Fleet Technician III

North County Transit District; California (MO); On-site; USD 50,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

North County Transit District seeks an Auto Technician III to perform preventive maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs on buses and related equipment. You will handle engines, transmissions, brakes, suspensions, electrical systems, wheelchair lifts, and air conditioning, with a high degree of independence on major repairs.

The role requires strong troubleshooting, ability to read schematics, and mentoring of junior technicians. Shift work includes nights, weekends, and holidays.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 4 years of apprentice-level training and experience in automotive, bus, or heavy-duty mechanics.
• Associate degree preferred in heavy equipment or related field.
• Transit agency experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose vehicle malfunctions and report to supervisor.
• Repair or replace major components including wheelchair lifts and AC units.
• Overhaul and tune engines.
• Test vehicles and ensure safe operation.
• Maintain and document work orders.

Skills

Diagnostic skills

Troubleshooting

Mentoring

Safety procedures

Reading schematics

Customer service

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree in heavy equipment or related field preferred

Transit agency experience preferred

Tools

Brake lathe

Diagnostic equipment

Maintenance software

Forklift certification

Job description

DEFINITION

Under the direction of the Maintenance Supervisor, the primary responsibilities of the Auto Technician III are to perform preventative maintenance, diagnosis, service and repair of steering, suspension, brakes, engines, transmissions, differentials, electrical, wheelchair lifts, and air conditioning systems.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This position is distinguished by its high degree of independence on major mechanical repairs. Auto Technician III performs complex troubleshooting, preventive, and remedial maintenance of revenue vehicles and equipment. Successful applicants must be able to safely perform part analysis on damaged parts and assist in inventory control or other duties, as necessary. This position mentors and provides technical direction and assistance to junior technicians; and performs related work as required.

Per the union agreement, the starting salary rate will be $44.30/hour

Supervision Received and Exercised

This position reports to the Maintenance Supervisor and will occasionally direct the work of other mechanics. This position is expected to participate in the sharing of expert maintenance knowledge.

Working Conditions

This position is required to work under varying climactic conditions including heat and cold due to the open garage doors. Most of the shift is spent standing and completing tasks requiring fine‑grained motor skills. The remaining time may be spent bending, stooping, and crouching. Occasionally, you will be required to lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds. This position will be required to work various shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Essential Functions

• Performs diagnosis of vehicle malfunctions, determines the probable cause, and recommends necessary remedial action to the supervisor for prioritization and assignment.
• Repairs or removes and replaces dysfunctional components of major systems including, but not limited to, wheelchair lifts and air‑conditioning units.
• Removes and replaces entire engine packages.
• Overhauls and tunes engines.
• Performs acceptance testing and pre‑service preparations to newly acquired vehicles.
• Operates brake lathe machine and performs brake reline overhauls.
• Perform expert‑level diagnosis, repair, overhaul, rebuild, reconditioning, and other necessary functions to ensure each vehicle is returned to safely to their properly and intended working condition.
• Repairs minor damage to interior or exterior of vehicle including, but not limited to, torn seats, broken windows and windshields, minor dents, and cosmetic paint damage.
• Responds to road failure situations and renders remedial action to return bus to the operating division.
• Disassembles, cleans, inspects, and rebuilds engine systems and their mechanical and electrical components.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Experience/Education

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Combination of at least four (4) years of apprentice level verifiable training and experience in automotive, bus, or heavy‑duty mechanics, which may include college mechanics courses and/or a regional occupational program.
• Associate degree relevant to work with heavy equipment and/or alternative fuels is preferred.
• Four (4) years of experience working with automotive, bus, or heavy‑duty mechanics at a transit agency is preferred.
• A combination of experience/skills and education to fulfill the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this position may be considered.

Certificates/Licenses

• Four (4) preferred ASE H Series Certifications: Preventative Maintenance, Brakes, Electrical, Air conditioning or Engine Series.
• Must be able to obtain a Commercial Class B or higher commercial driver's license with passenger and air brakes endorsements within 6 months of employment.
• EPA 608 type 2, and EPA 609 certifications.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain access to Marine Corp Base Camp Pendleton.
• Ability to obtain a forklift certification within 6 months of hiring.

General Requirements

• Knowledge of advanced methods, materials, equipment, and safety procedures utilized in the maintenance and repair.
• Ability to read, understand, and apply electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic schematics.
• Ability to read, understand, and apply service manuals from a variety of manufacturers including New Flyer, Cummins, Vansco, Ford, Chevrolet, etc.
• Be able to diagnose complex technical conditions to identify root causes, develop and implement appropriate corrective measures, and verify each repair is safely and thoroughly completed.
• Ability to safely operate buses or other NCTD vehicles.
• Perform advanced troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of transit vehicles.
• Use hand tools, power tools, shop tools, and equipment in a safe and proper manner.
• Exhibit a friendly, professional, and customer‑service oriented demeanor continuously.
• Exceptional relationship‑building skills to deal competently with individuals at all levels of responsibility and authority.
• Maintain work environment that is safe, clean, organized, and compliant with NCTD policies and regulatory standards.
• Ability to manage highly confidential and challenging situations with diplomacy and tact.
• Ability to effectively use NCTD’s prescribed maintenance record software to clearly and accurately detail all work completed on a work order.
• Ability to document in writing all observations during inspections, repairs, estimates, etc., and to make accurate written requests for parts and recommendations for corrective measures.
• Ability to work under pressure, multi‑task, and organize workflow to deliver high‑quality products within established deadlines.
• Collaborative and flexible “can‑do” attitude with a willingness to perform even the most basic tasks. Apply personal attention to detail and take pride in “going the extra mile” to achieve success.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including knowledge of the structure and content of the English language such as the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar. Superior writing and proof‑reading skills.

Physical Requirements

This position must have the ability to withstand a range of climactic conditions; ability to occasionally lift objects up to 50 pounds; ability to remain standing for a majority of the shift and complete the required movements such as reaching, pushing, bending, stooping, crouching, and repetitive manual tasks necessary to complete repairs.

Machines / Tools / Equipment

• Ability to safely operate a variety of hand tools and power equipment.
• Ability to safely operate buses, tow trucks, and other NCTD vehicles.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment.
• Must have a full set of journey level hand tools to accomplish assigned work.

“NCTD will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if NCTD is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting the Civil Right’s Department Fair Chance Act webpage.