Automotive & Equipment Mechanic (SEIU) (External)

Bay Area Rapid Transit; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Bay Area Rapid Transit is hiring an Automotive and Equipment Mechanic to service a diverse fleet including passenger vehicles, trucks, high‑rail equipment, and small equipment. The role focuses on diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining gasoline and diesel systems to ensure safe, reliable operations across the Bay Area.

The successful candidate will perform full journey‑level repairs, preventive maintenance, and use computerized diagnostics while documenting work and contributing to fleet

Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of automotive/equipment maintenance and repair.
• Ability to interpret manuals, wiring diagrams and parts docs.
• Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic skills across systems.

Responsibilities

• Repair gasoline/diesel vehicles and equipment of varied sizes.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance and tune-ups.
• Diagnose and repair braking, steering, cooling and exhaust systems.
• Repair and overhaul transmissions, differentials and power take-off components.
• Maintain accurate service records and documentation.
• Operate safely with tools and safety protocols.

Skills

Mechanical

Electrical

Diesel engines

Troubleshooting

Preventive maintenance

Education

High school diploma or GED

Apprenticeship program

Job description

Note: This job announcement closes on November 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time. Applications for this posting will be reviewed in batches based on the following schedule:

• Round 1: August 31, 2026 - September 30, 2026
• Round 2: October 1, 2026 - October 31, 2026
• Round 3: November 1, 2026 - November 30, 2026

Pay Rate

SEIU Maintenance Worker III

Pay Grade 301

$43.57/hour (Minimum/Step 76) – $56.96/hour (Maximum/Step 99)

Note: External candidates will start at Step 76

Reports To

Manager of Automotive and Equipment Maintenance or designee

Days Off

Variable

Who May Apply

All future BART Employees

Current Assignment

This job announcement will be used to establish a pool of eligible candidates for vacancies that may occur within the next six (6) months.

The Automotive and Equipment Maintenance Department at the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) is seeking a skilled Automotive and Equipment Mechanic to support the District's growing fleet of non-revenue vehicles and equipment, including passenger vehicles, light, medium and heavy-duty trucks, fixed and high-rail equipment, and small motorized equipment. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the equipment that supports BART's daily transit operations across the Bay Area.

The successful candidate will join a team responsible for diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining a diverse range of gasoline and diesel-powered equipment, applying knowledge of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and diesel systems. This position requires a hands‑on professional who can perform full‑scope journey level repairs, from routine preventive maintenance to complex diagnostics using computerized systems, while maintaining accurate documentation and supporting continuous improvement in fleet reliability.

Current operational priorities for this position include:

• Reducing equipment downtime through proactive troubleshooting and preventive maintenance practices
• Maintaining compliance with Cal-OSHA and District safety standards, including proper use of respiratory protective equipment
• Supporting the department's transition to increasingly computerized diagnostic tools and recordkeeping systems
• Providing timely, high-quality repairs to minimize disruption to field operations and on‑site equipment needs
• Collaborating with supervisors and equipment users to identify and resolve recurring operational issues

The most qualified candidates for this position will have highly developed competencies in the following areas, which will be reinforced with related work experience and will be articulated during the selection process:

• Troubleshooting and diagnosing mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic system failures in automotive and heavy equipment
• Performing engine tune‑ups, rebuilds, and repairs on gasoline and diesel powered equipment of varying sizes
• Servicing, adjusting, and repairing transmissions, differentials, clutches, and power take‑off apparatus
• Diagnosing and repairing braking, suspension, steering, cooling, and exhaust systems
• Safely operating hand and power tools common to the automotive trade
• Reading and interpreting repair manuals, wiring diagrams, and parts documentation
• Maintaining accurate written and computerized service records
• Communicating effectively and maintaining professional working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, and equipment users

This position offers the opportunity to work on a wide variety of specialized equipment within a large public transit agency, while contributing directly to the safety and reliability of the systems that keep BART running for the communities it serves.

The selection process for this position may include one or more of the following: a skills or performance demonstration, written examination, and/or panel or individual interview.

All applications and bid forms will be reviewed by the Talent Acquisition Division to determine whether applicants meet the established Minimum Qualifications (MQs).

Applicants who meet the MQs may be referred to the hiring department for further evaluation as part of the selection process.

The selected candidate must demonstrate a work history reflecting reliability and dependability and may be required to provide copies of certificates, diplomas, or other documentation required by law, including proof of authorization to work in the United States, and pass a pre‑employment medical examination which includes a drug screen, which is specific to the essential job functions and requirements. Pre‑employment processing will also include a background check. This requirement does not apply to current full‑time District employees unless the position requires additional evaluations or clearances.

1. Road tests, inspects, troubleshoots, repairs, maintains, outfits and modifies gasoline and diesel passenger vehicles, light, medium and heavy‑duty equipment and vehicles, including fixed and high‑rail and small motor operated equipment.
2. Inspects and troubleshoots equipment, including the use of computerized diagnostics; discusses equipment operating problems with supervisors and users.
3. Performs routine preventive maintenance, including lubrication, oil changes, filter changes and minor adjustments.
4. Tunes, repairs and rebuilds gasoline and diesel with multiple cylinders, and prepares engines for job shop work.
5. Adjusts, repairs, replaces and /or rebuilds carburetors, fuel injection systems and other fuel system components, including computer controls.
6. Troubleshoots, adjusts, replaces components, and rewires ignitions, signals, lights, electrical controls, and related.
7. Repairs and rebuilds hydraulic, and pneumatic powered accessories; repairs, services and adjusts transmissions, power take off apparatus, differentials, clutches, and related drive‑train components.
8. Adjusts, disassembles, and repairs or replaces conventional, hydraulic, vacuum assisted and pneumatic drum and disk braking systems, components, valves, lines and master cylinders.
9. Repairs and replaces suspension and steering components; repairs flats and mounts and balances tires including split‑rim wheels.
10. Troubleshoots, adjusts, repairs, and replaces components in cooling and exhaust systems, including smog controls.
11. Performs limited welding, cutting, and machining of parts; obtains parts for stock and requests ordering of special parts; provides fuel and supplies and performs on‑site maintenance and repair to stationary or disabled equipment; completes records of work performed and parts and supplies used.
12. Inputs daily work onto a computerized data base.
13. Stays abreast of new automotive and equipment repair technology by attending seminars and/or update classes as needed.

Education

Possession of a high school diploma, GED or recognized equivalent. Completion of an apprenticeship program in automotive or related equipment.

Experience

The equivalent of one (1) year of full‑time verifiable journey level experience in automotive or equipment maintenance. Previous diesel, hydraulic and locomotive experience is desirable.

Substitution

None

Other Requirements

Must possess and maintain a valid California Class A driver's license with hazardous materials and tank vehicle endorsements and have a satisfactory driving record.

Must be able to lift and carry up to 100 pounds, maneuver heavier objects with assistance and climb, stoop and crawl to reach work, twist and bend.

May require color vision to distinguish parts and wiring.

Must be able to understand, read and communicate in English.

Must be able to wear respiratory protective equipment during the performance of assigned duties in accordance with the District Respirator Program and applicable Cal-OSHA requirements.

Must be able to work under various conditions including under a lift, over a hood, in a pit, and from a step ladder.

Knowledge of:

• Methods, equipment, tools and materials used in the maintenance and repair of gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles and equipment
• Operating principles of engine, drivetrain, fuel, electrical, braking, suspension, steering, cooling, and exhaust systems
• Maintenance and repair of hydraulic and pneumatics
• Troubleshooting techniques
• Use, adjustment, and care of test equipment and hand and power tools common to the trade shop
• Arithmetic required in vehicle maintenance
• Safe working practices
• Basic computer use

Skill/Ability in:

• Troubleshooting and determining causes of automotive and equipment operating problems
• Servicing and lubricating a wide variety of vehicles and equipment; tuning up diesel, gasoline, and propane engines of various sizes
• Servicing, adjusting and repairing transmissions, differentials, and power take‑off apparatus
• Servicing, adjusting and repairing hydraulic and pneumatic apparatus
• Operating hand and power tools safely; understanding and following written and oral instructions
• Reading and interpreting service complaints, repair manuals, diagrams and parts documents
• Keeping simple written records
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work