability to effectively use NCTD’s prescribed maintenance record software to clearly and accurately detail all work completed on a work order,
- Ability to document in writing all observations during inspections, repairs, estimates, etc., and to make accurate written requests for parts and recommendations for corrective measures.
- Ability to work under pressure, multi-task, and organize workflow to deliver high-quality products within established deadlines.
- Collaborative and flexible “can‑do” attitude with a willingness to perform even the most basic tasks. Apply personal attention to detail and take pride in “going the extra mile” to achieve success.
- Strong written and oral communication skills, including knowledge of the structure and content of the English language such as the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar. Superior writing and proof‑reading skills.
This position must have the ability to withstand a range of climactic conditions; ability to occasionally lift objects up to 50pounds; ability to remain standing for a majority of the shift and complete the required movements such as reaching, pushing, bending, stooping, crouching, and repetitive manual tasks necessary to complete repairs.
- Ability to safely operate a variety of hand tools and power equipment
- Ability to safely operate buses, tow trucks, and other NCTD vehicles
- Ability to operate standard office equipment
- Must have a full set of journey level hand tools to accomplish assigned work
NCTD participates in the CalPERS retirement program with a benefit formula of 1.5% @ 65 for PEPRA new members. Benefits are calculated based on your age at retirement, the number of years of service credit with CalPERS and the average of your monthly compensation over the past 36 months (36 months average highest hourly pay rate).
NCTD offers a Voluntary Deferred Compensation Savings Plan through VOYA Financial Services. Employees are eligible to enroll any time after the date of hire. The plan allows you to contribute pre‑tax and/or post‑tax dollars into selected funds of your choice. The plan also allows you to:
- Contribute up to amount specified annually by the IRS
- Catch‑up plan for those 50+ of up to amount specified annually by the IRS
- Is portable, can be rolled over into another qualified retirement plan
- Employer match into a 401(a) account (50% up to 8% of employee compensation; Max NCTD contribution of 4%)
NCTD offers a rich variety of HMO and PPO plans to choose from and contributes towards your monthly medical premiums, if the coverage you select costs more than the amount NCTD contributes, then payroll deductions will be withheld on a pre‑tax basis. Premium rates may vary across bargaining units in accordance with the terms of their respective collective bargaining agreement.
NCTD offers two different dental plans for employees and their eligible dependents (HMO and PPO) from a reliable dental insurance provider. Human Resources can provide information regarding annual insurance provider and available plans. Both plans are part of NCTD’s cafeteria plan (pre‑tax payroll deductions for monthly premiums).
NCTD offers vision services for employees and their eligible dependents through a reliable vision insurance provider. Human Resources can provide information regarding annual insurance provider and available plan. The plan is part of NCTD’s cafeteria plan (pre‑tax payroll deductions for monthly premiums).
NCTD cares for its employees and thus provides at no cost to the employee group life insurance in the amount of $50,000 (coverage includes Accidental Death and Dismemberment and Accelerated Death benefits). Additional life insurance is available for you and your eligible dependents at your expense. Tax reporting is required for any amounts over $50,000, per IRS guidelines. Supplemental life insurance coverage premiums are deducted on a post‑tax basis.
NCTD offers voluntary Long‑Term Disability (LTD) insurance. You may elect units of $100 up to 60% of your hourly wage to a maximum of $6,000/month. Deductions are post‑tax, coverage 24/7, limitations or exclusions, and benefits are payable to age 65 or for two years (whichever is longer).
NCTD offers two core FSA plans and two Commuter plans. Health Care and Dependent Care plans are “Use It OR Lose It” calendar year plans (Jan. 1st – Dec. 31st). The Commuter Transit and Parking plans do not have a “use it or lose it” policy. Plans are as follows:
- Health Care Spending Account:
- May contribute up to amount specified annually by the IRS
- Dependent Care Spending Account:
- May contribute up to amount specified annually by the IRS (including limitations if married)
- Commuter Transit Accounts:
- May contribute up to amount specified annually by the IRS
Employees contribute to California State Disability Insurance (SDI). The current contribution rate is 1.1% of earnings and is totally paid by the employee. After the 7‑day waiting period, SDI pays a percentage of employee’s salary up to a maximum of $1,540.00 per week, for up to 52 weeks. SDI may be coordinated with Paid Time Off (PTO).
NCTD offers voluntary accident insurance. You may elect coverage for you and your dependents for a flat monthly rate. Deductions are post‑tax.
NCTD offers voluntary Critical Illness insurance. You may elect coverage up to $10,000 in increments of $2,500, for you and between $2,500 - $5,000 for your dependents, not to exceed 50% of coverage amount. Deductions are post‑tax.
6 recognized paid holidays per year: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
Upon start of service, all permanent full‑time employees shall be authorized and granted paid time off. The amount of annual PTO hours is based on the following:
Award at start of service 40 hours
Awarded after completion of 12 months of service 80 hours
Awarded after completion of 24 months of service 120 hours
Awarded after completion of 60 months of service 184 hours
Awarded after completion of 96 months of service 224 hours
Awarded after completion of 120 months of service 256 hours
Employees will be given personal holidays on their anniversary date, and each January 1 thereafter, based on the following schedule:
After one (1) year of service – one (1) personal holiday
After three (3) years of service – two (2) personal holidays
After fifteen (15) years of service - three (3) personal holidays
All NCTD employees receive an identification “PRONTO Card” which can be used to ride the following NCTD/MTS transit services (BREEZE, FLEX, SPRINTER, COASTER, MTS Bus, Trolley) at no charge. Eligible family members also receive a pass for NCTD public transportation at no charge (paratransit excluded).
NCTD offers paid bereavement leave.
The EAP offers assistance in areas such as:
- Emotional Support
- Work/Life Balance
- Family Care
This allows you to add/drop dependents from current benefit plan elections per IRS “Qualifying Events.” If a “Qualifying Event” occurs, you MUST contact HR within 30 days of event, (Qualifying Event must relate to the benefit change you are requesting).
Please contact Human Resources should you have any questions regarding NCTD Benefits.
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