Smog Technician Trainee

DEKRA; Rancho Santa Margarita (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care benefits

Paid time off

401(k) with employer match

Disability coverage

DEKRA Discount program

Job summary

DEKRA North America is hiring a Smog Technician Trainee in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. You’ll assist a licensed inspector with state tests and inspections, handle registrations, and deliver top‑notch customer service.

Responsibilities include cash handling, daily deposits, and maintaining the station’s space and equipment. Qualifications include 1–2 years in automotive retail (preferred), a valid driver’s license, and a strong commitment to safety and customer care.

Qualifications

• Interest in automotive field and willingness to learn the Smog Inspector role.
• 1–2 years of automotive retail experience preferred.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Commitment to excellent customer service.
• Ability to manage cash and non-cash payments.
• Ability to pass a DOJ background check to perform DMV registration services.

Responsibilities

• Assist licensed inspector with state-specific tests and inspections per BAR regulations and DEKRA standards.
• Perform product sales and registration services.
• Deliver services with exceptional customer service and address customer questions.
• Manage cash and deposits with daily reconciliation.
• Maintain the station’s property, grounds, and equipment.

Skills

Customer service

Cash handling

Communication

Sales

Valid driver’s license

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

This position is posted on a continuous basis and does not have a fixed application close date. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis.

A Day in the Life and the Impact You’ll Make:

The Smog Technician Trainee is responsible for assisting a licensed inspector to perform applicable tests and inspections according to local regulations and the DEKRA standard. This individual's primary responsibilities include managing cash, delivering services with exceptional customer service, and maintaining the property, grounds, and equipment. During your employment as a Smog Inspector Trainee, you will need to enroll in a BAR Smog Inspector-approved course (DEKRA Sponsored) and be able to successfully complete the course to become a certified inspector.

What You'll Do:

• Contribute to a safe and healthy work environment by actively participating, taking responsibility, and following established procedures and policies.
• Learn while assisting to perform state-specific tests and inspections according to the California BAR regulations and the DEKRA standard.
• Perform product sales and services, including registration services.
• Deliver all services and address all customers with exceptional customer service.
• Answer telephone calls and assist customers by answering any questions and/or addressing any concerns.
• Effectively manage cash and non-cash payment received. This includes daily reconciliation of all payments received and completing bank deposits.
• Maintain the property, grounds, and equipment at the station.
• Complete the required tasks outlined in the daily checklists at your station.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support business needs.
• Always maintain a professional appearance and demeanor, adhering to the DEKRA standard.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What Makes a Great Candidate:

• An interest in the automotive field and a desire to learn the ins and outs of a Smog Inspector position.
• 1-2 years of automotive retail, preferred.
• Valid driver’s license
• Committed to excellent customer service.
• Ability to manage cash and noncash payments.
• Ability to pass a DOJ background check to perform DMV Registration Services

Physical Considerations:

• Must be able to lift up to fifty (50) pounds.
• While on the job, employees must be able to walk, stand, bend, stoop, twist, etc for extended periods of time.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions.
• Requires use of hands to perform activities involving holding, grasping, pulling, and turning.

Travel Considerations:

• No travel is required for this position

What You’ll Receive for the Value You Bring:

Compensation:

The base pay for this position is $18.00 - $20.00/hour. Actual pay is based on several factors including market location and position-related knowledge, skills, and experience. This position is also eligible for commission.

DEKRA North America strives to provide a competitive benefits package to colleagues and promotes physical, emotional, and financial well-being. Colleagues can self-select from our benefits to create a package unique to their needs. These benefits include access to competitive health care and retirement benefits, paid time off, mental health well-being resources, and opportunities to learn and develop. Below is a list of benefits we offer our colleagues:

• Critical Illness & Hospital Indemnity supplemental insurance
• Company Health Savings Account contribution
• Flexible Spending Account for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
• Paid time off such as vacation, sick leave, and floating holidays
• Mental and emotional support resources through our Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program to increase activity and health habits, with ability to earn participation rewards
• Travel Assist (Domestic/International)
• Participation in a 401(k) plan, with an employer match
• Company paid Short- & Long-Term Disability benefits
• Group term life insurance with options to buy-up for self and others
• Working Advantage – DEKRA’s official corporate discount program

Growth and Development Benefits:

• Education Assistance Program
• Student Loan Repayment Assistance
• Internal training and development resources to grow your career
• Annual Career Goal Setting and Performance Review cycle participation

This list provides an overview of benefits provided for US-based colleagues; the DEKRA North America Employee Benefits Guide outlines plan details and further related eligibility requirements.

• Reports to: State Supervisor
• Work Model:On-site
• Supervises Others:No
• Status: Full-time, Regular
• FLSA Classification:Non-exempt

About Us:

As a global provider of comprehensive services and solutions, we help our customers improve their safety, security, and sustainability outcomes. DEKRA is the world’s leading testing, inspection, and certification (TIC) companies offering innovative professional services in the fields of vehicle inspection, expert appraisals, industrial product testing & certification, management system certifications, leadership consulting, and much more. DEKRA is a purpose-driven organization with a deep passion to make the world a safer place on the road, at work, and at home. In DEKRA, you will be part of a continuously growing organization with a near 100-year history involved in more than 50 countries on five continents.

We hope you’ll consider a career with DEKRA North America as we strive to become the Global Partner for a Safe World!

DEKRA North America is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

DEKRA North America is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or accommodation while seeking employment, please call [phone]. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.

DEKRA North America will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay.

DEKRA North America participates in the E-Verify program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States.