Lead Mechanic

Salary : $82,249.44 - $98,712.64 Annually
Location : County of Santa Barbara - All locations, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 26-3352-02 (O/GS)
Department: General Services
Opening Date: 10/15/2026
Closing Date: 10/30/2026 5:00 PM Pacific


Description
Salary: $82,249 - $98,712 Annually
We are accepting applications to fill a full-time Lead Mechanic vacancy in Santa Barbara for the General Services D epartment . This position is located in Santa Barbara however, may need to split time between both North and South County. The work schedule and location for this position will depend upon the needs of the Department.

TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION as well as for future Full-Time and 1414* vacancies, regular employees that apply must check "All Locations" in the location section of the application.


*1414 vacancies may occur as a result of a leave of absence (Civil Service Rule 1414) and the duration of the appointment shall be subject to the return of the individual who is on leave. A person who is appointed to a position under Civil Service Rule 1414 may be able to transition into a regular position in the classification without re-application or re-testing, depending on the performance of the appointee and the needs of the department.


THE POSITION: Under general direction of a fleet supervisor, the selected candidate leads the work of mechanics in a fleet maintenance shop and assists with the day-to-day operations of the shop; and performs other duties as assigned.

The Lead Mechanic will help ensure adequate, training, work oversight and accountability within the Vehicle Operations Shop maintenance staff. They will assist the Division's Assistant Managers with the delegation of work tasks, planning\schedule of workload and work quality control. They will also create additional growth opportunities and ensure succession planning within Vehicle Operations.
Examples of Duties


Performs the job duties of a journey-level Equipment Mechanic II or Automotive Mechanic II including:
Performs repairs, modifications, fabrications, maintenance, inspection, diagnosis, major repair and overhaul of gas, diesel, and alternative-fuel vehicles and equipment, engines, transmissions, differentials, fuel systems, hydraulic systems and electrical systems;
Installs and repairs auxiliary equipment on police vehicles, automobiles and light trucks;


Reads and interprets blueprints, specifications and manufacturers' catalogues;


Drives fleet and other vehicles for road tests and diagnostic purposes.

Trains, monitors and assists in evaluating performance of mechanics;


Acts as lead worker in day-to-day operations of the shop;


Assesses workload and recommends changes in staffing assignments as necessary to meet the shop's workload demands and ability of each mechanic;
Provides technical assistance to mechanics when they are performing vehicle repair diagnoses and complex vehicle\equipment repairs;


Provides quality control review and safety inspections of work performed by subordinate employees and ensures work performed meets service standards.

Serves as the primary contact for County employees who deliver vehicles\equipment to the shop for service or repair;


Confers with customers in order to understand vehicle repair problems;


Estimates time and materials required for repairs;


Communicates technical information in layman's terms to fleet customers.

Creates and maintains records of repairs made, work orders and time worked;


Prepares servicing schedules, enters fleet billing data into and prepares reports from fleet maintenance software.

Assists with interviewing job applicants and makes recommendations for hire;


Assists with assessing staff training needs and makes training recommendations to the assistant fleet supervisor;


Provides input on employee performance for staff evaluations to fleet supervisor.
Assists with developing, implementing and enforcing shop safety laws, standards, policies, practices, and procedures; develops implementation plans for shop safety programs; conducts safety meetings.

Prepares workers compensation paperwork;


Provides assistance to the fleet supervisor and acts as the supervisor in his/her absence.
Employment Standards

• Possess a minimum of "6" ASE certifications and five (5) years of experience in the repair of a broad range of vehicles or heavy equipment including experience using electronic diagnostic equipment; OR,
• Two (2) years of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Auto Mechanic II or Equipment Mechanic II with Santa Barbara County; Or,
• A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.

Additional Qualifications:

• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License is required at the time of appointment.
• Appointees may be required to obtain additional special licenses (i.e. smog, Class B Driver's License) If required, will need to complete by probationary period (12 months) and as a condition of continued employment.

Once an incumbent has obtained the Class B Driver's License and is assigned duties requiring a Class B Driver's License, he/she will be subject to mandatory testing for drugs prior to being assigned work requiring such a license; once assigned, incumbents will be subject to mandatory testing for drugs and/or alcohol on a random, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, return-to-duty, and follow-up basis.


Desirable Qualifications: Master ASE Automobile, Medium - Heavy Truck, and Truck Equipment.


Knowledge of : theory and operation of the gas, diesel, and alternative-fuel internal combustion engines used in automobiles, trucks, tractors, and other powered equipment; standard practices and techniques of servicing, maintaining, and repairing gas, diesel, and alternative-fuel vehicles and equipment; materials, parts, supplies, equipment, and tools used in the maintenance and repair of gas, diesel, and alternative-fuel vehicles and equipment; the use and operation of electronic diagnostic equipment in the maintenance and repair of vehicles and equipment; safe work practices; state and federal guidelines, regulations, rules, and laws regarding smog control devices and inspection procedures, fleet operations, and safety (OSHA, EPA, etc.); fleet repair data used to determine whether to make repairs; methods, materials, equipment and tools used in welding and fabrication work; principles of lead work, including organization, scheduling, training, and evaluation; basic recordkeeping and office procedures and equipment necessary to prepare, maintain, and retrieve routine reports and records.

Ability to : diagnose mechanical defects in automobiles, trucks, tractors, and other powered equipment; read and understand diagnostic flow charts, specifications, mechanical information and wiring schematics; read, interpret, and apply technical, administrative and operational regulations, policies, procedures, and standards; determine and estimate labor and material requirements; use available information to make sound decisions; perform basic math computations; plan, coordinate, assign, organize, prioritize, delegate, and evaluate work; communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with mechanics and customers in order to provide instruction and customer service; establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with customers, colleagues, subordinates, vendors, and other agencies; use standard office equipment and computerized fleet management systems.

Supplemental Information: Incumbents in this classification may be exposed to adverse conditions such as inclement weather, dust, loud noise, heat, and wind. Work in this classification may involve exposure to: chemicals; moving machinery, vehicles, and equipment; fumes; gases; petroleum products; fire and electrical hazards; and confined spaces. The use of appropriate safety clothing and equipment is required.
Supplemental Information
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:

1. Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
2. Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking: Applications that meet the employment standards will be evaluated and scored. Candidates' final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by the information provided on their supplemental questionnaire. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 11 qualified candidates.

Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking examination to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all qualified candidates will receive an email notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.

Recruiters will communicate with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.
Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, candidates will be required to successfully complete a background check and Live Scan, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. A Live Scan is electronic fingerprint scanning that is certified by the State Department of Justice. Further instructions about when and how to complete the Live Scan will be included in the offer letter.
The appointee may be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period.

Disaster Service Worker: Pursuant to Governmental code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such a Medical Provider or a learning institution.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance. The County continues to be committed to a merit-based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates. The County has a long-standing practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization.

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: Friday, October 30, 2026 at 4:59 PM PST ; postmarks not accepted. You can view job postings and apply online 24 hours a day at
Collin Graham: View email address on click.appcast.io
Retirement Plans

• Generous County Defined Benefit Plan
• Eligible to participate in 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
• Retirement Reciprocity with CalPERS, CalSTRS, and 1937 Act plans
• For more information on our retirement plans, please visit: and

Health Benefits

• Choice of dental, vision and medical plans. In addition to the Benefit Allowance noted above, the County contributes toward medical premiums and dental premiums
• On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria which provide ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free, confidential assistance with personal and workplace problems to employees and their immediate family members
• Healthcare Advocacy Program to help employees navigate the complexities of health plan benefits
• Available Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account (HSA), Supplemental Term or Whole Life Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance and more!
• For more information on our health benefits, please visit:

Paid Time Off

• Vacation Leave 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment
• Sick Leave 12 days annually with unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement
• Paid Holidays based on bargaining unit (view the compensation summary for this bargaining unit, link below)
• Alternative Transportation Benefit (TDM) up to 2 days of additional vacation for using alternative methods of commuting
• For more information on Paid Time Off please view the Compensation Summary for this bargaining unit (available below)

Miscellaneous Benefits

• County Paid Term Life Insurance
• County Paid Long Term Disability Insurance
• Childcare and Employee Discounts
• Relocation Assistance may apply
• Flexible work schedule may apply
• For more information on all of these benefits, please visit:

Compensation Summary

• To view the Compensation Summary specific to the bargaining unit for this position (link to full Memorandum of Understanding also available at bottom of the summary), please visit:

*This benefits list is for convenience only; please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding for complete details of terms and conditions. Amounts are generally prorated for part-time employment.
01


To be considered for this position your application must CLEARLY state how you meet each of the requirements under EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS on the Job Bulletin or you will not be considered for this position. If you are unsure, go back and review your application before continuing. Which Employment Standard did you clearly state on your application?

• Five (5) years of experience in the repair of a broad range of vehicles or heavy equipment including experience using electronic diagnostic equipment
• Two (2) years of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Auto Mechanic II or Equipment Mechanic II with Santa Barbara County
• A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.
• None of the above - I do not meet the minimum qualifications for this position

02


You must possess a minimum of "6" ASE certifications at the time of application. You are required to provide at least 6 ASE certifications. Please provide the names of the certificates that you have received and their issue dates.
03


Please check which Master ASE certifications you may have.

• Master ASE Automobile
• Master ASE Medium - Heavy Truck
• Master ASE Truck Equipment
• Other Master ASE
• None of the above

04


If you selected the third answer option for the preceding supplemental question, "A combination of training, education, and experience that is equal to...", then please describe in detail how your combined training, education and experience qualifies you for this position.
05


The following questions are an EXAMINATION that will determine your ranking on the Employment List. Please read and answer them carefully. I understand my responses to the following supplemental questions will be used as a weighed, scored selection device that will determine my ranking on the employment list for this position. For information on protest procedures for the supplemental questionnaire, please see Civil Service Rules 612 and 613:

• I understand.

06


Examination Question: Please select each option below that you have experience working with (Check all that apply):

• Diagnostic test equipment
• Fuel injection systems
• Fuel pressure gauges
• Light duty diesel engines
• Medium duty trucks
• Multi-meters
• Scan tools
• Tire service equipment
• Welding systems
• None of the above

07


Examination Question: Do you have experience working for a county and/or city governing agency?

• Yes
• No

08


Examination Question: Are you certified to service and recharge and recycle Air Conditioning Systems?

• Yes
• No

09


Examination Question: Do you have a current smog license?

• Yes
• No

10


Examination Question: Do you possess a current ASE Master Automobile certification? (Full details should be listed on your application).

• Yes
• No

11


Examination Question: Please select all the areas that you possess a current ASE certification (Check all that apply).

• Automatic Transmission/Transaxle
• Brakes
• Electrical/Electronic Systems
• Engine Performance
• Engine Repair
• Heating & Air Conditioning
• Light Vehicle Diesel Engines
• Manual Drive Train & Axles
• Suspension & Steering
• None of the Above

12


Examination Question: Check the endorsements that you currently possess (check all that apply).

• Hazardous Materials
• Tank Vehicle
• None of the Above

13


Examination Question: Please check if you have one or more of the following (check all that apply):

• A current valid California Class B Commercial Driver's License
• A current valid California Class A Commercial Driver's License
• In process of obtaining Class B Commercial Driver's License
• Do not possess a Class A or Class B Driver's License

14


Examination Question: Please indicate the number of years of experience you possess in supervising automotive mechanic personnel.

• 4 or more years
• 3 years up to 4 years
• 2 years up to 3 years
• 1 year up to 2 years
• Less than 1 year
• None of the Above

Required Question