Automotive Mechanic

Customs and Border Protection; Imperial (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Customs and Border Protection in Imperial, CA seeks a skilled technician for vehicle repairs and maintenance within the Mission Readiness Operations in the El Centro Sector. The incumbent will assess repair needs, perform adjustments, and ensure vehicle systems meet safety standards in accordance with regulatory requirements.

Applicants must demonstrate the required experience and training and undergo a thorough background investigation.

Qualifications

• Screen Out Elements: Ability To Do the Work of the Position Without More Than Normal Supervision
• Experience performing repairs and adjustments per manufacturers' specifications and service bulletins
• Understanding of vehicle systems safety regulations and inspection methods
• Ability to read and interpret instructions, specifications, and blueprints
• Ability to use and maintain tools and equipment for vehicle repair

Responsibilities

• Determining the type and extent of repairs needed in various situations.
• Completing repairs and adjustments per manufacturers' specifications and service bulletins.
• Ensuring vehicle systems (lighting, steering, braking, emissions) function safely per regulations.
• Handling work orders, specifications, and accepted trade practices.
• Troubleshooting through visual inspection and diagnostic tests.

Job description

Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, El Centro Sector, Mission Readiness Operations, located in Imperial, CA.

Although a specific length of time and experience is not required for most trade and labor occupations, you must show through experience and training that you possess the quality level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of the position at the level for which you are applying. Qualification requirements emphasis is on quality of experience, not necessarily the length of time.To minimally qualify for the WG-10 grade level, you must meet the Screen Out Elements: Ability To Do the Work of the Position Without More Than Normal Supervision. To meet the Screen Out Elements, you should have experience performing the following duties: Determining the type and extent of repairs needed in various situations. Completing repairs and adjustments in accordance with manufacturers' specification and service bulletins. Ensuring that vehicle systems (e.g., lighting systems, steering mechanisms, mechanical and hydraulic braking systems, and exhaust and related emission control systems) function in accordance with safety regulations set by various regulatory agencies. Handling work orders, manufacturer's specifications, and accepted trade practices. Troubleshooting using visual inspections and auditory tests. Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating. In addition to the experience described above, you will also be evaluated on the basis of your overall level of competency (knowledge, skills, and abilities) in the following areas: Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc. Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic) Use of Measuring Instruments Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc. (Includes blueprint reading) Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Trouble shooting NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional resume requirements. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. You must meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process by 09/10/2026. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office. Background Investigation: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment in order to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity. During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges, the use of illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy), and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances. For additional information on the preemployment process, review the following link: Applicant Resources | CBP Careers Residency: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years. If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency waiver by meeting one or more of the following conditions: Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military A dependent who was authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. government Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university Working as