Fire Vehicle Maintenance Intern

Seabee Memorial Scholarship Association Inc.; Thousand Oaks (CA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Ventura County Fire Department invites applicants for a Fire Vehicle Maintenance Internship. Interns work under supervision to assist mechanics with gasoline and diesel vehicles, construction equipment, and fire engines, gaining hands-on experience in diagnostics and repairs.

Ideal candidates are enrolled in Automotive or Diesel Technology programs, demonstrating a strong learning mindset and commitment to service.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a college or technical school specializing in Automotive Technology, Diesel Technology or similar program.
• Demonstrates a commitment to learning while providing the highest level of service.

Responsibilities

• Assists in preventative maintenance and safety inspections on vehicles, heavy construction equipment, and fire engines.
• Replaces belts, brakes, filters, and other parts; performs basic cleaning and minor repairs.
• Assists mechanics with engine tune-ups and diagnostics using computer tools.
• Writes reports and maintains service/repair records.
• Operates vehicles during servicing and repairs and uses shop tools and test equipment.
• Performs simple welding and assists in fabrication for vehicle equipment.

Education

Automotive Technology

Diesel Technology

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‑heavy vehicles.

Interns gain hands‑on experience while working within our Vehicle Maintenance Unit (VMU).Under close supervision and in a trainee capacity, interns assist mechanics in the VMU with technical work on gasoline-powered and diesel-powered vehicles, construction equipment, and fire engines. The work provides practical experience in diagnosing and repairing engines, electronic systems, and various components found in automotive, medium‑duty and heavy‑heavy trucks.

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 the 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.

Examples Of 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