Mechanic Apprentice

Automotive Mechanic

Repairs, overhauls, and inspects school buses, trucks, and other automotive vehicles.

The minimum performance expectations include, but are not limited to, the following functions/tasks:

• Examines vehicles and discusses with shop foreman the nature and extent of damage of malfunction;
• Plans work procedure, using charts, technical manuals, and experience;
• Raises vehicles, using hydraulic jack or hoist, to gain access to mechanical units bolted to underside of vehicles;
• Removes unit, such as engine, transmission or differential, using wrenches, portable air hoist, and transmission jack;
• Disassembles unit and inspects parts for wear, using micrometers, calipers and thickness gauges;
• Repairs or replaces parts, such as pistons, rods, gears, valves, and bearings using mechanic's hand tools and all necessary precautions;
• Overhauls or replaces carburetors, blowers, generators, distributors, starters, and alternators;
• Rewires ignition system, lights, and instrument panel;
• Relines and adjusts brakes, aligns front end, repair or replaces shock absorbers, and solders minor leaks in radiator;
• Mends damaged body and fenders by hammering out or filling in dents and welding broken parts;
• Replaces and adjusts headlights, and installs and repairs accessories, such as heaters, mirrors and windshield wipers;
• Makes minor repairs to county vehicles along highway, such as replacing sparks plugs, batteries, and light bulbs, and connecting loose wires;
• Maintain a clean and safe work area;
• Observes and promotes safe work practices and procedures;
• Uses and wears safety and protective equipment;
• Attends in-service training to develop and improve knowledge and skills of a proficient mechanic;
• Adheres to proper cleaning methods, storage, proper care, and disposal of equipment and supplies;
• Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities;
• Reports all accidents and/or potential hazards to the Shop Foreman immediately, or as soon as reasonably possible;
• Complies with and supports school and division regulations and policies; and
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Transportation and or the Shop Foreman.

Must be able to follow oral and written directions; Maintain good working relationships with all employees and the public Communicate openly and effectively with students, parents, community patrons, staff and administration as a positive representative of Culpeper County School system Should have Automotive Services Excellent (ASE) Endorsement of Master School Bus Technician or making positive progress towards earning said endorsement; and Must have basic skills and knowledge of diagnostic testing equipment.

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to completion of high school and must possess experience as a successful service station attendant or equivalent. Possess a valid Virginia Commercial Driver's License with School Bus, Passenger Bus and Combination Vehicle Endorsement. Evidence of prior successful experience as a journeyman automobile and/or truck fleet mechanic, and qualify for annual certification as an official inspection mechanic by the Virginia Department of State Police is required.

Duties performed typically in, but not limited to the division bus garage on buses on bus routes throughout the division. Frequent walking, standing, stooping, lifting, up to approximately 50 pounds, and occasional lifting of equipment weighing up to approximately 75 pounds may be required. Work is typically performed walking or standing. The environment also exposes the employee to potentially hazardous substances and possible road hazards. Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual activity is required for diagnosing and repairing mechanical problems; the worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, noise and hazards. Timely and regular attendance is an expectation of performance for all CCPS employees.

The supervisor will evaluate performance on the ability and effectiveness in carrying out the above responsibilities.