Fire Vehicle Maintenance Intern

County of Ventura, CA; Oxnard (CA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

County of Ventura, CA's Fire Department offers a Vehicle Maintenance Internship for students pursuing Automotive or Diesel Technology, providing hands-on experience within the Vehicle Maintenance Unit (VMU) on fleet vehicles.

Ideal candidates are enrolled in a college or technical program and demonstrate a commitment to learning while delivering high service levels. Proof of enrollment is required to apply.

Qualifications

• No experience required for entry into the internship.
• Enrolled in a college or technical school in Automotive or Diesel Technology or a similar program.
• Must provide proof of enrollment in an academic/technical program.

Responsibilities

• Assists in preventive maintenance and safety inspections on vehicles and equipment.
• Replaces belts, filters, brakes and related components; performs minor repairs.
• Uses diagnostic and shop tools; writes reports and maintains service records.
• Operates vehicles during servicing; balances tires and performs light welding.
• Supports the team with data entry and record keeping.

Skills

Automotive interest

Customer service focus

Education

Automotive/Diesel Technology program enrollment

Job description

THE POSITION

The Ventura County Fire Department's Fire Vehicle Maintenance Internship program is designed for students interested in beginning a career supporting our unique fleet of automotive, medium-duty, and heavy-duty vehicles. Interns gain hands‑on experience while working within our Vehicle Maintenance Unit (VMU).

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The successful candidates will be currently enrolled in a college or technical school specializing in Automotive Technology, Diesel Technology or similar program and will demonstrate a commitment to learning while providing the highest level of service.

PAYROLL TITLE

Student Worker III

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Student Workers may be employed for a maximum period of three (3) years. During this time, they may work up to 3,120 total hours, with no more than 1,040 hours per year.

Applications are reviewed on a continual basis as departments submit requests, meaning they are evaluated only as vacancies arise.

Candidates who successfully complete the application evaluation process may be placed on an eligible list for a period of six (6) months. Placement on the eligible list does not guarantee an interview or indicate that immediate openings are available.

Candidates will not be placed on an eligible list until proof of enrollment in an academic, technical, college, or university program has been submitted.

The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill current and future Extra-Help vacancies. There are two (2) anticipated vacancies. Extra-Help positions are not eligible for benefits.

Hiring managers are not required to interview every candidate referred to them. Selection factors may include education, training, experience, and work availability.

NOTE

Student Worker III is represented by the Service Employees' International Union (SEIU) as extra-help.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

OPENING DATE: Friday, October 16, 2026

CLOSING DATE: Continuous and may close at anytime

FIRST REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS: Week of October 26, 2026 and subsequent reviews are contingent on vacancies.

DUTIES

In a training capacity:

• Assists in performing preventative maintenance services and safety inspections on vehicles, heavy construction equipment, and fire engines in the shop and field. May also assist in the service and repair of gas powered chain saws, mowers and other small equipment, generator sets and breathing air compressors;
• Replaces fan belts, brakes, filters, air cleaners, shock absorbers, mufflers and similar parts, adjusts brakes, tracks and clutches; and steam cleans vehicles, equipment, tools and components;
• Makes minor mechanical repairs and adjustments, assists mechanics in the overhaul and repair of vehicles and heavy equipment; and may perform engine tune-ups;
• Uses computer equipment for engine transmission and brake diagnostics;
• Writes reports, enters and retrieves data;
• Prepares and maintains service and repair records. Operates vehicles and equipment as necessary during servicing and repairs;
• Uses test equipment, grinders, hoists and other shop tools;
• Performs simple welding in repair of vehicles and fabrication of equipment attached to vehicles;
• Removes and replaces body components, such as lights, mirrors, bumpers, mud flaps, tailgates and seats. May perform minor body repair and do spot painting;
• Balances and repairs tires;
• Performs other related duties as required.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, and EXPERIENCE

No experience is required.

Students must provide proof that they are enrolled in:

• at least nine (9) units of academic/technical college or university courses at the undergraduate level, OR
• at least six (6) units at the graduate level.

Student Worker IIIs may work during the summer upon providing evidence that they:

• were enrolled in at least nine (9) units in the previous spring session, OR
• are enrolled in at least nine (9) units for the next fall session, OR
• are enrolled in at least three (3) units of summer courses.

High school graduates may be hired as Student Worker IIIs upon providing proof of graduation.

NOTE

Audits of class enrollment will be routinely completed to ensure minimum requirements are being met.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, squat, stoop, reach, twist, and lift heavy objects up to 50lbs.

DESIRED

Must either possess or be able to obtain and maintain a valid California driver license by the date of hire.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Some knowledge of: operation and basic theory of diesel and gasoline engines; fuel, ignition and electrical systems pertaining to vehicles, apparatus and construction equipment; and basic theory of hydraulics, air and liquid cooling systems, tire and tube repairing and vulcanizing equipment.

Some skill in: using shop, fabrication, and testing equipment.

Ability to: follow oral instructions; perform tasks requiring physical exertion and manual dexterity; and establish and maintain effective working relationships.

FINAL FILING DATE

This is a continuous recruitment and may close at any time; therefore, apply as soon as possible if you are interested in it. Your application and proof of class enrollment must be received by County of Ventura Human Resources in Ventura, California, no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION

A thorough pre-employment, post offer background investigation which may include inquiry into past employment, education, criminal background information and driving record may be required for this position.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The County of Ventura is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

CONTACT INFORMATION

[e-mail] or by telephone at [phone].