Automotive Mechanic

Summary

Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, Tucson Sector, Mission Readiness Operations, in the following locations:

• Douglas, AZ
• Nogales, AZ
• Tucson, AZ

Learn more about this agency

Duties

Help

As an Automotive Mechanic, you will be assisting the supervisor in planning work programs, determining priority assignments, scheduling, parts ordering and purchasing, and other operational and administrative functions.

This position starts at an hourly rate of $32.61 (WG-10, Step 1) to $38.05 (WG-10, Step 5).

Typical duties and responsibilities include:

• Making independent judgement and determining the type and extent of repairs needed; completing repairs with little or no check during and upon completion.
• Completing repairs and adjustments in accordance with manufacturer's specifications and ensuring vehicle systems function in accordance with safety regulations.
• Troubleshooting, repairing, rebuilding, adjusting and performing operational check on a wide variety of major components and systems.
• Performing troubleshooting tests and techniques using a wide variety of test equipment, inspections and auditory tests.

Requirements

Help

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service
• Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years (additional details below)
• All pre-employment processes will be conducted in English
• You may be required to pass a background investigation
• CBP follows the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan for drug testing procedures
• As an employee of CBP, you will be joining a workforce that is dedicated to accomplishing our mission while maintaining the trust of our Nation by strictly adhering to all government ethics standards. Your conduct will be subject to the ethics rules applicable to all Executive Branch employees, and to CBP employees specifically, as well as the criminal conflict of interest statutes. Once you enter on duty, these rules include obtaining approval for outside employment or business activity, to ensure such employment or business activity is not prohibited and does not interfere or conflict with performance of your official duties. Please review further details via the following link.
• DHS uses E-Verify, an internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify including your rights and responsibilities.
• Bargaining Unit: This is a bargaining unit covered position, represented under the National Border Patrol Council - NBPC. For local chapter contact information see

Qualifications

Although a specific length of time and experience is not required for most trade and labor occupations, you must show through experience and training that you possess the quality level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of the position at the level for which you are applying. Qualification requirements emphasis is on quality of experience, not necessarily the length of time.

To minimally qualify for the WG-10 grade level you must meet the following Screen-Out Elements. To meet the screen out element, you should have experience performing the following duties: Performing the work of the position without more than normal supervision.

To meet the Screen-Out Element(s), you should have experience performing the following duties:

• Troubleshooting, repairing, rebuilding, adjusting, and performing operational checks on a wide variety of major components and systems (e.g., engines, transmissions, differentials and transaxles, electronic fuel injection systems, emission control systems, and related electrical, electronic, hydraulic, fuel, and other assemblies).
• Interpreting and applying manufacturers' repair manuals and technical specifications, schematics and engineer drawings, diagnostic codes, computer printouts, and safety manuals.
• Ensuring that vehicle systems (e.g., lighting systems, steering mechanisms, mechanical and hydraulic braking systems, and exhaust and related emission control systems) function in accordance with safety regulations set by various regulatory agencies.
• Determining the type and extent of repairs needed in various situations.

Failure to meet these Screen-Out Element(s) will result in an ineligible rating. In addition to the experience described above, you will also be evaluated on the basis of your overall level of competency (knowledge, skills and abilities) in the following areas:

• Knowledge of the makeup, operation, and installation of complex major systems and assemblies.
• Ability to troubleshoot and repair complex systems.
• Skill in use of hand tools and power tools common to the mechanic occupation (e.g., wrenches, screwdrivers, insulated pliers, electric drills, pneumatic wrenches, and soldering irons).
• Skills in a wide variety of specialized tools and test equipment (e.g., bench lathes, grinding and seating equipment, micrometers, dial indicators, dial gauges, calipers, tachometers, and coil testers).
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

You must:

• Meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process; and
• Meet all applicable Time in Grade requirements (current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band in the federal service) by 06/22/2026.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Background Investigation: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment in order to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity. During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges, the use of illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy), and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances. For additional information on the preemployment process, review the following link: Applicant Resources | CBP Careers

Residency: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years. If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency waiver by meeting one or more of the following conditions:

• Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military
• A dependent who was authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. government
• Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university
• Working as a contractor, intern, consultant or volunteer supporting the U.S. government

Probationary Period: All employees new to the federal government must serve a one year probationary period during the first year of his/her initial permanent federal appointment to determine fitness for continued employment. Current and former federal employees may be required to serve or complete a probationary period.

Education

Please see the Qualifications and Required Documents sections for more information if education is applicable to this position.

Additional information

Motor Vehicle Operation: You must possess the ability to operate a Government Owned Vehicle. A valid, non-restricted driver's license is required.

Work Conditions: You will make repairs on vehicles where parts worked on are in hard-to-reach places. You must stand, stoop, stretch and work in tiring and uncomfortable positions often for extended periods of time. You may frequently lift and carry parts and equipment that weigh up to 40 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds. Work is usually performed inside on concrete surfaces where there is exposure to drafts, noise, and fumes from vehicles. Due to continuous exposure to dirt, dust, and grease with the potential for burns, chemical irritations, shocks, bruises, cuts and strains, you will be required to follow prescribed safety practices and use safety equipment such as safety shoes, safety glasses, and respirators.

Travel: You may be required to travel away from your normal duty station.

Overtime and Shift Work: Call back and emergency overtime may be regular requirements of this position.

Uniforms: Work requires wearing protective clothing and/or safety equipment.

Additional Hiring and Special Appointing Authorities: See "THIS JOB IS OPEN TO" section above for what additional Appointing Authorities may apply. Veterans, military spouses, Peace Corps/VISTA volunteers, and people with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility and to understand what documentation would be required with your application, please click on the appropriate link below. You must provide documentation supporting your eligibility prior to the closing date of this announcement. If you have any questions regarding your eligibility, please contact the CBP Hiring Center via the contact information listed at the end of this job opportunity announcement.

• Veterans
• Military spouses Effective until December 31, 2028, any spouse of a member on active duty may be eligible
• Individuals with Disabilities The proof of disability documentation must specify that you are eligible to apply using Schedule A. It does NOT need to detail your specific disability, medical history or need for accommodation. For more information visit this link .
• Peace Corps and VISTA
• Land Management Hiring Flexibility Act : The following documents are required at the time of application: SF-50s to demonstrate that you meet the eligibility requirements and the most recent performance rating signed by your supervisor or a statement from your supervisor documenting acceptable performance.
• O ther miscellaneous hiring authorities

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Help

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.