Senior Mechanic

Simi Valley Unified School District; Simi Valley (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Simi Valley Unified School District is seeking a Senior Mechanic to lead advanced maintenance and repair of the district’s fleet, including light, heavy, and electric vehicles. The role emphasizes preventative maintenance, on-site diagnostics, and leadership for other staff.

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications and obtain the California Class B CDL with passenger and airbrake endorsements; a Clean Truck Check Tester license is also required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent plus six years of progressive vehicle maintenance experience or
• A one-year trade school or associate degree in automotive technology plus four years of related experience.

Responsibilities

• Inspect and road test vehicles to identify issues and prioritize work orders.
• Prioritize and assign preventative maintenance and repairs to optimize fleet performance.
• Perform complex maintenance and repairs on light to heavy-duty vehicles and equipment including EVs.
• Diagnose electric vehicle systems and ensure safety standards are met.
• Respond to emergency vehicle breakdowns and conduct on-site diagnostics.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records and process invoices accordingly.
• Collaborate with staff to complete tasks efficiently and on schedule.

Skills

Diagnostic tools

Vehicle systems repair

Record keeping

Communication

Education

High school diploma

Trade school or associate degree in automotive technology

Tools

Diagnostic equipment

Job description

PURPOSE: To establish a list of eligible candidates that will be used to fill current and future vacancies for the duration of the list, up to one year. The anticipated vacancy is a 12-month, full-time (8 hours/day) position located in the Student Safety & Transit Department at the District Office in Simi Valley.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Completed applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. on November 19, 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.

TESTING PROCESS

A) Training and Experience (T&E) Evaluation = Qualifying (pass/fail)

B) Structured Interview = 100% weighting on final score

Tentatively scheduled for as early as the week of November 30, 2026

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications stated in the job posting by the application deadline in order to move forward in the testing process. Those applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have their application materials reviewed by a screening committee that will evaluate the training and experience of each applicant as it relates to the areas assessed in the supplemental questions. Those with the highest scores on the T&E will be invited to the structured interview. The testing process is subject to change as needs dictate. All communication regarding this process will be delivered via email.

The information included in the Work Experience section of the application will determine whether applicants meet minimum qualifications. Please make sure you include ALL current and previous employment in the Work Experience section of the application and complete ALL fields.

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

Purpose Statement

The Senior Mechanic performs advanced maintenance, repairs, and fabrication across a variety of vehicles and equipment, including light to heavy-duty automotive, public safety, off-road power equipment, and electric vehicles. This role ensures efficient fleet operations through a focus on preventative maintenance and timely response to unexpected repairs, while also providing leadership and technical expertise to other staff members.

Essential Functions and Duties

Vehicle Inspection and Diagnostics

• Inspect and road test vehicles to identify mechanical issues, including engine noises, vibrations, exhaust problems, and other performance-related concerns.
• Verify driver-reported issues and assess the severity of the problem to prioritize work orders.

Fleet Management and Preventative Maintenance

• Prioritize and assign preventative maintenance tasks and unscheduled repair requests to optimize fleet performance and minimize downtime.
• Manage an organized inventory of parts and supplies, ordering materials such as fuel, lubricants, filters, and other components to ensure repairs are completed on schedule.
• Assist with procurement and inventory management of tools and supplies to support fleet operations.

Advanced Vehicle Repairs and Maintenance

• Perform complex maintenance and repairs on a wide range of light to heavy-duty vehicles and equipment, including student transportation, grounds, and maintenance vehicles.
• Diagnose mechanical problems using computerized and manual techniques.
• Overhaul engines, transmissions, differentials, and other key vehicle systems, including replacing bearings, and aligning wheels and brakes.
• Conduct body repairs, including welding, cutting, brazing, and fabricating components.
• Modify and replace vehicle body parts and apply paint as necessary.

Electric Vehicle Maintenance

• Diagnose and repair electric vehicle systems, ensuring functionality and adherence to safety standards.

Emergency Repairs

• Respond to emergency vehicle breakdowns, performing on-site diagnostics and repairs to minimize downtime and ensure vehicle operability.
• Test drive school buses and other Class B vehicles for diagnostic purposes, ensuring all safety concerns are addressed.

Documentation and Record-Keeping

• Maintain accurate and detailed records of maintenance and repair activities, including dates and parts used.
• Review and process invoices, ensuring accurate coding and compliance with established procedures.

Other Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position.

Education and Experience

A high school diploma, or an equivalent AND six years of progressive experience in vehicle maintenance and repair, including work with heavy gasoline and diesel-powered equipment.

OR,

A one-year industry trade school or associates degree in an automotive technology area AND four years of related experience.

Licenses and Certificates

• California Class B Commercial Driver’s License
• Passenger and airbrake endorsements.
• Clean Truck Check Tester License

Employees must fulfill license requirements prior to the completion of the six-month probationary period.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

Skills to:

• Utilize diagnostic tools and perform repairs on various vehicle systems.
• Interpret diagnostic devices, technical manuals, and schematics.
• Prepare and maintain accurate records of maintenance and repairs reports.
• Calculate precise measurements.

Knowledge of:

• Tools, techniques, and practices for maintaining and repairing heavy and light vehicles, including gasoline, diesel, and electric systems.
• Engine mechanics, transmissions, hydraulics, air brakes, and electrical systems.
• Vehicle safety regulations and industry standards.
• Diagnostic tools and equipment used for vehicle inspections and repairs.

Ability to:

• Manage complex vehicle maintenance tasks and diagnose mechanical issues.
• Prioritize tasks, assign work, and meet deadlines efficiently.
• Estimate scope of work, including time of repairs.
• Develop and maintain records and reports.
• Maintain required certifications.
• Collaborate with others to carry out work.
• Exercise initiative and independence of judgment and action.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Collaborate effectively with staff members to ensure tasks are completed efficiently and on schedule.
• Manage multiple assignments simultaneously.
• Plan and organize work to meet changing priorities and deadlines.
• Analyze situations and adopt effective courses of action.
• Learn and apply new information, skills, and technology.

Working Environment

Work is performed indoors and outdoors where significant safety considerations exist from physical labor, moving equipment, and temperature and noise extremes.

Individuals protected by the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) may request accommodation if needed. In order for appropriate arrangements to be made for testing, your request must be received at the time your application is submitted. If special arrangements are not requested at the time the application is submitted, it is understood that no special accommodations are required. Documentation on the need for accommodation must accompany your request.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Simi Valley Unified School District is committed to providing equal opportunity for all applicants for employment. The application, examination, and selection process shall be free from unlawful discrimination, including discrimination against an individual or group based on race, color, ancestry, nationality, national origin, ethnic group identification, age, religion, marital, pregnancy, or parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, or genetic information; a perception of one or more of such characteristics; or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.