Automotive Technician

University of Maryland; College Park (MD); On-site; USD 51,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Maryland Department of Transportation Services seeks an Automotive Services Technician to join our team in College Park. The role handles advanced automotive work on light to heavy-duty vehicles, including transit buses, with emphasis on diagnostics and ECU-based repairs.

Responsibilities include preventive maintenance, inspections, electrical and hydraulic system repairs, and mentoring student maintenance assistants.

Qualifications

• Five years progressively responsible experience in servicing, maintenance, and repair of motor vehicles or motor equipment.
• Strong understanding of internal combustion engines and motor vehicle systems.
• Demonstrated ability to diagnose and repair malfunctions in a wide variety of vehicles and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Perform repairs and routine maintenance on light-, medium-, and heavy-duty gasoline and diesel vehicles.
• Inspect and test vehicles to identify issues and ensure safety standards.
• Diagnose and repair malfunctions in electrical, hydraulic, and diesel systems including ECUs.
• Tune and adjust engines and transmissions in heavy-duty buses.
• Document maintenance and repairs with parts used and labor hours.

Skills

Five years experience

Diagnostic tools

Read and follow instructions

Tools

Diagnostic tools

Job description

Please note the shift for this position is 2:30 PM to 11:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

Job Description Summary

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY STATEMENT

Position Overview and Key Responsibilities

The University of Maryland Department of Transportation Services is seeking an experienced Automotive Services Technician to join our team. This position performs advanced-level automotive work and requires demonstrated expertise in maintaining and repairing a wide range of gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles, including transit buses and specialized equipment. Proficiency with computer diagnostic tools and experience servicing medium- and heavy-duty commercial passenger transit vehicles is highly desirable.

The Automotive Services Technician is responsible for diagnosing, maintaining, and repairing complex mechanical, electrical, and computerized systems. The ideal candidate is highly skilled, safety-focused, and able to work both independently and as part of a team in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform repairs and routine maintenance (A, B, C, and D services, seasonal service, DOT inspections, and preventative maintenance inspections) on light-, medium-, and heavy-duty gasoline and diesel vehicles.
• Inspect and test vehicles and related automotive systems to identify issues and ensure compliance with safety standards.
• Diagnose and repair malfunctions in air brake systems, hydraulic systems, electrical systems, diesel engines, and transmissions—including welding, fabrication, and parts replacement.
• Tune and adjust 2- and 4-cycle gasoline and diesel engines, including those in heavy-duty transit buses.
• Utilize diagnostic tools and computer equipment to interface with Electronic Control Units (ECUs) and other onboard communication systems.
• Perform preventive services, including fueling, oil changes, lubrication, and vehicle cleaning.
• Accurately document all maintenance and repair work using appropriate forms and record-keeping systems, including parts used, labor hours, and vehicle scheduling.
• Maintain tools and equipment in good condition and help keep the maintenance area clean, organized, and safe.
• Participate in an on-call rotation for emergency maintenance response.
• Assist with the training and mentoring of student maintenance assistants and new technicians as needed.

About the Department of Transportation Services

The University of Maryland’s Department of Transportation Services (DOTS) delivers a wide range of parking and transportation solutions to a diverse campus community of over 50,000 students, faculty, and staff in the Greater College Park area. As a self-supporting unit within the Division of Administration, DOTS is the primary agency responsible for managing the university’s parking and transit programs. We are committed to building a dynamic and inclusive workforce that includes both student employees and full-time staff. Our mission is to provide safe, efficient, sustainable, and forward-thinking transportation services that meet the evolving needs of the UMD community through strategic planning, education, and service.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to work in, on, around, over, and under stationary vehicles.
• Regularly required to lift, move, and manipulate heavy tools, equipment, and supplies—up to 50 lbs frequently and up to 75 lbs occasionally.
• Must be capable of operating equipment and machinery with multiple controls simultaneously.
• Ability to work in environments that may be hazardous or irritating, including confined spaces, extreme temperatures, and adverse weather conditions.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including safety footwear, must be worn as required and will be provided by the University.
• The incumbent is required to supply a complete set of personal tools and a toolbox. The University does not assume responsibility for the maintenance, repair, or replacement of personal tools or equipment.
• May be required to handle materials that include biohazards or bodily fluids while following appropriate safety protocols.

Preferences

• Experience: Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in the servicing, maintenance, and repair of motor vehicles or motorized equipment is preferred.
• Strong understanding of internal combustion engines and motor vehicle systems, including both mechanical and computer-controlled diesel systems.
• Demonstrated ability to diagnose and repair malfunctions in a wide variety of vehicles and equipment.
• Extensive knowledge of tools, equipment, materials, and repair techniques used in automotive maintenance and repair.
• Proficient in the proper use and care of standard hand and power tools.
• Ability to prepare accurate estimates of time and materials required for repair jobs.
• Ability to read and follow oral and written instructions, maintain accurate records, and complete written reports. Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to safely work in, on, around, under, and over machinery and vehicles; at heights up to 25 feet; and in confined, hazardous, or adverse environmental conditions.
• Physical ability to manipulate heavy equipment, tools, and supplies; lift up to 70 lbs; and operate machinery with multiple simultaneous controls.
• Willingness and ability to wear and work in required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Licenses/Certifications

• Required: Must have a valid Maryland commercial driver’s license (CDL) with a Passenger & Air Brakes endorsement or have the ability to obtain one within six months of employment.
• Preferred: Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications.

Minimum Qualifications

Five years progressively responsible experience in servicing, maintenance, and repair of motor vehicles or motor equipment.

Additional Job Details

Non-Regular Hours

• 2:30 PM to 11:00 PM, Monday through Friday

Posting Close Date: 09/30/2026

Job Risks

Occupational Related Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure

No

For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.

Department

VPA-Transportation Services-Shuttle

Worker Sub-Type

Staff Regular

Salary Range

$51,069.00 - $61,283.00

Benefits Summary

For more information on Regular Nonexempt benefits, select this link.

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice

Resources

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