Mechanics Assistant

San Bernardino County; California; On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

San Bernardino County is seeking Mechanics Assistants to support maintenance and repair of automotive, heavy truck, and construction equipment. Responsibilities include inspecting vehicles, checking fluids, and maintaining maintenance records.

The role also involves repairing and replacing components such as brakes, radiators, batteries, and water pumps as needed. A valid California driver license is required, with potential for shifts and eligibility for tool allowance.

Qualifications

• Eighteen (18) months of paid work experience repairing diesel or gasoline-powered automotive equipment (Option 1).
• Six (6) months of hands-on paid work experience repairing diesel or gasoline-powered automotive equipment plus Automotive Technology Certificate (Option 2).
• ASE Certification is preferred for the ideal candidate.

Responsibilities

• Assist in maintenance and repair of automotive, heavy truck, and construction equipment.
• Inspect vehicles for defects and malfunctions; check fluid levels.
• Maintain maintenance records and work orders.
• Repair and replace brake systems, radiators, batteries, water pumps, cables, and related parts.

Education

Automotive Technology Certificate

Tools

Hand tools

Job description

FOR PRIORITY CONSIDERATION APPLY BY FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2026.

San Bernardino County is recruiting for Mechanics Assistants, who assist in the maintenance and repair of automotive, heavy truck and construction equipment. In addition, Mechanics Assistants are responsible for inspecting vehicles for defects and malfunctions, checking fluid levels, and maintaining maintenance records. Mechanics Assistants may also repair and replace brake systems, radiators, batteries, water pumps, cables, and other equipment as necessary.

The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur in the Fleet Management or Sheriff's Departments throughout the County.

For more detailed information, review the Mechanics Assistant job description.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

Fleet Management Department provides vehicles, equipment, and services to the officials and employees of the County so that they may, in turn, provide services that promote health, safety, well being, and quality of life to the residents of San Bernardino County.

Fleet Management provides services for the majority of county vehicles and equipment. Services include the acquisition, maintenance, repair, modification, and disposal of vehicles and other related equipment. San Bernardino County Sheriff and Special Districts Departments are authorized to operate their respective fleets independent of Fleet Management.

Fleet Management operates its main garage in San Bernardino — including the following shops: light duty (cars and pickup trucks), heavy duty (large trucks and other equipment), welding/metal fabrication, parts room and a fueling station. The department also operates five smaller “service centers” in outlying locations and over 60 strategically located fueling sites with more than 100 fuel tanks.

Fleet Management continuously strives to meet customers’ needs. High customer satisfaction will ensure a stable/increasing customer base for the department that will support the lowest possible unit cost distribution to county departments. For more information, visit https://fleet.sbcounty.gov/

EXCELLENT BENEFITS

To review job‑specific benefits, refer to: Summary of Benefits and General (Teamsters) Compensation Plan.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Pre-Employment Process: Applicants must pass a background investigation, which includes fingerprinting and physical exam and may require a polygraph examination prior to appointment.

Physical: Incumbents must be physically able to lift up to 50 (fifty) pounds, move heavy objects with the assistance of lifting devices, and stand, bend, squat, kneel, twist, turn, and stoop. Employees work outside continuously and are exposed to electricity, chemicals, heat, oil, odors, dust, gas, and noise.

Tools: Incumbents must possess their own hand tools to perform the duties of this position. An annual tool allowance of $450 is provided on July 1st.

Shift: Incumbents may be required to work day, evening, or night shifts, to meet departmental needs.

License: A valid California Class C Driver License is required to carry out the essential job‑related functions of this position. Mileage reimbursement and proof of automobile liability insurance must be maintained. Incumbents must obtain a valid California Class B driver license, within six (6) months of hire or may be terminated. Indicate CA license number, class, and expiration date on the Application and Supplemental Questionnaire.

Sponsorship: San Bernardino County is unable to consider to candidates who require Visa Sponsorship at this time or in the future. Candidates must be able to present their legal right to work in the United States at the time of employment.

Candidates must meet ONE (1) of the required options below:

• OPTION 1 EXPERIENCE: Eighteen (18) months of paid work experience (full-time equivalent) repairing diesel or gasoline‑powered automotive equipment. Experience must include removal, repair and replacement of radiators, hoses, belts, water pumps, batteries, cables, alternators, starters, brake systems, wheel bearings, seals and body parts, etc.
• OPTION 2 EXPERIENCE: Six (6) months of hands‑on paid work experience (full-time equivalent) repairing diesel or gasoline‑powered automotive equipment. Experience must include removal, repair and replacement of radiators, hoses, belts, water pumps, batteries, cables, alternators, starters, brake systems, wheel bearings, seals and body parts, etc. -AND- CERTIFICATE: Possession of an Automotive Technology Certificate, issued by a school accredited with the US Department of Education, for a comprehensive course in automotive technology lasting approximately one (1) year. A legible copy of certification MUST be submitted with the Application.

The ideal candidate will have ASE Certification, as well as extensive experience in repairing both gasoline and diesel equipment.

Examination Procedure: There will be a competitive evaluation of qualifications based on the information provided in the Application and the Supplemental Questionnaire. You are encouraged to include detailed descriptions of your qualifying experience and skills, as only the most highly qualified applicants will be referred to the Department.

Priority Application Review: Applications received by Friday, October 23, 2026 willbe included in the first review/processing of applications; subsequent reviews may be conducted as needed to meet business needs.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) / Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): San Bernardino County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant employer, dedicated to ensuring equal employment opportunities for allemployees and applicants.

Veterans' Preference: Eligible veterans and their spouses or widows/widowers who are not current County employees may receive additional Veterans' Preference points. For details and instructions on how to request these points, refer to Veterans' Preference Policy.