Automotive Mechanic (Open and Promotional)

The County of San Mateo's Department of Public Works is now accepting applications for the position of Automotive Mechanic.

Automotive Mechanic is the journey level class of this series, fully competent to independently perform a full range of automotive maintenance and repair duties and procedures that require the exercise of a high degree of independent judgment. Incumbents also provide lead direction to other automotive service personnel.

Ideal candidates for these positions will have extensive experience:

• Performing a full range of overhaul, repair, and service work on vehicles and equipment. 
• Diagnosing and repairing vehicle computerized systems and related electrical component issues. 
• Great organizational skills and multi-tasking ability. 
• Performing smog inspections.
• Working directly with customers.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as a team player.
• Knowledge of electric and hybrid vehicle systems, including high-voltage batteries, electric motors, charging systems, power electronics, and applicable safety procedures.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

General Repairs and Maintenance:

• Perform the complete range of repair work on automotive equipment including diesel and alternative fuel vehicles.
• Perform emergency repairs of vehicles in the field.
• Lube chassis; change oil and oil filters.
• Service vehicles with gas or propane, oil, water, coolant, transmission, and brake fluids.
• Clean vehicle and equipment components using appropriate shop cleaning equipment and methods. Test drive vehicles after inspection and repair.

Engine, Transmission, and Drivetrain:

• Inspect, repair, and replace engine components such as cylinder heads, manifolds, camshafts, lifters, and timing gears.
• Inspect, repair, and replace clutch assemblies.
• Repair and replace parts of transmission and differential.
• Perform routine vehicle maintenance and tune-up-related services, including inspection and replacement of air filters, spark plugs, ignition components, belts, hoses, and related engine components; diagnose and repair fuel, ignition, and engine-management systems; and inspect and service electronic engine controls and related systems.

Brakes and Wheels:

• Inspect, adjust, and repair hydraulic brake systems.
• Use wheel balancer to balance wheels.
• Clean and pack wheel bearings and U joints.
• Inspect, repair, and replace master cylinders, wheel cylinders, brake pads, linings, calipers, drums, and rotors.

Electrical and Ignition Systems:

• Inspect, replace, and repair ignition and electrical systems.
• Operate oscilloscope, gas/electric welders, electrical test equipment.
• Diagnose and repair vehicle electronic control systems using scan tools, diagnostic software, and other computerized diagnostic equipment. 
• Inspect and replace batteries, cables, and terminals.
• Replace and adjust headlights and taillights.

Air, Heating, and Cooling Systems:

• Inspect and repair air conditioning units.
• Install heaters and defrosters.
• Inspect, replace, and repair cooling systems; pumps, thermostats, radiators, V-belts, and hoses.

Fuel and Exhaust Systems:

• Inspect, diagnose, repair, and replace fuel system components, including high-pressure pumps, filters, injectors, and related controls. Perform exhaust emissions tests and repairs, test for conformance with state smog requirements.
• Inspect, repair, and replace exhaust systems including mufflers and exhaust pipes.

Inspections and Compliance:

• Perform BIT, school bus, and related mandated inspections.
• Complete repair order forms noting parts and labor hours used.
• Observe safety regulations, prevent hazardous situations, and bring hazards to supervisor's attention.

Other Systems and Components:

• Inspect and repair hydraulic systems.
• Perform front end alignments, inspect, and replace ball joints, tie rods, kingpins, idler arms, bushings, shims, shackles, shock absorbers, etc.
• Install seat belts and other special equipment.
• Inspect and adjust door, hood, trunk latches.

Supervision and Training:

• Train and supervise others in maintenance, repair, and the installation of special equipment.

Transportation and Delivery:

• Drive and operate large buses and trucks; drive and operate forklift; transport vehicles to various locations.
• Pick up and deliver auto parts.

Licensure/Certification:
Automotive Mechanic: 

• Possession of a class C California driver license or equivalent.
• Must obtain a class B California driver license within one year from date of hire.

Automotive Mechanic: 

• Must obtain required Automotive Service Excellence certificates and California Smog Check certificate for municipalities within one year from date of hire.

Education and Experience: 
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:

• Automotive Mechanic: Journey level (3+ years) status as an automotive mechanic with demonstrated proficiency in diagnosis, maintenance, and repair of a wide variety of automotive equipment.

Knowledge of:

• Methods, tools and equipment used in the complete repair of motor vehicles.
• Late model automotive engines, differentials and transmissions.  
• Maintenance and repair of fuel, oil, cooling, ignition, electrical and air and hydraulic brake systems.

• Working principles of the internal combustion engine.

• Safety rules, procedures and practices pertaining to the use and repair of vehicles and equipment in the operation of a repair shop.
• Computerized inventory and tracking systems.

Skill/Ability to:
Use common automotive service and repair tools and equipment including, air operated equipment, electrical testing, precision measuring tools, jacks and pullers.

• Perform complete repair work on vehicles.  
• Diagnose and repair a wide variety of minor and major mechanical problems.
• Install special equipment on vehicles.
• Perform heavy manual labor.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Follow safety rules, procedures and practices.
• Operate a wide variety of motor vehicles.
• Work courteously and effectively with the public and co-workers.
• Stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Lift and carry a minimum of 50lbs for extended lengths of time including, equipment and supplies used in the course of work.

Open & Promotional. Anyone may apply.  Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, extra-help/limited term positions prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination. 

The examination process will consist of a scored relevant Training and Experience (T&E) (weight: pass/fail) based solely on the candidates' responses to the supplemental questions. Applicants who receive a passing score in the T&E evaluation will be invited to a Performance Exam (weight: 100%). Because of this screening process, all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement to the next phase of the examination process. Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California and applicants must participate at their own expense. 

IMPORTANT:  Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the “Apply” button. If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply. Responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted in addition to the standard County employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required application materials. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE
Final Filing Date: Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM PST
Training and Experience Evaluation: Thursday, October 1, 2026
Performance Exam:  Wednesday, October 7, 2026

About the County
San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.

The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.

HR Analyst: Sarah Huynh (090926)(W038 - Automotive Mechanic)