Automotive Attendant

County of Santa Clara; California; On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Santa Clara is seeking a skilled automotive service assistant to perform general maintenance and repair tasks in the County garage. You will inspect vehicles, perform routine service, operate tools, and assist higher level mechanics.

The role requires a valid California driver's license, ability to lift up to 70 pounds, and willingness to obtain a forklift certificate within six months. One year of service department experience is preferred; ASE certifications are desirable.

Qualifications

• Basic automotive maintenance and repair procedures.
• Automotive nomenclature and use of hand tools.
• Basic computer use and record keeping.

Responsibilities

• Inspects vehicles for service needs and performs routine maintenance.
• Replaces minor components and checks fluid levels.
• Drives vehicles to relocate equipment and maintains service records.
• Assists higher level mechanics and maintains parts inventory.

Skills

Automotive knowledge

Nomenclature

Hand tools

Basic computer use

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

ASE Certifications desirable

Job description

Description

Under supervision, to perform general administrative duties relating to dispatching County vehicles or to perform general utility work in a garage, repair shop, of service station and to assist higher level mechanics.

NOTE: Candidates who meet the employment standards will be invited to take a practical exam TENTATIVELY scheduled for Saturday, December 05, 2026. Qualifying candidates will be notified of the examination instructions.

Typical Tasks

• Inspects vehicles for service needs, and services with gas, oil, air, and water;
• Completes preventative maintenance checklist for fluid levels, water hoses, mufflers, tailpipes, etc.; drains, flushes, and fills crank cases; changes transmission fluids; inspects, adjusts and repairs brake systems; adjusts head lights;
• Replaces minor accessories, such as windshield wiper blades, light bulbs, side and rear view mirrors, license plates, grease fittings, oil and air filters and warranty items that do not require in-depth mechanical understanding;
• Gauges oil and fuel storage tanks and records readings; monitors storage tanks for leakage;
• Adds and removes decals on vehicles and duplicates keys;
• Steam cleans and polishes equipment and parts;
• Repairs and changes tires and balances wheels;
• Assigns pool cars to County employees and inspects pool vehicles for service needs;
• Maintains tire parts room, and assists in maintaining routine equipment records for parts stock control;
• Tests, charges and replaces batteries;
• Orders, picks up and delivers parts and equipment, and stocks as necessary;
• Drives County vehicles for the purpose of relocating the equipment;
• Prepares service request forms, checks service request forms against services performed, and maintains vehicle records;
• Performs related work as required.

Employment Standards

Possession of a valid California driver's license is required at the time of appointment and ability to qualify for and maintain an acceptable driving record, which will qualify for a County driver's permit.

Special Requirements

• Possession of a forklift operators certificate within six (6) months of appointment or must vacate the position. Certificate must be maintained throughout employment.
• Some positions may require the possession of an Air Conditioning and Refrigerant license/certification issued by the State of California within six (6) months of appointment or must vacate the position. Certification must be maintained throughout employment.

Sufficient education, training and work experience to demonstrate possession of the following knowledge and abilities:

Experience Note:

A candidate would normally acquire the knowledge and abilities listed below by training and experience equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.

AND

One (1) year of experience working in the service department of an automotive dealership or service station.

Possession of one (1) or more National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certifications is desirable.

Knowledge Of

• Basic automotive maintenance and repair procedures.
• Automotive nomenclature;
• Use of hand tools;
• Basic computer use (familiarity with computer).

Ability To

• Service automobiles with gas, oil, air, and water.
• Follow written and oral instructions.
• Keep simple records and prepare simple reports.
• Demonstrate manual dexterity;
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with employees and the public;
• Some positions may be required to perform a wide variety of physical tasks requiring strength, coordination and agility and to move and lift objects that weigh up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 70 pounds.