General Auto Mechanic (General Services Department)

City of Detroit; Michigan; On-site; USD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Detroit's General Services Department seeks a General Auto Mechanic to perform full automotive repair and maintenance on diverse fleet including cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles and specialty vehicles. You will diagnose defects, plan repairs, dismantle, replace parts, and ensure safe operation.

Requires ability to read shop manuals, use diagnostic tools, weld, and supervise apprentices. This role emphasizes safety, quality workmanship, and keeping detailed service records in a

Qualifications

• Education equivalent to completion of two (2) years in and preferably graduation from a four-year trade or vocational high school with courses in general shop and automotive repair.
• Three (3) years of experience in repairing and rebuilding a variety of gasoline and/or diesel fuel powered vehicles or completion of an approved four-year apprenticeship in automotive repair or its equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Inspect equipment to locate and determine nature of defects or repairs needed.
• Plan sequence of repair operations.
• Dismantle and remove defective components.
• Substitute new or rebuilt components, and rebuild automotive components or assemblies.
• Repair, adjust, alter and service a variety of related mobile or portable equipment and tools.

Skills

Automotive repair

Diesel engines

Welding

Diagnostics

Electrical systems

Education

Two years technical automotive repair

Job description

GENERAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT General Auto Mechanic

Under general supervision, performs the full range of automotive and mechanical repair and maintenance tasks to a variety of gasoline and/or diesel fuel powered vehicles including automobiles, trucks, busses, motorcycles and special purpose construction, maintenance, or recreational vehicles. Repairs, maintains, services or alters special purpose equipment mounted on or associated with such vehicles

• Perform all automotive or mechanical repair or maintenance tasks to the types of mobile equipment employed by the department to which assigned.
• Inspect equipment to locate and determine nature of defects or repairs needed.
• Plan sequence of repair operations.
• Dismantle and remove defective components.
• Substitute new or rebuilt components, and rebuild automotive components or assemblies.
• Repair, adjust, alter and service automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, packers, street sweepers, flushers, bulldozers, backhoes, loaders, graders, trenchers, farm tractors, cranes, asphalt pavers, asphalt rollers, small boats, firefighting apparatus and other special purpose vehicles.
• Repair, adjust, alter and service all mechanically, hydraulically, electrically or pneumatically operated auxiliary equipment mounted on or associated with such vehicles including material moving or lift assemblies, loading mechanisms, broom assemblies, snow plows, salt spreaders, aerial platforms, pumps, compressors, and ladder assemblies.
• Repair, adjust, alter and service public transportation coaches and a limited variety of support equipment.
• Perform major and minor repairs to heavy-duty diesel engines, pneumatic suspension systems, heavy-duty automatic transmissions, fuel injectors, buffer screws, mechanical engine governors and other specialized coach components.
• Repair, service and maintain air conditioning and heating units, door controls, interior lighting and other mechanically, hydraulically, electrically or pneumatically operated coach systems.
• Use electric arc or acetylene welding outfits and/or machine shop equipment to cut, heat, braze, weld or fashion equipment parts, brackets or braces which may be required to complete a repair.
• Perform minor body work to vehicle bodies and replaces glass, windows and lights.
• Maintain simple records of work performed and materials used.
• Instructs and oversees the work of apprentices and other workers assigned as helpers.
• Repair, adjust, alter and service a variety of related mobile or portable equipment and tools such as plows, mowers, harrows, golf ball collectors, rotary brooms, stumpers, chippers, rodding machines, post hole augers, concrete mixers, chain-saws, roto-tillers, compressors, pumps, hoists and generators.
• Perform a variety of repair and service tasks to stationary equipment such as compressors, pumps, hoists, generators and other machinery, where such tasks involve the same type and level of skills employed in repairing and servicing vehicular equipment.
• Operate tow trucks to service, repair, and retrieve disabled vehicles in the field.
• Shift and drive vehicles on department premises.

Qualifications (required)

• Education equivalent to completion of two (2) years in and preferably graduation from a four-year trade or vocational high school with courses in general shop and automotive repair.
• Three (3) years of experience in repairing and rebuilding a variety of gasoline and/or diesel fuel powered vehicles or completion of an approved four-year apprenticeship in automotive repair or its equivalent.

Qualifications (preferred)

• Preferably two (2) years of experience repairing a variety of construction, maintenance or other special purpose vehicles.

Licenses and Certifications

• State of Michigan Driver or Chauffeur License required.
• Persons subsequently hired in this title shall be required to obtain a State of Michigan Driver or Chauffeur License, with Group B Commercial Driver License endorsement and Airbrake qualification within 6 months of hire.
• Successful applicants must meet physical standards prescribed by the Michigan State Police Motor Carrier Division and must possess and carry a valid current Medical Examiner’s Certificate certifying physical fitness for driving in accordance with State of Michigan Motor Carrier Safety Act-1988.
• Employees in this class will be required to provide the tools commonly used in the performance of automotive repair work.

Equivalency

• Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Evaluation Plan

• Interview: PASS / FAIL
• Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications: 100%
• Total of Interview and Evaluation T.E.P: 100%

Additional points may be awarded for:

• Veteran Points: 0-15 points
• Detroit Residency Credit: 15 points

LRD: 08/19/2026

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the tools, methods, materials, and practices used in repairing automotive equipment.
• Knowledge of general automotive repair and maintenance work.
• Knowledge of mechanical,electricaland hydraulic principles as applied to the repair and maintenance of automotive equipment.
• Skill in the use of computers.
• Skill in performing automotive repairs and maintenance.
• Skill in use of tools and related equipment.
• Skill in following written and oral instructions.
• Ability to weld, braze and cut with electric arc and acetylene torch.
• Ability to use electronic diagnostic equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret shop manuals and diagrams.
• Ability to interact in a tactful and effective manner with others.

Physical Demands

• The employeegenerally engagesin light to strenuous physical activity which may include operating machinery, motor vehicles, heavy equipment, and using tools for an extendedperiod of time.
• The employee is expected to move about and ascend/descend (e.g.stairs, ladders, trees etc.) toaccomplishtasks.
• The employee must be able to lift, push, pull, and carry up to 100pounds.

Work Environment

• Work is performed in indoor and outdoor environments with potential exposure to conditions which may include fumes, extreme heat and cold, wetness, loud noise, dust, inclement weather and hazardous chemicals.
• Some work requires travel to meetings, conferences, and other work sites with exposure to seasonal weather conditions.

Candidates considered for placement in this classification may be subject to a Criminal Background Investigation based on the requirements of the position.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the class. Incumbents may be required to perform job‑related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Specific job duties may vary from position to position. The City of Detroit is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No applicant for employment shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other criteria prohibited by City, State, or Federal law.