Automotive Mechanic

U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Indio (CA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Customs and Border Protection, El Centro Sector, Indio Station, is seeking a skilled vehicle technician in Indio, CA. The role starts at hourly pay and involves diagnosing, repairing, and overhauling engines and related systems to meet safety and regulatory standards.

Responsibilities include independent repair determinations, performing manufacturer-guided repairs, and rigorous testing. Candidates must meet federal qualifications and pass background checks as part of DHS employment

Qualifications

• Screen Out Elements: ability to perform the work without more than normal supervision.
• Experience determining the type and extent of repairs.
• Ensure vehicle systems function per safety regulations and manufacturer specs.
• Handle work orders and use required inspection and testing methods.

Responsibilities

• Make independent judgments to determine the type and extent of repairs needed.
• Complete repairs and adjustments in accordance with manufacturers' specifications.
• Troubleshoot, repair, rebuild, adjust and perform checks on major components and systems.
• Perform troubleshooting tests using test equipment and auditory/visual inspections.

Skills

Repair knowledge

Troubleshooting

Safety compliance

Job description

Summary

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, Indio Station, located in Indio, CA.

Duties

This position is involved with troubleshooting, repairing, and overhauling major components and systems such as engines, transmissions, differentials and transaxles, electronic fuel injection systems, emission control systems, and related electrical, electronic, hydraulic, fuel, and other assemblies. This position starts at an hourly rate of $33.93 (WG-10, Step 1) to $39.53 (WG-10, Step 5). Typical duties of this assignment include:

• Making independent judgements and determining the type and extent of repairs needed, and completing repairs with little or no checks during their progress or upon completion.
• Completing repairs and adjustments in accordance with manufacturer's specifications and ensuring vehicle systems function in accordance with safety regulations.
• Troubleshooting, repairing, rebuilding, adjusting, and performing operational checks on a wide variety of major components and systems.
• Performing troubleshooting tests and techniques using a wide variety of test equipment, inspections, and auditory tests.

Requirements

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position. Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service. Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years (additional details below). All pre-employment processes will be conducted in English. You may be required to pass a background investigation. CBP follows the DHS Drug‑Free Workplace Plan for drug testing procedures. As an employee of CBP, you will be joining a workforce that is dedicated to accomplishing our mission while maintaining the trust of our Nation by strictly adhering to all government ethics standards. Your conduct will be subject to the ethics rules applicable to all Executive Branch employees, and to CBP employees specifically, as well as the criminal conflict of interest statutes. Once you enter on duty, these rules include obtaining approval for outside employment or business activity, to ensure such employment or business activity is not prohibited and does not interfere or conflict with performance of your official duties. Please review further details via the following link. DHS uses E‑Verify, an Internet‑based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E‑Verify including your rights and responsibilities. Bargaining Unit: This is a bargaining unit covered position, represented under the National Border Patrol Council - NBPC. For local chapter contact information see https://bpunion.org/#.

Qualifications

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 09/30/2026.
• 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 a contractor, intern, consultant or volunteer supporting the U.S. government;
• Probationary Period: All employees new to the federal government must serve a one year probationary period during the first year of his/her initial permanent federal appointment to determine fitness for continued employment. Current and former federal employees may be required to serve or complete a probationary period.

Education

Please see the Qualifications and Required Documents sections for more information if education is applicable to this position.

Additional Information

Motor Vehicle Operation: You must possess the ability to operate a Government Owned Vehicle. A valid, non-restricted driver's license is required.

Work Conditions: You will make repairs on vehicles where parts worked on are in hard‑to‑reach places. You must stand, stoop, stretch and work in tiring and uncomfortable positions often for extended periods of time. You may frequently lift and carry parts and equipment that weigh up to 40 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds. Work is usually performed inside on concrete surfaces where there is exposure to drafts, noise, and fumes from vehicles. Due to continuous exposure to dirt, dust, and grease with the potential for burns, chemical irritations, shocks, bruises, cuts and strains, you will be required to follow prescribed safety practices and use safety equipment such as safety shoes, safety glasses, and respirators.

Travel: You may be required to travel away from your normal duty station.

Overtime and Shift Work: Call back and emergency overtime may be regular requirements of this position.

Uniforms: Work requires wearing protective clothing and/or safety equipment.

The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR 213.3102(u), and/or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps/VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non‑competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.

Customs & Border Protection (CBP): Securing America's Borders The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is calling on those who want to help protect American interests and secure our Nation. DHS Components work collectively to prevent terrorism; secure borders and our transportation systems; protect the President and other dignitaries; enforce and administer immigration laws; safeguard cyberspace; and ensure resilience to disasters. We achieve these vital missions through a workforce spanning hundreds of occupations. Make an impact; join DHS. Discover a challenging and rewarding career with CBP, the sole organization responsible for securing the nation's borders. At CBP, we: Secure and facilitate trade and travel while enforcing hundreds of U.S. regulations, including immigration and drug laws. Screen passengers, vehicles, and shipments entering our country. Seize illegal narcotics, vehicles, agricultural products and prohibited goods. Prevent unauthorized entry into the country. Rescue individuals who fall into dangerous conditions traversing our border. Connect with us: X: CBP, CBPHRAsstComm LinkedIn: U.S. CBP Instagram: CBPJobs Facebook: CBP Jobs Threads: CBPJobs CBP employees demonstrate the highest level of commitment to protect and serve the United States of America and to exemplify the CBP Core Values of Vigilance, Service to Country and Integrity. Learn more about CBP's mission, core values and careers at https://www.cbp.gov/about