Auto Technician II

Salary : $87,588.80 Annually
Location : 305 Via Del Norte, Oceanside, CA 92058, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: FY2026-00027
Department: Bus Operations Division
Division: BUS OPERATIONS & FLEET MAINTENANCE
Opening Date: 11/24/2025
Closing Date: 8/14/2026 12:00 AM Pacific


Description
Under the direction of the Maintenance Supervisor, the primary responsibilities of the Auto Technician II are to provide journey-level maintenance work by diagnosing and conducting technical repairs on all revenue vehicles.
Distinguishing Characteristics
This position is distinguished by its moderate degree of independence on mechanical repairs. Auto Technician II performs a wide range of moderately to difficult tasks related to troubleshooting, preventive, and remedial maintenance of revenue vehicles and equipment. This position provides technical direction and assistance to lower-level staff; and performs related work as required. This is a bargained position represented by the Teamsters Local 542 Union. Per the union agreement, the starting salary rate will be $39.73/hour.
Supervision Received and Exercised
This position reports to the Maintenance Supervisor and occasionally receives general technical direction from Auto Technician III's. This position exercises no supervisory authority. This position is expected to participate in the sharing of expert maintenance knowledge.
Working Conditions
This position is required to work under varying climactic conditions including heat and cold due to the open garage doors. Most of the shift is spent standing and completing tasks requiring fine-motor skills. The remaining time may be spent bending, stooping, and crouching. Occasionally, you will be required to lift and move objects weighing up50pounds. This position will be required to work various shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Examples of Duties
Essential Functions
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Performs basic diagnosis of malfunctions, determines the probable cause, and recommends necessary remedial action to the lead worker of supervisor for prioritization and assignment

• Repairs or removes and replaces and replaces dysfunctional components of major systems, including, but not limited to, engine, electrical, suspension, fueling, pneumatic and hydraulic systems

• Tune engines

• Performs regular preventive maintenance inspections of all vehicle systems, repairs minor problems on the spot and makes written reports to indicate more complex remedial action that is needed

• Performs acceptance testing and pre-service preparations to newly acquired vehicles

• Packs bearings, adjusts and relines brakes

• Repairs minor damage to interior or exterior of vehicles including, but not limited to, torn seats, broken windows and windshields, minor dents, and cosmetic paint damage

• Responds to road failure situations

• Renders remedial action to return bus to operating division

• Disassembles, cleans, inspects, and rebuilds engine systems and their mechanical and electrical components

Qualifications
Experience/Education

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Combination of at least two (2) years of apprentice level verifiable training and experience in automotive or bus mechanics, which may include college mechanics courses and/or a regional occupational program.

• Associate degree relevant to work with heavy equipment and/or alternative fuels is preferred.

• Two (2) years of experience working with automotive, bus, or heavy-duty mechanics at a transit agency is preferred.

A combination of experience/skills and education to fulfill the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this position may be considered.
Certificates/Licenses

• Three (3) preferred ASE H Series Certifications:

• Preventative Maintenance

• Brakes

• Electrical

• Must be able to obtain a Commercial Class B or higher commercial driver's license with passenger and air brakes endorsement within 6 months of employment

• Must be able to obtain and maintain access to Marine Corp Base Camp Pendleton.

• Ability to obtain a forklift certification within 6 months of hiring.

General Requirements

• Knowledge of methods, materials, equipment, and safety procedures utilized in the maintenance and repair

• Ability to read and apply electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic schematics.

• Ability to read, understand, and apply service manuals from a variety of manufacturers including New Flyer, Cummins, Vansco, Ford, Chevrolet, etc.

• With limited direction, be able to diagnose technical conditions to identify root causes, develop and implement appropriate corrective measures, and verify each repair is safely and thoroughly completed.

• Ability to safely operate buses or other NCTD vehicles

• Safely and properly perform troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of transit vehicles and NCTD support vehicles.

• Exhibits a friendly, professional, and customer-service oriented demeanor continuously.

• Exceptional relationship-building skills to deal competently with individuals at all levels of responsibility and authority.

• Maintain work environment that is safe, clean, organized, and compliant with NCTD policies and regulatory standards.

• Ability to effectively use NCTD's prescribed maintenance record software to clearly and accurately detail all work completed on a work order,

• Ability to document in writing all observations during inspections, repairs, estimates, etc., and to make accurate written requests for parts and recommendations for corrective measures.

• Ability to work under pressure, multi-task, and organize workflow to deliver high-quality products within established deadlines.

• Collaborative and flexible "can-do" attitude with a willingness to perform even the most basic tasks. Apply personal attention to detail and take pride in "going the extra mile" to achieve success. Strong written and oral communication skills, including knowledge of the structure and content of the English language such as the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar. Superior writing and proof-reading skills.

Supplemental Information
Physical Requirements
This position must have the ability to withstand a range of climactic conditions; ability to occasionally lift objects up to 50pounds; ability to remain standing for a majority of the shift and complete the required movements such as reaching, pushing, bending, stooping, crouching, and repetitive manual tasks necessary to complete repairs.
Machines / Tools / Equipment

• Ability to safely operate a variety of hand tools and power equipment

• Ability to safely operate buses, tow trucks, and other NCTD vehicles

• Ability to operate standard office equipment

• Must have a full set of journey level hand tools to accomplish assigned work

Application Information: All applicants must complete and submit an online application at . A job offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen and background check. NCTD is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
"NCTD will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if NCTD is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting the Civil Right's Department webpage."
Retirement : NCTD participates in the CalPERS retirement program with a benefit formula of 1.5% @ 65 for PEPRA new members. Benefits are calculated based on your age at retirement, the number of years of service credit with CalPERS and the average of your monthly compensation over the past 36 months (36 months average highest hourly pay rate).


457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan : NCTD offers a Voluntary Deferred Compensation Savings Plan through VOYA Financial Services. Employees are eligible to enroll any time after the date of hire. The plan allows you to contribute pre-tax and/or post-tax dollars into selected funds of your choice. The plan also allows you to:

• Contribute up to amount specified annually by the IRS
• Catch-up plan for those 50+ of up to amount specified annually by the IRS
• Is portable, can be rolled over into another qualified retirement plan
• Employer match into a 401(a) account (50% up to 8% of employee compensation; Max NCTD contribution of 4%)

Medical Insurance : NCTD offers a rich variety of HMO and PPO plans to choose from and contributes towards your monthly medical premiums, if the coverage you select costs more than the amount NCTD contributes, then payroll deductions will be withheld on a pre-tax basis. Premium rates may vary across bargaining units in accordance with the terms of their respective collective bargaining agreement.


Dental Insurance : NCTD offers two different dental plans for employees and their eligible dependents (HMO and PPO) from a reliable dental insurance provider. Human Resources can provide information regarding annual insurance provider and available plans. Both plans are part of NCTD's cafeteria plan (pre-tax payroll deductions for monthly premiums).


Vision Insurance: NCTD offers vision services for employees and their eligible dependents through a reliable vision insurance provider. Human Resources can provide information regarding annual insurance provider and available plan. The plan is part of NCTD's cafeteria plan (pre-tax payroll deductions for monthly premiums).


Life Insurance : NCTD cares for its employees and thus provides at no cost to the employee group life insurance in the amount of $50,000 (coverage includes Accidental Death and Dismemberment and Accelerated Death benefits). Additional life insurance is available for you and your eligible dependents at your expense. * Tax reporting is required for any amounts over $50,000, per IRS guidelines. Supplemental life insurance coverage premiums are deducted on a post-tax basis.


Long Term Disability Insurance: NCTD offers voluntary Long-Term Disability (LTD) insurance. You may elect units of $100 up to 60% of your hourly wage to a maximum of $6,000/month. Deductions are post-tax, coverage 24/7, limitations or exclusions, and benefits are payable to age 65 or for two years (whichever is longer).


Flexible Spending Account Plan: NCTD offers two core FSA plans and two Commuter plans. Health Care and Dependent Care plans are "Use It OR Lose It" calendar year plans (Jan. 1st - Dec. 31st). The Commuter Transit and Parking plans do not have a "use it or lose it" policy. Plans are as follows:

• Health Care Spending Account:
  • May contribute up to amount specified annually by the IRS
• Dependent Care Spending Account :
  • May contribute up to amount specified annually by the IRS (including limitations if married)
• Commuter Transit Accounts:
  • May contribute up to amount specified annually by the IRS

Disability Insurance : Employees contribute to California State Disability Insurance (SDI). The current contribution rate is 1.1% of earnings and is totally paid by the employee. After the 7-day waiting period, SDI pays a percentage of employee's salary up to a maximum of $1,540.00per week, for up to 52 weeks. SDI may be coordinated with Paid Time Off (PTO).


Accident Insurance: NCTD offers voluntary accident insurance. You may elect coverage for you and your dependents for a flat monthly rate. Deductions are post-tax.


Critical Illness Insurance: NCTD offers voluntary Critical Illness insurance. You may elect coverage up to $10,000 in increments of $2,500, for you and between $2,500 - $5,000 for your dependents, not to exceed 50% of coverage amount. Deductions are post-tax.

Administrative Holidays : 6 recognized paid holidays per year: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.


PTO: Upon start of service, all permanent full-time employees shall be authorized and granted paid time off. The amount of annual PTO hours is based on the following:
Years of Service Annual PTO Allotment Award at start of service40 hours
Awarded after completion of 12 months of service
80 hours

Awarded after completion of 24 months of service
120 hours

Awarded after completion of 60 months of service
184 hours

Awarded after completion of 96 months of service


224 hours

Awarded after completion of 120 months of service
256 hours
Personal Holidays: Employees will be given personal holidays on their anniversary date, and each January 1 thereafter, based on the following schedule:

After one (1) year of service - one (1) personal holiday

After three (3) years of service - two (2) personal holidays
After fifteen (15) years of service - three (3) personal holidays
Transportation Passes: All NCTD employees receive an identification "PRONTO Card" which can be used to ride the following NCTD/MTS transit services (BREEZE, FLEX, SPRINTER, COASTER, MTS Bus, Trolley) at no charge. Eligible family members also receive a pass for NCTD public transportation at no charge (paratransit excluded).


Bereavement Leave: NCTD offers paid bereavement leave.


Employee Assistance Plan: The EAP offers assistance in areas such as:

• Emotional Support
• Work/Life Balance
• Family Care

Family Status Change: This allows you to add/drop dependents from current benefit plan elections per IRS "Qualifying Events." If a "Qualifying Event" occurs, you MUST contact HR within 30 days of event, (Qualifying Event must relate to the benefit change you are requesting).


Please contact Human Resources should you have any questions regarding NCTD Benefits.
01


Do you have your high school diploma or equivalent?

• Yes
• No

02


Do you have at least two (2) years of apprentice level verifiable training and experience in automotive or bus mechanics - this may include college mechanics courses and/or a regional occupational program? If yes, please list the position and length of time. If no, please enter 'N/A'.
03


Do you have two (2) years of experience working with automotive, bus, or heavy-duty mechanics at a transit agency? If yes, please list the position and length of time. If no, please enter 'N/A'.
04


Do you have an Associate's degree relevant to work with heavy equipment and/or alternative fuels?

• Yes
• No

Required Question